Abbot Point decision needed urgently
28-February-2013
George Christensen MP -
A decision on Abbot Point expansion plans cannot come too soon for residents in Bowen, According to Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen.
Mr Christensen called on Environment Minister Tony Burke to make a decision and to
make it quickly as Bowen was a town in desperate need.
“People in the Bowen region are feeling the pain,” he said. “The expansion project at Abbot is critical to the community for jobs and security and the sooner we have a decision the better.”
Mr Christensen said he would prefer to see a decision made that included dumping of dredged material on land but whatever the decision Tony Burke made needed to be made quickly.
North Queensland Bulk Ports’ proposal to dump dredged spoil adjacent to Holbourne Island has met considerable resistance from the community and special interest groups.
“Despite assurances that all precautionary measures have been taken, I still have strong concerns there will be a negative impact on the environment, the fishing industry, recreational fishing and even tourism as a result of dumping the dredged material into the sea,” Mr Christensen said.
“The ball is now in Tony Burke’s court and whichever way he goes, the Bowen community is hoping to see an outcome as soon as possible.”