Great Barrier Reef dredging plan scrapped in win for national icon

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to dump millions of cubic metres of dredge spoil into the one of our greatest icons has been scrapped.

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to dump three million cubic metres of dredge spoil into the one of our greatest icons has been scrapped.

The consortium behind the plan to dump material into the Great Barrier Reef has confirmed it will resubmit a proposal to Environment Minister Greg Hunt as early as next week.

The change comes after the plans were already approved to expand the Abbot Point coal terminal in Queensland, Fairfax reports.

North Queensland Bulk Ports, GVK Hancock and Adani Group will resubmit their proposal following claims that it would damage the reef.

The change, which was foreshadowed in The Townsville Bulletin last week means the consortium will also avoid a court case launched by the North Queensland Council Conservation Council.

A spokesman for North Queensland Bulk Ports told Fairfax new options for offshore dumping were on the table but could not confirm if any decisions had yet been made.

It is understood the new proposal would supersede the previous plan approved by Mr Hunt.

The change comes after revelations last week that Federal Liberal MP for Dawson, George Christensen, withdrew his support for the dumping of dredge spoil in the marine park.

In a full-page advertisement in the Whitsunday Coast Guardian, Mr Christensen declared he “got it wrong” and that he had started talks with the owners of Abbot Point about land-based options for the disposal of dredge material.

Letter that Dawson Federal MP George Christensen wrote about the Abbot Point dredging and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef. Was published in the local paper.

It also follows new research which proved for the first time that there is a link between the dredging required to expand ports, and devastating coral disease.

The dredging and dumping in the ocean has met strong opposition, including environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund and Ocean Ark Alliance. Well-known personalities including Bob Irwin have publicly called for a stop to the proposed dredging.

The controversial port expansion is related to the development of the new Carmichael Coal Mine, which will be one of the largest in the world and one of a number of projects planned in the Galilee Basin.

It is owned by Indian mining giant Adani, which wants to ship the coal through Abbot Point.

Mr Christensen last week said he now wanted to explore land-based options for the dumping of dredge spoil.

“There’s 5000 jobs alone with the Carmichael mine, there would be jobs with the expansion of Abbot Point, there are jobs with the constructions and operation of the railway line — and these are jobs that are crucial,” he said.

The plan to dump dredge material into Great Barrier Reef has been scrapped.

Originally published as Great Barrier Reef dredging plan scrapped in win for national icon