Shipping Activity Management Plan â Construction Phase - QGC

Shipping Activity Management Plan – Construction Phase 

QCLNG-AUS-PMT-ENV-PLN-0847 

Rev D 

July 2011 

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QCLNG PROJECT



Revision D – July 2011 

Table of Contents 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 6 

1.1 Scope of Document 6 

1.2 Document Revisions and Approval 6 

1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience 7 

1.4 Definitions and Abbreviations 7 

1.5 Referenced / Associated Documents 8 

2.0 SCOPE 11 

3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION - OVERVIEW 12 

3.1 Workforce 12 

3.2 Key Nodes 12 

3.2.1 Curtis Island 12 

3.2.2 Gladstone Mainland 13 

4.0 VESSEL MOVEMENTS – PORT CURTIS 15 

4.1 LNG Facility Construction Vessel Traffic 15 

4.2 Narrows Crossing and Pipeline Construction Vessel Traffic 15 

4.2.1 Personnel Movements 15 

4.2.2 Material and Equipment Movements 16 

4.3 Pipeline Import Vessel Traffic 16 

4.4 Overall Construction Phase QCLNG Project Vessel Traffic, Port of Gladstone 16 

4.5 Existing Vessel Traffic Port of Gladstone 17 

4.6 Shipping Routes 18 

5.0 SHIPPING WITHIN THE GBRMP 20 

5.1 Management of Shipping within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 20 

5.2 International and National Requirements for Shipping Operations in Australian Waters 22 

5.3 Regulatory Framework 22 

6.0 KEY PORT CURTIS SPECIES, HABITATS, AND PROTECTION MEASURES 24 

6.1 Dugong and Dolphins – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 30 

6.2 Turtles – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 30 

6.3 Water Mouse – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 32 

6.4 Seagrass – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 32 

6.5 Summary of Control and Mitigation Measures 33 

6.5.1 Limits on Vessel Speeds 34 

6.5.2 Limits on Vessel Movements, including the use of Thrusters 34 

6.5.3 Limits on Vessel Light and Sound 34 

6.5.4 Fuel, Oil or Chemical Spills 35 

6.5.5 Marine Discharges 35 

6.5.6 Disturbance to Seagrass Species 35 

6.5.7 Impacts of Bow Wash on Water Mouse 35 

6.5.8 Remedial Action in Event of Impacts 35 

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7.0 MONITORING MEASURES 36 

7.1 Operational Monitoring 36 

7.2 Long Term Monitoring 36 

7.3 Incident Monitoring 37 

Figures 

Figure 1: QCLNG Key Transport Nodes Port Curtis 14 

Figure 2: QCLNG Weekly Vessel Movements: by Construction Quarter, Cargo Type and Contractor 17 

Figure 3: QCLNG Construction Phase: Indicative Weekly Vessel Movements Compared to Other Vessel 

Activity in Port Curtis 18 

Figure 4: QCLNG Construction Phase: Indicative Vessel Routes, Port Curtis 19 

Figure 5: Designated Shipping Area within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 21 

Figure 6: QCLNG Port Curtis Construction Shipping in relation to Turtle Nesting Beaches and Seagrass 

Distribution 26 

Figure 7: QCLNG Construction Shipping and Seagrass Distribution – LNG Facility and Narrows 27 

Figure 8: Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area 28 

Figure 9: Confirmed Water Mouse Sightings Within 150km of QCLNG Project Site, and LNG Industry EIS 

Survey Sites That Did Not Identify Water Mouse Presence 29 

Tables 

Table 1: Referenced / Associated Documents 9 

Table 2: Indicative Daily Personnel Ferry Schedule, Narrows Crossing 16 

Table 3: Description and areas of habitat, including seagrass meadows in Port Curtis. 24 

Appendices 

Appendix 1: Bechtel Shipping Activity Management Plan 

Appendix 2: “Go Slow – Wildlife” vessel speed restriction zones 

5 of 41




1.0 INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Scope of Document 

The Australian Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPC) 

approved shipping activities associated with the Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG) Project under 

Sections 130(1) and 133 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC 

Act), subject to fulfilment by QGC of a range of Conditions. These Conditions are specified in the 

Approval titled Shipping Activity associated with the Queensland Curtis LNG Project – 

EPBC No 2008/4405 (the Shipping Approval). 

A prior Shipping Activity Management Plan (the Bechtel Plan - Bechtel document number 25585-500- 

GCI-GCX-00003) addressing shipping activities associated with construction of the LNG Facility was 

submitted to SEWPC on the 6 th January 2011 (QCLNG letter QCLNG-AUS-PMT-LTR-0797 ), addressing 

Conditions 1, 2 and 3a of EPBC approval 2008/4405. This Bechtel Plan is included Appendix 1 and 

remains applicable for Bechtel activities. 

Subsequent to submission of the Bechtel Plan, continuation of detailed Project planning developed further 

information relating to shipping activity associated with construction of the export pipeline across The 

Narrows. This Shipping Activity Management Plan (the Plan) incorporates the Bechtel plan and provides 

linkage between the shipping activities to be undertaken by separate Project EPC Contractors in the 

Gladstone region. 

The current revision, intended primarily to include vessel speed restrictions as requested by SEWPC, 

also updates the Plan with respect to commenced activities and with respect to dolphins. 

This version of the Shipping Activity Management Plan addresses: 

• shipping activities undertaken in support of construction of the QCLNG LNG Facility on Curtis Island; 

and 

• shipping activity associated with construction of the export pipeline across The Narrows to Curtis 

Island. 

It does not address shipping activities associated with operation of the LNG Facility including shipping of 

LNG. This is in compliance with Condition 3 of the Shipping Approval which allows for the Plan to be 

submitted in two parts addressing construction separately to LNG tanker operations and activities. 

The Plan also does not address shipping activities associated with dredging. 

Referral 2008/4405 Condition 2 requires that this Plan is submitted and approved prior to ‘substantial 

commencement’ of the activity’. With the current increase in vessel activity the following implementation 

plan will be executed: 

a) all contractors to be notified of requirements specific to this plan by 15 July 2011; and 

b) full implementation of this plan by 31 July 2011. 

1.2 Document Revisions and Approval 

This document has been prepared by the QCLNG Environment team and shall be reviewed and 

endorsed in accordance with the Document Information Sheet on Page 2 and the Project Document 

Approval Procedure. 

6 of 41




This document bears a revision status identifier that will change with each revision. All revisions to this 

document (after approval and distribution) will be subject to review and endorsement by the same 

functions as the original. 

1.3 Distribution and Intended Audience 

This document is intended for Midstream and Pipeline Project Team members as well as other Project 

stakeholders, and specifically the Federal Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population 

and Communities (SEWPC). The document will be made available via the Document Management 

System and by direct distribution to relevant external parties. This document will be updated during 

subsequent project lifecycle stages and changes communicated to the project team as applicable. 

1.4 Definitions and Abbreviations 

In this document, the following definitions apply: 

Term / Abbreviation 

Meaning 

AP 

Approval, Shipping 

Approval 

Auckland Point Staging Area 

Approval: Shipping Activity associated with the Queensland Curtis LNG 

Project - EPBC No 2008/4405. 

CECP 

CD 

Construction Environmental Control Plan (LNG Facility EPC Contractor) 

Construction Dock 

COLREGS International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 

Department 

DERM 

DPA 

EEZ 

Environmental Impact 

Statement (EIS) 

Environmental 

Authority 

EPBC Act (EPBC) 

Department means the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, 

Population and Communities (SEWPC). 

Department of Environment and Resource Management (Qld) 

Dugong Protection Area 

Exclusive Economic Zone 

The QCLNG Project Environmental Impact Statement, comprising both the 

draft and Supplementary EIS. 

Level 1 Environmental Authority issued under the Queensland 

Environmental Protection Act 1994, and specifically Environmental Authority 

PEN100725510 for Resource Authority PFL11 granted 8 July 2010 (or as 

subsequently amended) 

EPBC Act means the Commonwealth Environment Protection and 

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

7 of 41




Term / Abbreviation 

Meaning 

EPC (EPC Contractor) 

GBRMP 

GBRMPA 

GBRWHA 

GPC 

MARPOL 73/78 

Minister 

MNES 

MOF 

MSQ 

Plan 

Proponent 

QCLNG Project, the 

Project 

QGC 

RGT 

Ro-Ro 

ROW 

Engineering, Procurement, Construction 

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area 

Gladstone Ports Corporation 

The MARPOL convention is the main international convention covering 

prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational 

or accidental causes. It is a combination of two treaties adopted in 1973 

and 1978 respectively and updated by amendment through the years. 

