Australia: Government to Partner with Industry for Healthy Gladstone Harbour

The Newman Government has announced it is prepared to commit $4 million over the next two years towards the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership providing industry matches its contribution.

The proposed government commitment involves $1 million in set up costs, and then $1.5 million each year, over two years ($3 million in total) towards its operation.

The entire funding commitment is reliant on industry matching the $1.5 million per year ($3 million in total) in recurrent funding.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the establishment of the partnership would honour a commitment made by Premier Campbell Newman last year.

“The Newman Government is prepared to commit $4 million over two years, providing Gladstone’s corporate sector matches the recurrent funding,” Mr Seeney said.

“We are ready to put up our money, but expect industry to pull its weight so this partnership can ensure the ongoing monitoring and improvement of the harbour and surrounding catchments.

“I want to thank my Cabinet colleague the Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell for his efforts and for securing the Government’s contribution.

“All of Queensland knows Gladstone is the engine room for the state.

“It is one of Australia’s busiest ports and will only grow in importance with the emergence of the state’s LNG industry in the coming years – but this commercial activity cannot be undertaken at any price.

“We need to ensure the port’s development proceeds in a sustainable way and that community, recreation, fishing and tourism aspects of Gladstone and the state are also taken into account.”

Environment Minister Andrew Powell said he was pleased to attend the third meeting of the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership.

“The partnership brings together a diverse range of organisations which are all working together to ensure the harbour’s environment is protected, while also supporting the growth of this major port,” Mr Powell said.

Mr Powell said the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership would be responsible for a number of activities including:

– recommending collaborative actions the Gladstone Regional Council, the Queensland Government and industry could take to maintain and continuously improve harbour health;

– making decisions informed by recommendations from the independent science panel;

– be responsible for the publication of the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Report Card and the Partnership’s response to the Report Card.

“Partnerships such as this one rely on members agreeing to a common goal and a common pledge to commit human, financial and material resources,” Mr Powell said.

“The Newman Government is committed to the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership­­, but it is vital that our commitment is at least matched by our industry partners for the benefit of industry players and the community as a whole.

“I strongly encourage these groups to get on board to ensure the great progress already made towards supporting Gladstone’s economic development while protecting the health of the community and environment can continue.”

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Press Release, May 1, 2013