Moreton Bay Needs You!

The Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement Project will change the future for nature in Moreton Bay.

The massive Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement Project is set to change the shape of Moreton Bay over coming decades. The huge scale of dredging and associated works will have considerable impacts on Moreton Bay’s unique marine and coastal habitats, wildlife, and bathymetry. The Bay needs you to stand up for nature at all opportunities, included this one! It’s easy, just give your feedback THIS WEEKEND (submissions close on Mon 26 May).

BACKGROUND: What’s happening, and why?

The Port of Brisbane Authority is currently seeking public comment on its Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for their proposed Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement Project.

This major infrastructure development involves the dredging of approximately 96.5 million cubic metres of sand to double the width of the channel from 300 to 600 m wide and increase its depth to accommodate larger vessels. Shipping in and out of Moreton Bay will increase significantly over coming decades, as the Port is expanded and plans develop around connection to the nation’s Inland Rail freight corridor. As it affects matters of National Environmental Significance, the project requires the approval of the Federal Environment Minister.

Getting the Terms of Reference for the environmental impact assessment right from the very start is critical if we are to see the Bay’s natural values protected.

The project will widen the shipping channel from 300m out to 600m for its entire 75km length between the mouth of the Brisbane River and Caloundra. There are concerns that dredging will exacerbate the erosion of Bribie Island.

NOW: Where are things at?

The current phase of the project involves public consultation on the Draft Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Draft ToR spans 94 pages and BIEPA acknowledges the complexity and recognises that meaningful public input requires guidance. The good news is that The Moreton Bay Foundation (TMBF) – an organisation with deep roots in science, and expertise in coastal and marine conservation – have stepped-up as the lead conservation voice on this issue.

In the brief period since the Terms of Reference were made public on April 28, our friends at TMBF have developed an incredibly comprehensive submission that has also informed the work of the Qld Conservation Council. This advice is guiding BIEPA’s organisational submission.

ACT: How can BIEPA members help?

You can add your voice to this vital conversation via the 'Have Your Say' portal on the Coordinator-General's Website (see link below)

While it may appear quite daunting at first, in reality you can contribute simply by endorsing the submissions made by TMBF, QCC and BIEPA.

1. Head over to the project’s “Have Your Say” survey site

2. Enter you personal details, and click “Continue”

3. The next screen is titled “Your comments on the draft terms of reference”. Complete the questions/sections on this page:

   
   

What aspect of the draft TOR does your comment relate to? (Required)

From the drop down menu –Please Select– OTHER 

If other, please state

Submissions made by The Moreton Bay Foundation (TMBF), Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) and Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association

Describe the issue(s) (Required)

Here you should let it be known that you:

fully support and endorse the matters raised in submissions made by TMBF, QCC and BIEPA to the draft TOR for the EIS for the Port of Brisbane’s proposed Channel Enhancement Project.

Suggested Solution(s)

Here you might write something like: 

“I suggest matters raised in submissions by TMBF, QCC and BIEPA be incorporated in the final Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Statement.”

Would you like to comment on another aspect of the draft TOR? (Required)

If you wish to complete your feedback at this point, answer ‘No’. and click Continue

or If you wish to add more topics to your submission, answer ‘Yes’ and click Continue

Supporting Information

No need to upload any documents on this page, unless you have something you wish to include to support your submission. Click Continue.

Acknowledgment

Tick the Acknowledgment, and Click Continue

Almost Done

Add your email address if you'd like a copy of your submission, and click Submit Response

And you're done, thank you for taking the time to read, and submit!