Minister means the Minister responsible for Part 4 of the EPBC Act, and 

may include a delegate of the Minister under s.133 of the EPBC Act. 

MNES means Matters of National Environmental Significance under the 

EPBC Act. 

Materials Offloading Facility 

Maritime Safety Queensland 

Plan includes a report, study, plan, or strategy (however described). 

Proponent means the person to whom the approval is granted, and includes 

any person acting on behalf of the proponent. 

The QCLNG Project, including upstream gas collection, the pipeline corridor 

and the Curtis Island LNG site, plus ancillary sites including temporary 

construction access corridors, plus associated shipping and vessel activity. 

QGC, A BG-Group business, for the purpose of this document, the 

Proponent. 

RG Tanna Bulk Materials Marine Facilities (aggregate loading facility) 

Roll-on Roll-off 

Right of Way (pipeline) 

SEWPC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and 

Communities 

SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 

Conditions, the 

Conditions 

Conditions contained within the Approval: Shipping Activity associated with 

the Queensland Curtis LNG Project - EPBC No 2008/4405, and specifically 

Conditions 1 to 4. 

1.5 Referenced / Associated Documents 

Two key Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors will be undertaking works within 

the Gladstone region during the construction phase of the Project, with these contractors preparing a 

range of documents relating to logistics in the Gladstone region. The two EPC Contractors are: 

• Bechtel Oil and Gas (Bechtel): EPC Contractor undertaking construction of the LNG Facility on 

Curtis Island and associated logistical facilities on the Gladstone mainland; 

• McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. (MacDow) and Consolidated Contracting Company 

(CCC) Joint Venture – referred to herein as ( MCJV): EPC Contractor undertaking construction of 

the export pipeline in the Gladstone region including transportation of line pipe from the Port of 

8 of 41




Gladstone to the pipeline ROW and crossing of The Narrows. Pipeline construction activities within 

the Gladstone region include construction of approximately 24 km of export pipeline on the 

mainland, plus approximately 8 km of construction of export pipeline across The Narrows and on 

Curtis Island. 

Components addressing specific requirements of Conditions 1, 2 and 3a of the Shipping Approval are 

incorporated into various plans specific to the LNG Facility construction (Bechtel) and Narrows pipeline 

construction (MCJV), with this document providing linkage between these activity-specific plans. 

An overview of the plans referenced herein is provided in Table 1 below. 

Table 1: Referenced / Associated Documents 

Document Title Summary of Purpose Prepared 

by: 

Shipping Activity Management 


(this document) 


Plan submitted in accordance with 

Condition 1 and Condition 3(a) of 

the Shipping Approval. 

Summarises the separate 


Plans and other relevant Marine 

Transport Management Plans 

prepared by EPC Contractors 

working on construction of the 

LNG Facility and The Narrows 

crossing. 


Doc. 

Number 

QCLNG- 

AUS-PMT- 

ENV-PLN- 

0847 

Appendix # 

This 

document 

Document Title 

Summary of Purpose 

Prepared 

by: 

Doc. 

Number 

Appendix # 

Full Title 

Queensland Curtis LNG 

Project: Shipping Activity 

Management Plan 

(Submission for EPBC Act 

Approval) 

Short Title 

Bechtel Shipping Activity 



Plan (previously submitted in 

accordance with Condition 1 and 

Condition 3(a) of the Shipping 

Approval, addressing shipping 

activity associated with Bechtel 

scope) 

Bechtel 

25585-500- 

GCI-GCX- 

00003 

Appendix 1 

9 of 41




Full Title 

Queensland Curtis LNG 

Project: Construction 

Environmental Control Plan – 

Marine Fuel and Oil Spill 


Short Title 

Bechtel Marine Fuel and Oil 

Spill Management Plan 

Marine fuel and oil spill 

management plan for Bechtel 

activities. 

Bechtel 

25566-100- 

G01-GHX- 

00058 

submitted 

to SEWPC 

separately 

Spill Response Procedure 

Water Mouse Management 


Environmental Management 

Plan: Water Mouse (Xeromys 

myoides) 

Spill response procedure for 

MCJV activities. 

Management plan prepared and 

submitted for approval to the 

Federal Government Department 

of Sustainability, Environment, 

Water, Population and 

Communities in response to and 

in satisfaction of the following 

approval conditions relating to 

pre-clearance surveys and 

preparation of management plans 

for the Water Mouse (Xeromys 

myoides): 

• Conditions 15 and 16 of 

Queensland Curtis LNG Project- 

LNG Marine Facilities, EPBC 

No 2008/4401 

• Conditions 32 and 33 of 

Queensland Curtis LNG Project 

– LNG Plant and Onshore 

Facilities, EPBC No 2008/4402 

MCJV 


QCLNG- 

AUS-PMT- 

ENV-PLN- 

0675.Rev2 

to be 

developed 

prior to 

commence 

ment of 

Narrows 

construction 

activities 

submitted to 

SEWPC 

separately 

10 of 41




2.0 SCOPE 

This Shipping Activity Management Plan (including Appendices) addresses shipping activities undertaken 

in support of: 

• construction of the QCLNG LNG Facility on Curtis Island; and 

• construction of the export pipeline across The Narrows to Curtis Island. 

It does not address shipping activities associated with operation of the LNG Facility including shipping of 

LNG which will be the subject of a subsequent Shipping Activity Management Plan prior to the 

commencement of LNG shipping operations. 

This Plan also does not address shipping activities associated with dredging which is being conducted 

entirely by Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC). 

11 of 41




3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION - OVERVIEW 

QCLNG construction shipping activities involve movement of personnel, provisions, aggregates, 

equipment, pre-assembled modules, and pipelines into and through the Port of Gladstone. It requires 

movement through key nodes both on Gladstone mainland and on Curtis Island. 

3.1 Workforce 

As noted previously, the Shipping Activity Management Plan addresses logistics associated with the 

following aspects of the Project: 

• Construction of the LNG Facility on Curtis Island; and 

• Construction of the export pipeline: 

A brief discussion of the workforce associated with each of these aspects is provided in Section 3.1 

below, along with identification of key nodes within the Gladstone region (Section 3.2). 

3.2 Key Nodes 

A summary of key QCLNG Project nodes for shipping activities in the Gladstone region, and a brief 

description of logistics activities associated with each, is provided below. 

It should be noted that details of shipping activities associated with construction of the export pipeline 

across the Narrows continue to be developed. Key nodes described below for MCJV / pipeline 

construction activities are subject to change or refinement. 

3.2.1 Curtis Island 

• An LNG jetty at Curtis Island, which will include specialised LNG loading facilities and tanker 

berths. This will not be utilised until the Project Operations phase, and its use will be described in 

detail in an Operations Phase Shipping Activity Management to be prepared prior to the 

commencement of LNG Facility operations. Use of this jetty is not addressed further within this 

Construction Phase Shipping Activity Management Plan. 

• A Materials Offloading Facility (MOF) on Curtis Island. This structure forms the key node for 

permanent access for personnel, materials and equipment to the site during the latter stages of 

construction and into operations, excluding aggregates and bulk materials which may continue to be 

loaded through the construction dock. The MOF is constructed to allow for handling of major LNG 

Facility modules, as well as personnel and other equipment. 

• A Construction Dock (CD) and associated barge / ferry terminals on Curtis Island. This was built 

early during construction of the LNG Facility, and will provide general site access for personnel and 

equipment to the site prior to construction of the MOF as well as being the key node for offload of 

bulk aggregates from the mainland onto Curtis Island. 

• Temporary Marine Access (Laird Point / Graham Creek): Temporary construction access jetty 

with barge / ferry terminals on Curtis Island. This was built early during construction of the Narrows 

project, and will provide general site access for personnel and equipment to the site as well as being 

the key node for the offloading of line pipe (Curtis Island section), delivery station materials from the 

mainland onto Curtis Island. 

