Will we have lift off?THE Great Barrier Reef Marine Park...

Will we have lift off?



THE Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has approved the dumping of up to three million tonnes of dredge spoil inside the park's boundary.

The decision, related to the Abbot Point coal port expansion, was announced on Friday in Townsville.

Authority chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said there'd been strong community concern and debate about the application by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation to dispose of dredge spoil in the park.

But he said allowing the project to proceed would help contain development to existing ports, and the reef itself and seagrass meadows would still be protected.

"It's important to note the sea floor of the approved disposal area consists of sand, silt and clay and does not contain coral reefs or seagrass beds," Dr Reichelt said in a statement.

The authority's general manager for biodiversity, conservation and sustainable use, Bruce Elliot, said strict environmental conditions imposed on the project by the federal government would help protect the reef.

"The federal environment minister, as part of his approval conditions for this development, has required North Queensland Bulk Ports to identify alternate disposal sites within an identified investigation zone," Mr Elliot said.

"We would support the use of an alternative site if it is found to be equal to or better in terms of environmental or heritage outcomes."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/decision-looms-on-reef-dumping-plan/story-fn3dxiwe-1226814532735