Australia: Opposition for Balaclava Island Port Project Grows

A federal MP’s reservations about a coal terminal proposal on the mouth of the Fitzroy River in central Queensland, received a note of support from the Capricorn Conservation Council (CCC).

Michael McCabe, the CCC spokesman, said: “This development would be very damaging. Balaclava Island is largely an intertidal mud flat mangrove area. It’s in a very sensitive river delta – imposing dredging and shipping into Keppel Bay would be a massive change.”

According to the ABC News, Xstrata, the Balaclava Island Coal Export Terminal Project developer, says it is still preparing an environmental impact assessment into the project.

“I cannot understand how the Balaclava Island coal terminal can proceed as it poses a threat to the Great Barrier Reef,” stated Kirsten Livermore, the Member for Capricornia.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, September 13, 2012