• Initial Site Access (ISA): The ISA was the first stage of the Construction Dock, and its initial purpose 

is to allow safe access to Curtis Island for the site preparation activities and for development of the 

balance of the Construction Dock 

12 of 41




3.2.2 Gladstone Mainland 

• Auckland Point Staging Area (AP): Auckland Point is the primary transport node between Curtis 

Island and Gladstone during construction for the following: 

o 

o 

o 

Staging area for transfer of personnel and equipment (excluding bulk aggregates) to and from 

the LNG Facility site on Curtis Island. Transport movements to and from Auckland Point will 

include construction personnel (for daily and end of shift employee movements), pipeline, and 

general transport of goods; 

Offload and handling of export pipeline line pipe shipped into the Port of Gladstone, and 

transfer to the pipeline route for construction. A total of approximately 227 km of line pipe that 

will be delivered through the Port of Gladstone. 

Staging area for transfer of personnel and equipment to and from the temporary (Narrows) 

construction access jetty at Laird point on Curtis Island. Transport movements to and from 

Auckland Point will include construction personnel (for daily and end of shift employee 

movements), transportation of line pipe via barge, and delivery station equipment. 

• Auckland Point Commercial Wharves: Existing commercial wharves at Auckland Point, and 

especially Auckland Point Berth 2, are utilised for transport of material and equipment (including 

aggregate) associated with construction of the export pipeline across the Narrows. 

• RG Tanna (RGT) Bulk Materials Marine Facilities is a purpose-built facility constructed in the 

vicinity of the RG Tanna coal terminal. The facility: 

o 

o 

provides a staging area for a range of bulk materials sourced from within the Gladstone region 

which will be required for construction of the LNG Facility and the backfill material required for 

the Narrows crossing dredged trench. These materials include select fill, base, sub-base, 

armour rock and concrete sand, and will be sourced from existing quarries within the 

Gladstone Region. Approximately 2,040,000 tonnes of material is planned to move through 

RGT for construction of the LNG Facility; 

At this time, RG Tanna is proposed to be the long term use marine transport node during the 

operations phase. Whilst it will be used for aggregate transport during construction (between 

2011 and 2014), from 2014 onwards it may be utilised for the daily movement of operations 

personnel and transport of trucks for operational inputs and outputs (operations phase use of 

RGT subject to further review and confirmation, and is not the subject of this Construction 

Phase Shipping Activity Management Plan). 

• Narrows Access Road Chernih Road: Located off Calliope River/Targinie Road, Chernih Road will 

act as the key node for construction of the export pipeline across The Narrows, as main work area 

for the eastern end of the pipeline Narrows crossing. 

• Location of transport nodes are shown in Figure 1. 

13 of 41

Key Transport Nodes - 

Gladstone Mainland 

[_CHERNIH ROAD 

[_ 

Laird Point 

MOF 

[_ 

Con Dock 

[_ 

[_ 

TWAF 

[_ 

Key Transport Nodes 

Road Sections 

LNG Layout 

[_ 

RG Tanna 

GLADSTO NE - MOUNT LARCOM R OAD 

[_ 

[_ 

Alf O'Rouke 

Consolidation Facility 

Auckland Point 

TARGIN IE ROAD 

[_ 

Gladstone Airport 

DAWSO N HIG HWAY 

BRU CE HIGHWAY 

[_ 

Narrows Crossing Construction 

Camp (Indicative) 

DATE: 07/01/2011 MAP NO: M_04677_02 

CREATED BY: MB REV NO: 

A 

PLAN REF: XXXXXXXXXXXX MAP TYPE: Other 

± 

0 2.5 5 7.5 

Map Projection: GDA 94 

DATA SOURCE: 

Kilometres 

 

SCALE: 1:125,000 (A3) 

Note: Every effort has been made to ensure this information is spatially accurate. The location of 

this information should not be relied on as the exact field location. 

"Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland Department of Environment and Resource 

Management) 2010. In consideration of the State permitting use of this data you acknowledge and 

agree that the State gives no warranty in relation to the data (including accuracy, reliability, 

completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, 

liability in negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to 

any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws." 

[_ 

Export Pipeline 

Construction Camp (indicative)




4.0 VESSEL MOVEMENTS – PORT CURTIS 

Project marine traffic addressed in this Plan relates to vessel traffic associated with: 

• LNG Facility construction, including transport of personnel, material and equipment to Curtis Island; 

• Construction of the export pipeline crossing across The Narrows, including marine transport of 

personnel, materials and equipment to The Narrows and transport of personnel, materials and 

equipment (including line pipe) to Curtis Island; and 

• Import into the Port of Gladstone materials and equipment for construction of the LNG Facility 

(including modules delivered direct to the MOF on Curtis Island) and of lengths of line pipe for the 

export pipeline (primarily delivered to AP). 

It should be noted that this Plan does not address future marine transport that will be associated with 

operation of the LNG Facility. 

4.1 LNG Facility Construction Vessel Traffic 

Marine transport for LNG Facility construction will include: 

• Transport of personnel daily from the AP staging area to the Construction Dock (for approximately 

the first 12 months) and then the MOF on Curtis Island (with use in the first few months of 

construction of the Gladstone Marina until AP marine facilities are constructed, and landing at Laird 

Point and/or Early Beach Landing on Curtis Island until the Construction Dock is operational); 

• Transport of materials and equipment from AP to the Construction Dock and / or the MOF on Curtis 

Island; 

• Transport of bulk materials (aggregates) and possibly water (by barge) from the bulk materials 

facility at RG Tanna to the Construction Dock on Curtis Island; 

• Import of materials and equipment (and in particular large LNG modules) from outside the Port of 

Gladstone direct to the MOF on Curtis Island; 

• Transport of bulk fuel and water between the Port of Gladstone and the Construction Dock on Curtis 

Island. Initial small quantities of fuel via road tank truck and pods are described in the Bechtel 

document Marine Fuel and Oil Spill Response Plan (submitted to SEWPC separately). 

The Bechtel Shipping Activity Management Plan included as Appendix 1. This document provides details 

on marine vessel traffic related to the LNG Facility construction including: 

• A summary of cargoes and vessels used for cross harbour movements; 

• Approximate total vessel movements; and 

• Approximate peak daily vessel movements. 

4.2 Narrows Crossing and Pipeline Construction Vessel Traffic 

Marine transport from Gladstone Port to the Narrows will include personnel transport using ferries as well 

as barge transport of materials and equipment. Marine transport for the Narrows construction works will 

occur largely over the period August 2011 to December 2012. Details are provided below, although 

these, and the construction timeframe, are subject to further refinement as construction planning for this 

activity continues and should be treated as indicative only. 

4.2.1 Personnel Movements 

Personnel movements will be undertaken by ferry, with indicative daily schedule as shown in Table 2 

below. 

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Table 2: Indicative Daily Personnel Ferry Schedule, Narrows Crossing 

Personnel to 

work – start shift 

Personnel to 

home – end shift 

Times of 

day 

5:30am to 

8:30am 

16:30 to 

18:30 

Point of 

Origin 

(indicative) 

Gladstone 

Marina 

Point of destination 

Laird Point – Early 

Beach Landing or 

Temporary Jetty 

(once constructed) 

Location of Vessel's anchorage when 

waiting 

Laird Point (anchored offshore) while 

Early Beach Landing operational) 

Laird Point Temporary Jetty once 

temporary jetty operational 

Laird Point Gladstone Marina Gladstone Marina 

4.2.2 Material and Equipment Movements 

Material and equipment from Gladstone Port to The Narrows will be undertaken by dumb barge and tug, 

and by landing barge. Material to be transported includes materials for the wharf to be constructed at 

Laird Point, offices and storage facilities, mobile equipment (bulldozers, trucks, excavators and graders) 

and crusher, batch plant and winches. Services and supply (fuel, water, sewage waste) will also be 

transported by barge, as well as bulk materials such as aggregate, lime, line pipe, sheet pile, etc. 

