abbot point - cumulative environmental impact assessment framework

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1. Introduction ABBOT POINT CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The Port of Abbot Point is one of three major coal export ports on the Queensland coast (see Figure 1). Abbot Point has been identified by the Queensland Government as critical to economic development in north and central Queensland. Land adjacent to the port has been designated as a State Development Area. The port is currently the subject of a number of development proposals with the main focus of these being the handling and export of coal. Table 1 sets out current known and anticipated proposals, including several that have commenced their respective Commonwealth and State assessment and approval processes. These proposals are being put forward by four key proponents – Adani, BHP Billiton, Hancock Coal and North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP). A well planned and timely environmental assessment processes is vital to: � underpin economic investment, State development and future job creation; and � protect the environmental values of Abbot Point, particularly within the context of the values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). In order that the projects can proceed through their respective assessments in suitable timeframes , it is important that the necessary environmental information is available and that appropriate management measures are applied . To do this it is evident that a coordinated and combined approach to environmental impact assessment is required. The purpose of this report is to outline a coordinated approach to addressing the environmental assessment and approval requirements at Abbot Point under the Environm ent Protection and Biodiversity Conservation A ct 1999 (EPBC Act) . The approach recognises that, while individual project assessments are already underway, each of these project level assessments will benefit from a collective set of information and management responses to assist the Commonwealth Government in making informed decisions on individual projects at Abbot Point. The information gathered will also be able to be used to inform State approval processes, contribute information to other Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area assessments that may be undertaken in parallel or into the future. The information will provide the basis for ongoing coordinated management and monitoring frameworks. Figure 1: major coal export ports in Queensland 3|
1.1 PROJECTS AT ABBOT POINT ABBOT POINT CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The existing and proposed projects at Abbot Point are outlined in the table below and illustrated in Figure2. Project name Proponent Description EPBC status T0 & associated rail Adani Additional expansion relating to T1 of approximately 35mtpa Referred T1 (existing operation) Adani Existing 50mtpa coal export terminal and associated rail - T2 & associated rail T3 & associated rail T4-T9 & Multi User Infrastructure Corridor BHP Billiton Hancock Coal 60mtpa expansion 60mtpa expansion TBC Indicative only (6 terminals up to 240mtpa) 4| Separate referrals for p ort and rail Separate referrals for p ort and rail T0 / T2 / T3 dred ging NQBP Com bined dred ging proposals Referred Multi Cargo Facility (MCF) NQBP Further coal export capacity and capacity for other large scale industries Figure 2: overview of current and proposed projects at Abbot Point Referral expected mid 2012 Decision Pending
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