Abbot Point agreement given industry thumbs up
March 19, 2015
Queensland-based civil construction and dredging company Hall Contracting has commended the state government on its recent decision to dispose of dredge spoil from the Abbot Point Coal Terminal at the T2 industrial site just weeks after coming into power.
Hall Contracting Managing Director Cameron Hall said environmental concerns surrounding the Abbot Point Coal Terminal had been a hot issue for some time and he was pleased to see Labor taking swift action to move the project forward with the environment as a priority.
“Having the spoil disposed of on industrial land as opposed to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is a great outcome for the project and strikes the right balance between furthering development in the area and preserving the environment,” Mr Hall said.
“This proposal provides the most sustainable approach we’ve seen to expanding the port and I hope to see the approval process commence as soon as possible.”
While the new disposal plans will minimise construction impacts on wetland ecosystems, they will also influence the dredging operations taking place on site.
Mr Hall said the proposed size and shape of the dredge ponds would necessitate a different approach to that required under the former LNP government’s plans.
“It appears the new dredge pond arrangement covers a smaller area and has a more constrained shape than those previously proposed so a considered approach will need to be taken to ensure the dredge spoil can be processed efficiently and tail water is constantly monitored for quality assurance,” Mr Hall said.
“It is important that consultation occurs with the Queensland construction industry at all stages of the approvals process to ensure the environmental objectives laid out can be not only achieved but carried out at the highest standard.”
Mr Hall said it was encouraging to see the government focusing on the sustainability of the region and its delicate ecosystems and he looked forward to seeing the project progress.
“The Abbot Point development will play an integral role in Queensland’s future economic prosperity however we all acknowledge the importance of its proximity to one of Australia’s most valuable environmental assets, so it’s great to see both the fiscal and environmental needs of the state being accommodated.”
Hall Contracting has been in operation for more than 65 years and has undertaken dredging projects all over Australia, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its fleet of 10 cutter suction dredges makes the company Australia’s largest dredging contractor, with offices on the Sunshine Coast as well as in Brisbane, Fiji and Malaysia.
For more information regarding Hall Contracting, please visit www.hallcontracting.com.au or call (07) 5445 5977.
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Media contact
Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing
0406 546 461
kristen@freshprm.com.au
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