4.3 Pipeline Import Vessel Traffic 

The line pipe units will be shipped from Shanghai, China in box hold vessels to both the Port of Gladstone 

and the Port of Brisbane over a period of 10 months commencing September 2010. Each month 

approximately 2,500 line pipe units will enter at each port with 51% of the total line pipe units entering the 

Port of Gladstone. A subcontractor to MCJV will provide all services commencing at the loading of the 

line pipe units into the vessels at the port of exit (Shanghai) to unloading the vessels onto pipe transport 

trucks at the Australian port of entry. 

4.4 Overall Construction Phase QCLNG Project Vessel Traffic, Port of Gladstone 

Taking into account the construction phase vessel traffic associated with LNG Facility construction and 

pipeline crossing of The Narrows, Project vessel movements in the Port of Gladstone are summarised in 

Figure 2 below. 

It should be noted that vessel movements associated with dredging activities for the pipeline crossing of 

the Narrows are excluded from Figure 2, as details of this activity are subject to ongoing negotiation with 

GPC as to methodology and location for placement of dredged material. 

16 of 41




Figure 2: QCLNG Weekly Vessel Movements: by Construction Quarter, Cargo Type and Contractor 

200 

180 

160 

140 

Weekly Vessel Movements 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

Q1 

2011 

Q2 

2011 

Q3 

2011 

Q4 

2011 

Q1 

2012 

Q2 

2012 

Q3 

2012 

Q4 

2012 

Q1 

2013 

Q2 

2013 

Q3 

2013 

Q4 

2013 

Q1 

2014 

Q2 

2014 

Q3 

2014 

Q4 

2014 

Q1 

2015 

Q2 

2015 

Q3 

2015 

Construction Quarter 

Bechtel personnel ferries# Bechtel RORO Bechtel aggregate Bechtel fuel bunkering 

Bechtel Water bunker MCJV personnel MCJV LB/RORO MCJV aggregate 

MCJV fuel 

MCJV other* 

4.5 Existing Vessel Traffic Port of Gladstone 

Existing vessel traffic within the Port of Gladstone was described in the Project EIS, which considered 

both commercial vessel traffic and recreational boating activity in the Port (Volume 5 chapter 15 of the 

draft EIS). 

Utilising this data, Project construction shipping activities in the context of other marine traffic in 

Gladstone are graphically represented in Figure 3 below. From these figures it can be seen that Project 

vessel traffic represents a relatively small proportion of vessel traffic (commercial plus recreational) in 

Gladstone Harbour, with Project traffic (Bechtel + MCJV) totalling approximately 8% of all vessel 

movements in 2011 and approximately 5% of predicted vessel movements in 2013-2014. Recreational 

vessel movements (based on survey of current recreational vessel activity in Port Curtis) are anticipated 

to be in the order of 10 times greater than activity associated with the QCLNG Project, although it should 

be noted that recreational vessels are typically smaller than QCLNG and other commercial vessels. 

17 of 41




Figure 3: QCLNG Construction Phase: Indicative Weekly Vessel Movements Compared to Other 

Vessel Activity in Port Curtis 

4.6 Shipping Routes 

Indicative vessel routes for both Bechtel and MCJV construction activities are shown in Figure 4 below. 

It should be noted that key nodes on Gladstone mainland for MCJV shipping activities have not been 

finalised, so Figure 4 shows known nodes (Gladstone marine) and indicative routes to Friend Point and 

Laird Point. 

QCLNG shipping routes shown are indicative only and may vary due to factors including (but not limited 

to) tidal or meteorological conditions, other harbour traffic, the requirements of the Gladstone 

Harbourmaster, vessel type, and further refinement of Project planning. 

Commencing with Revision D of this Plan, shipping routes will be subject to “Go Slow – Wildlife” speed 

restriction zones as requested by SEWPC (refer Section 6.5.1 and Appendix 2). 

18 of 41

[_ 

Laird Point 

MOF 

[_ 

Con Dock 

[_ 

QCLNG Construction 

Phase: Indicative Vessel 

Routes, Port Curtis 

[_ 


Existing Channels 

Temporary Navigation 

Channel for MOF & CD 

Proposed Export Pipeline - Rev K 

QCLNG Vessel Routes (indicative) 

MCJV Other 

MCJV Fuel 

MCJV Aggregate 

MCJV LB/RORO 

MCJV Personnel 

Bechtel Other 

Bechtel Fuel Bunkering 

Bechtel Aggregate 

Bechtel RORO 

Bathymetry (m) 

0 

-13 

-20 

-26 

Bechtel Personnel Ferries 

Pipeline, Modules & Other Large Vessels 

NOTE: QCLNG shipping routes shown are indicative only - may vary due 

to factors including (but not limited to) tidal or meteorological conditions, 

other harbour traffic, the requirements of the Gladstone Harbourmaster, 

vessel type, and further refinement of Project planning. Vessel 

movement numbers do no include movements associated with dredging. 

RG Tanna 

Route B 

[_ 

Marina 

[_ 

Route A 

[_ 

Auckland Point 2 


[_ 

DATE: 14/04/2011 

CREATED BY: NT 

CHECKED BY: 

PLAN REF: 

± 

0 1 2 3 

DATA SOURCE: 

MAP NO: 

REV NO: 

MAP TYPE: 

Kilometers 

Map Projection: GDA 94 SCALE: 1:45,000 (A3) 

Existing Channels - HR Wallingford 

Bathymetry - ERM 

M_05654_01 

C 

v3Other 



"Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource 





any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of the privacy laws."




5.0 SHIPPING WITHIN THE GBRMP 

Shipping associated with the Project undertaken through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), 

terminating either in Gladstone or Brisbane, will include a wide range of vessel types (including dumb 

barges) importing a range of items including: 

• Export and collection header pipeline; 

• LNG Facility modules (including cryogenic pipe racks; propane condenser racks; equipment 

modules; pipe racks; pipe rack cassettes; jetty trestles); 

• Compressor station components; and 

• A wide variety of other Project components. 

Environmental risks related to shipping within the Great Barrier Reef can occur from the routine discharge 

of pollutants during normal ship operations, or as a result of accidents or incidents. Potential impacts 

include: 

• Spills or discharges of oil, chemicals, cargo, sewage and grey water 

• Garbage and marine litter 

• Collisions with marine animals 

• Toxic effects of anti-fouling paints 

• Physical damage from groundings and anchoring 

• Ecosystem changes resulting from the introduction of invasive marine pests 

• Shipping noise. 

5.1 Management of Shipping within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 

When transiting the GBRMP, QCLNG Project vessels ships will navigate within the designated shipping 

area and the general use zone. 

The designated shipping area has been placed to minimise the impact on the shipping industry while 

having regard for Australia's international obligations. It takes into account past and forecast vessel 

usage patterns in the inner and outer shipping routes, existing recommended tracks and proposed new 

routes. The designated shipping area as specified by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

(GBRMP) is shown in Figure 5 1 . 

1 Sourced from Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

20 of 41




Figure 5: Designated Shipping Area within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 

21 of 41




5.2 International and National Requirements for Shipping Operations in Australian Waters 

A number of international and national management arrangements and obligations apply throughout all 

Australian waters, including the Great Barrier Reef. The management framework for shipping activities is 

determined by a series of international conventions that are implemented through Australian law. These 

international conventions and regulations include: 

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 and the 1978 Protocol 

(MARPOL 73/78) (see Management actions applied to shipping in the Great Barrier Reef) 

• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS) 

• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS). 

5.3 Regulatory Framework 

These conventions are implemented within Australia and the Great Barrier Reef region and administered 

by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, the 

Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Maritime Safety 

Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority through the following articles of legislation: 

Australian Maritime Safety Authority 

• Navigation Act 1912 

• Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution) from Ships Act 1983 

• Protection of the Sea (Powers of Intervention) Act 1981 

• Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability) Act 1981 

Department of Infrastructure and Transport 

• Maritime Transport Security Bill 2003 

• Transport Safety Investigation Act 

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 

• Area Plans of Management 

Maritime Safety Queensland 

• Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 

• Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995. 

Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 

• Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 

• Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 

• Sea Installations Act 1981 

22 of 41




The Commonwealth MARPOL implementing legislation includes a number of enforcement related 

provisions derived from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These are: 

• extension of the application of the Act to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) (section 6) 

• provisions which require foreign ships to provide information (section 26G); 

• detention of foreign ships suspected of involvement in pollution breaches. (The ship must be 

released on the posting of a bond or in the event of other circumstances arising as listed in the Act - 

section 27A); 

• provision that detention may include escorting a ship into port (subsection 27A(1A)); 

• provision to ensure that proceedings in Australia against a foreign ship for a pollution breach will be 

suspended if proceedings for the same pollution breach are taken in the flag state of the ship 

(subsection 29(2)); 

• provision of specific powers relating to inspection of ships in the EEZ which are suspected of having 

caused a pollution breach; and 

• a requirement for an Australian ship that is in the territorial sea or the EEZ of a foreign country to 

provide information required by that country to determine if a pollution breach has occurred 

(section 27C). 

The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 (Qld) requires marine safety and implementation of 

marine safety strategies, whilst the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 (Qld) regulates 

disposal of waste from vessels, and requires marine pollution strategies and pollution response plans in 

coastal waters. 

The GBRMPA administers the legal requirements of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 and 

associated Regulations, including the compulsory use of local pilots for certain ships within prescribed 

areas, restrictions on certain activities (for example, waste discharge, negligent shipping), wreck removal 

and penalties for causing environmental damage to the Marine Park. The GBRMPA regulates the entry 

and use of the Marine Park by ships and boats through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 

2003. 

The Environmental Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (Cth) and MARPOL limit discharge of wastes and 

applies to all vessels in Australian waters. 

All Shipping Activities associated with the Project will be undertaken in accordance with the above 

applicable International Protocols, and applicable Australian and Queensland legislation. 

23 of 41




6.0 KEY PORT CURTIS SPECIES, HABITATS, AND PROTECTION MEASURES 

The Shipping Approval requires identification of habitats and activities in relation to the following 

EPBC listed species: 

• Dugong (Dugong dugon); 

• Turtles, and specifically Green Turtles (Chelonia Mydas); Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta); and 

Flatback Turtles (Natator depressus); 

• Water Mouse (Xermoys myoides); and 

• Seagrass species including: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

Halodule uninervis 

Halophila ovalis 

Halophila decipens 

Halophila minor 

Halophila spinulosa 

Zostera capricorni. 

A summary of marine habitat within Port Curtis are summarised in Table 3 below 2 . 

Table 3: Description and areas of habitat, including seagrass meadows in Port Curtis. 

Habitat Type 

Area (Ha) 

% Area of 

Total 

Prominent Location(s) 

Exposed mud and sandbanks 5,144 9 Eastern side of Curtis Island, Western side of 

Facing Island 

Exposed rocky substrate 297 0.52 Curtis, Facing, Tide and Picnic Islands 

Seagrass (coastal) 7,246 12.7 Pelican Banks, Quoin Island, Fisherman’s Landing 

area 

Seagrass (deepwater) 6,332 11.1 Facing Island, Seal Rocks, West and East Banks 

Benthic 

macroinvertebrate 

communities 

(including 

coral) 

Open 

substrate, 

occasional 

individual 

9,876 17.3 Outside Facing Island from Curtis Island to East 

Bank 

North-west of Seal Rocks 

Entrance to Rodds Bay 

Low Density 8,606 15 Throughout the Port of Gladstone / Rodds Bay area 

Medium 

Density 

4,099 7.2 Southern and northern side of Seal Rocks 

High 4,189 7.3 Narrow strip in channel form 

2 Data taken from QCLNG Draft EIS, Volume 5 Chapter 8 Marine Ecology 

24 of 41




• The geographic locations of known turtle nesting beaches, and seagrass extent, in relation 

QCLNG construction shipping in Port Curtis are shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 (seagrass extent 

shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 based on surveys undertaken November 2009 and updated 

June 2010). 

• Port Curtis is located within the Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area (DPA), with this area covering 

the entire coastal zone between Rodds Bay and the Narrows. The extent of the Rodds Bay DPA is 

shown in Figure 8, with all QCLNG shipping activities within Port Curtis occurring within the Rodds 

Bay DPA. 

• Known locations of Water Mouse (Xermoys myoides) are described in the SEWPC approved 

QCLNG Environmental Management Plan - Water Mouse (Xeromys myoides) (document QCLNG- 

AUS-PMT-ENV-PLN-0675) (Water Mouse Management Plan). A map from the Water Mouse 

Management showing confirmed sightings within 150 km of the LNG Facility site and survey 

locations on Curtis Island where presence was NOT confirmed is included as Figure 9. Note that 

surveys from earlier this year have identified a water mouse sighting on the APLNG site, to the north 

of QGC’s site and a recent survey in the vicinity of the Narrows bundled pipeline corridor has also 

identified the presence of this species. 

Maritime Safety Queensland has issued Port Procedures for Gladstone 3 . QCLNG Project shipping will be 

conducted in accordance with all applicable requirements of these procedures (or as otherwise directed 

by the Gladstone Harbourmaster). 

3 http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Shipping/Port-procedures/Port-procedures-gladstone.aspx 

25 of 41

CURTIS ISLAND 

[_ 

Laird Point 

MOF 

[_ 

[_ 

Con Dock 

CURTIS ISLAND 

[ 

[ 

[ 

[ 

QCLNG Port Curtis 

Construction Shipping in 

relation to Turtle Nesting 

Beaches and Seagrass 

Distribution 

[_ 


[ Flatback Turtle 

[ Green Turtle 

Turtle Nesting Beaches 





Coastal Seagrass, June 2010 

Coastal Seagrass, 2010 (November 2009) 


MCJV Other 

MCJV Fuel 


[ 

MCJV LB/RORO 


Bechtel Other 

FACING ISLAND 



RG Tanna 

[_ 

[_ 

[_ 

Marina Auckland Point 2 


[_ 

[ 

[ 

Bechtel RORO 



NOTE: QCLNG shipping routes shown are indicative only - may vary 

due to factors including (but not limited to) tidal or meteorological 

conditions, other harbour traffic, the requirements of the Gladstone 

Harbourmaster, vessel type, and further refinement of Project 

DATE: 14/04/2011 


CHECKED BY: 

PLAN REF: 

MAP NO: 

REV NO: 

MAP TYPE: 

M_05654_02 

C 

v3Other 

± 

0 2 4 6 

QUEENSLAND MAINLAND 

Kilometers 

[ 


DATA SOURCE: Existing Channels - HR Wallingford 

Turtle Nesting data - adapted from QEPA 2003 

Coastal Seagrass - DEEDI 2010 









[_ 

Laird Point 

MOF 

[_ 

Con Dock 

[_ 

QCLNG Construction 

Shipping and Seagrass 

Distribution - LNG Facility 

and Narrows 

[_ 






Coastal Seagrass, June 2010 

Coastal Seagrass, 2010 (November 2009) 


MCJV Other 

MCJV Fuel 


MCJV LB/RORO 


Bechtel Other 



Bechtel RORO 



NOTE: QCLNG shipping routes shown are indicative only - may vary 

due to factors including (but not limited to) tidal or meteorological 

conditions, other harbour traffic, the requirements of the Gladstone 

Harbourmaster, vessel type, and further refinement of Project 

DATE: 14/04/2011 


CHECKED BY: 

PLAN REF: 

MAP NO: 

REV NO: 

MAP TYPE: 

± 

0 1 2 3 

Kilometers 

M_05654_03 

C 

v3Other 

RG Tanna 

[_ 


DATA SOURCE: 

Existing Channels - HR Wallingford 

Coastal Seagrass - DEEDI 2010 

Marina 

[_ 

[_ 

Auckland Point 2 


[_ 












Figure 8: Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area 4 

4 Figure sourced from Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/key_issues/conservation/natural_values/dugongs/dugong_protection_areas/dugong_location_maps/ro 

dds_bay_dugong_sanctuary 

28 of 41

CURTIS ISLAND 

WM 11 

WM 12 

APLNG 1 

WM 10 

Curtis 

Island 

Inset 

Map 

QGC 2 

WM 9 

WM 8 

WM 1 

GLADSTONE 

Facing Island 

WM 7 

QGC 1 

WM 6 

WM 5 

WM 4 

CURTIS ISLAND INSET 

WM 3 

WM 2 

Mort Creek 

Middle Creek 

Eurimbula Creek 

Round Hill Creek 

Baffle Creek 

Legend 

QCLNG Site Boundary 

Confirmed Sighting Location 

BAAM Survey Locations (GLNG EIS) - No Presence Confirmed 

ERM Survey Sites (QCLNG EIS) - No Presence Confirmed 

APLNG EIS Survey - No Presence Confirmed 

Project 

Client 

Drawn 

Approved 

Date 

Queensland Curtis LNG Project 

QGC - A BG Group business 

KP 

BK 

Figure 2 

File No: 

17.09.10 Revision 2 

0008_MIS_GIS102_R2 

Source Note: 

Aerial Photo - Department of Infrastructure and Planning 

for QCLNG Project 

Seagrass Distribution - Queensland Department of Employment, 

Economic Development and Innovation 

Title 

Projection: UTM MGA Zone 56 Datum: GDA 94 

0 4 8 16 

Confirmed Sightings Within 150 km of QCLNG 

Project Site, and LNG Industry EIS Survey Sites 

That Did Not Identify Water Mouse Presence 

Disclaimer: 

Maps and Figures contained in this Report may be based on Third Party Data, 

may not to be to scale and are intended as Guides only. 

ERM does not warrant the accuracy of any such Maps and Figures. 

km 

[ 

N




6.1 Dugong and Dolphins – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 

As shown in Figure 8 above, the entire coastal zone between Rodds Bay and the Narrows is incorporated 

into the Rodds Bay DPA. 

Key risks to dugong from QCLNG shipping activity include: 

• Vessel strike; 

• Habitat impacts resulting from impacts to seagrass. 

• Impacts arising from fuel, oil or chemical spills, or other marine discharges. 

Dolphins are more mobile than dugongs. They are also better able to perceive underwater objects in 

turbid water. Unlike dugong, which feed directly upon seagrass beds, dolphins have only a secondary 

link to seagrasses per se. However, the overall risk profiles of dolphins with respect to shipping are 

similar to those of dugong. 

Seagrass impacts are described further in Section 6.4, and mitigation measures to address spills and 

marine discharges are included in Section 6.5.4 and 6.5.5. 

For shipping activities in Port Curtis, measures shall be undertaken to avoid vessel strike, providing that a 

vessel is capable of manoeuvring to avoid marine fauna, and only in circumstances where manoeuvring 

does not pose an undue risk to personnel or other vessels: 

• Barges towed by tugs, passenger ferries, and heavy equipment or vehicle transport vessels, while 

operating in waters shallower than 5m (“Go Slow – Wildlife” zones; refer Appendix 2), will travel at 

a maximum speed of six knots. For purposes of operational flexibility and adaptive management the 

vessel master shall be free to elect from the 5 metres chart contour, onboard navigational devices 

(including depth sounder indicating the depths equivalent to the 5m contour), or reliance on buoys 

installed at transition zones. 

• A ship or vessel must not approach a dugong, dolphin or turtle closer than 50 m while the vessel is 

underway, or closer than 150 m if the vessel is moving faster than planning speed; 

• If a dugong, dolphin or turtle approaches an under-way vessel closer than 50 m, the operator must 

ensure their gears are in neutral and, when safe to do so, move away at a speed of no more than 

four knots to a distance of 50 m; 

• the vessel must not cause, or act in a manner to cause an adult and its young to become separated, 

or individuals to become separated from a group; 

• if the vessel accidentally harms, injures, or kills a dugong, dolphin or turtle, the skipper or captain 

must report it immediately, that is whilst on site, to the DERM hotline (see below) and to the QCLNG 

Environment Manager (LNG) who will undertake notification to SEWPC. The information required to 

report includes: identifying the extent of injury, the exact location of the incident/animal, and where 

safe and practical, staying with the animal until advised by the GBRMPA ECSU Group or DERM 

stranding coordinator or conservation officer. 

REPORTING DETAILS: DERM Hotline 1300 130 372 

QCLNG Environment Manager LNG 07 3024 7000 

LNG Environment Advisor (Gladstone): 07 4971 6625 

6.2 Turtles – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 

As shown in Figure 6, there are known turtle nesting beaches along the ocean beaches or Curtis and 

Facing Island, with important turtle-nesting beaches for Flatback turtles (Natator depressus) on the east 

30 of 41




coast of Curtis Island and Facing Island and further south at Tannum Sands (approximately 15 km south 

of Gladstone) 5,6 . The majority of turtle nesting for Curtis Island occurs on South End Beach 7 . Green 

turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) nest occasionally on the beaches of 

Curtis Island and Facing Island. 

Flatback turtle nesting in Eastern Queensland commences in mid-October, reaching a peak in late 

November/early December and ceases around late January. Hatchlings emerge from nests during early 

8 

December until around late March, with a peak of hatching in February . 

Curtis Island eastern beach has been used as an index beach for monitoring population dynamics of 

Flatback turtles within the eastern Australian stock. Mid-season nightly census studies at Curtis Island 

since 1970 have shown no obvious trend in the size of the annual nesting population, with a range from 

approximately 35 to 80 individuals per season recorded 

9 . The Curtis Island Flatback turtle nesting 

population has maintained an approximately constant size over the 35 years since monitoring began 10 . 

In South Queensland, Green turtle nesting commences in mid to late October, reaches a peak in late 

December to early January and ends around late March to early April 

11 . Hatchlings emerge from nests 

from late December until around May with a peak of hatching in February and March. Loggerhead turtle 

nesting commences in late October, peaks in December and ends in early March. Hatchlings emerge from 

nests from late December through to April 12 . 

There are no known turtle-nesting beaches close (within 5 km) to the proposed QCLNG Facility. 

Port Curtis and surrounding waters are used by turtles for transit, feeding and resting. 

Project shipping entering the Gladstone harbour will be along existing shipping channels and under 

standard harbour protocols, but will include “Go Slow – Wildlife” speed restriction zones as described in 

Section 6.5.1 and Appendix 2. No other special measures are proposed apart from those in place for 

non-QCLNG Project shipping activities associated with Gladstone Port. 

Within Port Curtis, key risks to turtles from QCLNG shipping activity include: 

• Vessel strike; 

• Impacts arising from fuel, oil or chemical spills, or other marine discharges. 

Protocols associated with vessel strike are as described for dugong (refer Section 6.1 above), including 

the “Go Slow – Wildlife” requirement. Mitigation measures to address spills and marine discharges are 

included in Section 6.5.4 and 6.5.5. 

5 Limpus C J, McLaren M, McLaren G and Knuckey B. (2006) Queensland Turtle Conservation Project: Curtis Island and Woongarra 

Coast Flatback Turtle Studies, 2005-2006. 

6 Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (QEPA) (2003) Curtis Coast Regional Coastal Management Plan. 

7 Limpus C J, McLaren M, McLaren G and Knuckey B. (2006) Queensland Turtle Conservation Project: Curtis Island and Woongarra Coast 

Flatback Turtle Studies, 2005-2006. 

8 Limpus C J (2007a) A biological review of Australian Marine Turtles. 5: Flatback Turtle Natator depressus (Garman). 

9 Limpus C J, Parmenter J and Limpus D J (2002). The status of the flatback turtle, Natator depressus, in Eastern Australia. 

10 Limpus C J, McLaren M, McLaren G and Knuckey B. (2006) Queensland Turtle Conservation Project: Curtis Island and Woongarra Coast 

Flatback Turtle Studies, 2005-2006. 

11 Limpus C J (2007b) A biological review of Australian Marine Turtles. 2: Green Turtle Chelonia Mydas (Linnaeus). 

12 Department of Environment and Heritage (2005) Draft Turtle Recovery Plan, Issues Paper: For six species of marine turtles found in 

Australian waters that are listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 39pp. 

31 of 41




6.3 Water Mouse – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 

The water mouse is listed as vulnerable under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (where it is 

described as false water-rat) and vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and 

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It is also recognised internationally as vulnerable under the IUCN 

Red List of Threatened Species. A species recovery outline in the Action Plan for Australian Rodents 

(Australian Nature Conservation Agency, 1995), and a recovery plan that is currently being developed set 

out research and management actions needed to support the recovery of the water mouse. 

The water mouse is a small, non-arboreal, nocturnal rodent. Adults have an average head-body length of 

103mm, tail length of 81mm and an average weight of 42g. Young animals have steel-grey backs and 

pure white bellies, but as they age the dorsal fur becomes grey-brown and spotted with small white flecks. 

Like the water rat Hydromys chrysogaster, the water mouse has small ears and a characteristic hunched 

body shape. However, it is much smaller and lacks the rat’s white-tipped tail. 

The water mouse lives in mangrove communities, adjacent freshwater lagoons, swamps and sedged 

lakes close to coastal foredunes. In southern Queensland its mangrove habitat includes Avicennia 

marina, Rhizophora stylosa, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Aegiceras corniculatum and Ceriops tagal, often 

backed by either a discrete zone of sedgeland, swamp, dry sclerophyll and or by heathland. 

In central Queensland, the species has only been captured within fringing mangroves in the high intertidal 

zone dominated by Ceriops tagal and/or Bruguiera spp. despite extensive searching in other mangrove 

habitats. This is possibly a reflection of the challenges presented to the species by a much higher tidal 

range in this area. 

• Management measures for the Water Mouse, as well as known locations and details of additional 

surveys undertaken on Curtis Island that did NOT identify the Water Mouse, are described in the 

QCLNG Environmental Management Plan - Water Mouse (Xeromys myoides) (document 

QCLNG-AUS-PMT-ENV-PLN-0675). Locations are summarised in Figure 9 above. The closest 

confirmed sighting to the LNG Facility site is at an unknown location on Facing Island, although 

there are recent reports of Water Mouse presence on the APLNG site to the immediate north of the 

QCLNG site. 

• In the event that a shipping incident occurred and posed spill risks for Curtis Island, Facing Island or 

Rodds Bay mangrove areas, then the following guidelines are relevant: 

• Avoid landscape modifications that disturb water mouse habitat by prevention of exposure to bilge 

water, chemicals, sewage, oil and fuel from all ships and vessels; 

• For any response activities near mangrove areas of Curtis Island, Facing Island or Rodds Bay, 

introduce local speed limits to prevent prolonged or repeated shoreline wash from waves produced 

by vessel wakes. 

6.4 Seagrass – Measures to Minimise Environmental Disturbance 

Seagrasses are true flowering plants found between intertidal and subtidal habitats. Seagrasses play a 

major role in marine ecosystem functioning including as a substrate, nursery area and providing shelter 

and food for organisms as well as physical stability of the coastline and seafloor. They are essential food 

sources for a variety of marine and estuarine organisms including dugongs, turtles, fish and macro 

invertebrates 

Within the Port Curtis region, seagrass has been regularly monitored by the Department of Primary 

Industries and Fisheries (DPIF) Marine Ecology Group in collaboration with the Port Curtis Integrated 

Monitoring Program (PCIMP). Within the Port of Gladstone, the following six seagrass species have 

been identified: 

• Halodule uninervis 

• Halophila ovalis 

32 of 41




• Halophila decipens 

• Halophila minor 

• Halophila spinulosa 

• Zostera capricorni. 

A total of 7,246 ha of intertidal (coastal) seagrass beds have been identified within the Port of Gladstone 

– Rodds Bay Dugong Protection Area (DPA), with an additional 6,332 ha in deepwater areas (>5m Mean 

Sea Level) identified to the east and south of Facing Island 13 . No deepwater seagrass communities has 

been reported within the inner-port area. 

Impacts associated with shipping activities result from accidental spills, anti-fouling residues and shipborne 

litter. For the purposes of impacts upon DPAs and other coastal habitats, the following effects 

need to be considered: 

• direct impacts upon the animals and key habitats within the DPA 

• effects of response actions, e.g. use of dispersants 

• chronic pollution from oil trapped in mangrove and saltmarsh communities. 

Control on shipping to address potential impacts in seagrass include operational control and controls 

relevant to incident response. Operational controls for QCLNG Project vessels operating within Port 

Curtis include: 

• carry a map of the Port showing areas of seagrass meadows in relation to shipping channels 

(mapping included in this Shipping Activity Management Plan is sufficient for this purpose); 

• stay within channels during transits, avoid vessel grounding, especially in proximity of seagrass 

meadows; 

• plan and implement measures to avoid anchoring in proximity of seagrass beds. 

• Spill response for Bechtel activities will be managed in accordance with the Bechtel QCLNG Project 

Construction Environmental Control Plan – Marine Fuel and Oil Spill Management Plan. Spill 

response for MCJV activities will be undertaken in accordance with the MCJV Spill Response 

Procedure (to be developed prior to commencement of Narrows construction activities). Incidentrelated 

controls will be executed under the constraints of incident response planning and procedures 

specified by MSQ. 

Areas of most concern are the mid-upper intertidal zone where spilled chemicals or oil can settle. 

On shorelines and bays with gentle slopes, more extensive effects may occur. Deeper water habitats may 

be impacted through direct response actions such as the use of dispersants. The GBRMPA’s policy on 

dispersant use clearly states that dispersants may be used in waters over seagrasses to protect 

mangrove habitats downstream. Other response actions such as shoreline washing where oil is washed 

off the shore into the water may also cause similar impacts should the oil mix into the water column. 

6.5 Summary of Control and Mitigation Measures 

In summary, the following mitigation measures and controls as specified in Condition 1(c) and 1(d) of the 

Shipping Approval will be implemented for Project shipping: 

13 Data taken from QCLNG Draft EIS, Volume 5 Chapter 8 Marine Ecology, based on: 

- Rasheed M A, Thomas R, Roelofs,A J, Neil K M.and Kerville S P (2003) Port Curtis and Rodds Bay Seagrass and Benthic Macro- 

Invertebrate Community Baseline Survey 

- Danaher K, Rasheed M A and Thomas R (2005) The Intertidal Wetlands of Port Curtis. 

33 of 41




6.5.1 Limits on Vessel Speeds 

Limits on vessel speeds to address potential risk of vessel strike to dugong, dolphin or turtle are outlined 

in Section 6.1 and include: 

• Barges towed by tugs, passenger ferries, and heavy equipment or vehicle transport vessels, while 

operating in waters shallower than 5m (“Go Slow – Wildlife” zones; refer Appendix 2), will travel at 

a maximum speed of six knots. For purposes of operational flexibility and adaptive management the 

vessel master shall be free to elect from the 5 metres chart contour, onboard navigational devices 

(including depth sounder indicating the depths equivalent to the 5m contour), or reliance on buoys 

installed at transition zones. 

• A ship or vessel must not approach a dugong, dolphin or turtle closer than 50 m while the vessel is 

underway, or closer than 150 m if the vessel is moving faster than planning speed; 

• If a dugong, dolphin or turtle approaches an under-way vessel closer than 50 m, the operator must 

ensure their gears are in neutral and, when safe to do so, move away at a speed of no more than 

four knots to a distance of 50 m; 

• In the event that a shipping incident occurs and poses spill risks for Curtis Island, Facing Island or 

Rodds Bay mangrove areas, local speed limits will be imposed during clean-up activities (depending 

on location and shoreline vulnerability) to prevent prolonged or repeated shoreline wash from waves 

produced by vessel wakes. 

Map 1 of Appendix 2 illustrates three minor departures from the six (6) knots in five (5) meter zone. The 

QCLNG Construction Dock is dredged to an operational depth (> 7.5 metres) and therefore show a 

‘normal’ operation speed as prescribed by MSQ and/or the Gladstone Regional Harbour Master. This 

area is marked as a ‘pink zone’. The MOF will be dredged to an operational depth of > 7.5m and 

therefore shows a ‘normal’ operation speed. The area landward of the RG Tanna coal wharf is speed 

restricted due to its proximity to the RGT Berth 4 Coal terminal. 

Additional controls on vessel speed may be applied at the direction of the Gladstone Harbourmaster to 

address safety or navigability issues. 

6.5.2 Limits on Vessel Movements, including the use of Thrusters 

Vessel movements will typically occur along the routes outlined in Figure 4, although as noted these 

routes are indicative only and may vary due to factors including (but not limited to) tidal or meteorological 

conditions, other harbour traffic, the requirements of the Gladstone Harbourmaster, vessel type, and 

further refinement of Project planning. 

Given the limited extent of seagrass in proximity to the proposed vessel routes within Port Curtis, and the 

absence of confirmed Water Mouse presence along the foreshore in the immediate vicinity of the LNG 

Facility site, no limits on use of thrusters are proposed other than standard requirements of MSQ and the 

Gladstone Harbourmaster. 

6.5.3 Limits on Vessel Light and Sound 

Lighting associated with shipping operations represents a source for potential impacts to turtles. Lights 

from vessels entering or leaving Port Curtis may be visible to turtle nesting beaches on the seaward 

beaches of Curtis and Facing Islands. However, the majority of QCLNG vessel movements during 

construction will occur within the bounds of Port Curtis where any impact would only accrue to feeding or 

transitory animals. 

For vessels entering or departing Port Curtis, Project shipping will be along existing shipping channels 

and under standard harbour protocols, and no special measures are proposed apart from those in place 

for non-QCLNG Project shipping activities associated with Gladstone Port. 

34 of 41




Similarly, noise sources associated with Project shipping are not qualitatively different from existing 

sources, and the increase over the existing noise levels in Port Curtis as a result to the increase in vessel 

numbers can be considered an incremental increase (refer Figure 3). No special measures are proposed 

to address QCLNG shipping noise. 

6.5.4 Fuel, Oil or Chemical Spills 

Initial response to fuel, oil or chemical spill will be in accordance with Section 12: Emergency — pollution 

— marine incidents of Maritime Safety Queensland’s Port Procedures for Gladstone 14 , and as 

subsequently directed by the Harbourmaster. 

Spill response for Bechtel activities will be managed in accordance with the Bechtel QCLNG Project 

Construction Environmental Control Plan – Marine Fuel and Oil Spill Management Plan and the QCLNG 

Project Construction Environmental Control Plan – Emergency Response for Environmental Incidents 

Management Plan. Spill response for MCJV activities will be undertaken in accordance with the MCJV 

Spill Response Procedure (to be developed prior to commencement of Narrows construction activities). 

6.5.5 Marine Discharges 

Marine discharges will be managed in accordance with applicable international conventions, Australian 

and Queensland legislation and regulations, and Gladstone port procedures, including (but not limited to): 

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 and the 1978 Protocol 

(MARPOL 73/78) (see Management actions applied to shipping in the Great Barrier Reef) 

• Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution) from Ships Act 1983 

• Protection of the Sea (Powers of Intervention) Act 1981 

• Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability) Act 1981 

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 

• Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 

• Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 

6.5.6 Disturbance to Seagrass Species 

Measures to minimise environmental disturbance to seagrass species from QCLNG shipping activities 

are provided in Section 6.4. 

6.5.7 Impacts of Bow Wash on Water Mouse 

Measures to minimise environmental disturbance to Water Mouse (Xeromys myoides) from 

QCLNG shipping activities are provided in Section 6.3. 

6.5.8 Remedial Action in Event of Impacts 

Apart from response to marine spills as outlined in Section 6.5.4 above, remedial action in event of 

incidents will be determined on a case by case basis subject to the nature and extent of impact. 

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7.0 MONITORING MEASURES 

Monitoring for dugong, seagrass, turtles and water mouse required under Condition 1(e) of the Shipping 

Approval can be separated into Operational Monitoring, Long Term Monitoring, and Incident Monitoring. 

7.1 Operational Monitoring 

Operational monitoring will be undertaken by EPC Contractors (or their sub-contractors) as the operators 

of QCLNG construction shipping. 

Dugong, dolphin 

and Turtles 

Seagrass 

Water Mouse 

Timing and Frequency Proposed Arrangements Reporting 

Personnel inductions for crossharbour 

traffic to include 

briefing on the Rodds Bay 

Dugong Protection Area and 

presence, identification and 

behaviours, 

Personnel inductions are not 

required for ocean going 

vessels. 

Vessel operators to maintain 

vigilance at all times. 

All observations to be 

recorded in vessel logs. 

In the event of a suspected 

collision, vessel master is to 

slow vessel, inspect 

surrounding waters for 

evidence of harmed dugong, 

dolphin or turtles, and report 

as soon as practicable. 

Incidental observations of 

sick, injured or dead dugong, 

dolphin or turtles to be 

reported as soon as 

practicable. 

Report as soon as 

practicable and 

observation of sick, 

injured or dead dugong 

or turtles to: 

DERM Hotline: 

1300 130 372 

QCLNG Environment 

Manager LNG 

(07) 3024 7000 (or 

LNG Environment 

Advisor (Gladstone): 

07 4971 6625) 

Following notification to 

QGC of the injury to, or 

mortality of, an EPBC 

listed species, QGC will 

undertake notification to 

SEWPC as soon as 

practicable. 

Not proposed for day to day shipping operations 

Not proposed for day to day shipping operations 

7.2 Long Term Monitoring 

QGC will participate in regional or whole-of-port monitoring initiatives conducted under the auspices of 

Gladstone Ports Corporation during the construction phase. QGC will recommend the following: 


Dugong & dolphin 

Aerial or boat-based surveys 

following published survey 

methodologies 

Pro-rata participation in 

GPC-led whole-of-port 

monitoring 

As per whole-of-port 

arrangements. 

Timing dependent upon 

schedule of GPC-led whole-ofport 

megafauna surveys 

(currently indicated as annual) 

Turtles 

Inclusion in aerial-boat-based 

surveys. 

Nesting season surveys. 

Via GPC-led whole-of-port 

monitoring and consistent 

with long term monitoring 

required under Conditions 

34-36 of EPBC Approval 

As per whole-of-port 

arrangements. 

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2008/4402. 

Timing dependent upon 

schedule of GPC-led whole-ofport 

megafauna surveys 

(currently indicated as annual) 

On known nesting beaches 

on the eastern beaches of 

Facing and Curtis Islands. 

Seagrass 

Biannual surveys currently 

conducted by QPIF on behalf 

of the Port Curtis Integrated 

Monitoring Program (PCIMP). 

Continued participation by 

QGC in PCIMP plan. 

Methods per QPIF standard 

procedures. 

As per PCIMP/QPIF 

procedures. 

Water Mouse 

Baseline surveys have been 

conducted to determine 

presence / absence of Water 

Mouse at QGC LNG Facility 

site (refer QCLNG 

Environmental Management 

Plan - Water Mouse (Xeromys 

myoides). 

Survey methodology was 

consistent with the EPBC 

Significant Impact 

Guidelines. 

Any additional requirements 

to be met via GPC whole-ofport 

procedures. 

As required. 

These baseline studies 

identified no local presence 

within the QCLNG site. 

7.3 Incident Monitoring 

In the event of a shipping incident (grounding, spill, etc) the following indicative monitoring arrangements 

will apply, subject to agreed requirements for operational supervision by an On Scene Coordinator (OSC). 

Actual monitoring undertaken will be dependent upon the nature and extent of the incident. 

Possible Timing and 

Frequency 

Proposed Arrangements 

Reporting 

Dugong, dolphin 

and turtles 

Seagrass 

Water Mouse 

Aerial or boat-based surveys 

as required to identify and 

assist recovery of distressed 

animals. 

As required to characterise 

pre-impact / post-impact 

changes 

Additional surveys may be 

required if spills threaten 

known habitats on Facing 

Island or in Rodds Bay. 

Under direction of OSC 

Under direction of OSC. 

Methods as per QPIF 

standard procedures. 

Under direction of OSC. 

Survey methodology was 

consistent with the EPBC 

Significant Impact 

Guidelines. 

Under direction of OSC, 

and in accordance with 

applicable requirements 

of MSQ Port Procedures 

and Information for 

Shipping - 

Port of Gladstone and 

the Environmental 

Protection Act 1994 

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APPENDIX 1: BECHTEL SHIPPING ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT P LAN 

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Index Map 

APPENDIX 2: “GO SLOW – WILDLIFE” VESSEL SPEED RESTRICTION ZONES 

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Map 1 – Narrows Section speed zones. Six knots in all areas other than “Normal operational speed” zones, where 

MSQ or Harbourmaster rules apply. 

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Map 2 – Main Harbour Section speed zones. Six knots in all areas other than “Normal operational speed” zones, 

where MSQ or Harbourmaster rules apply. 

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Shipping Activity Management Plan â Construction Phase - QGC

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Shipping Activity Management Plan â Construction Phase - QGC