A LEGAL action against Gladstone Ports Corporation over alleged environmental impacts is to be dropped.
A deed of settlement was executed last week between GPC and the plaintiffs.
The class action, conducted by William Roberts Lawyers for the plaintiffs, related to activities of more than a decade ago.
It was claimed that dredging in 2011–2012 caused environmental impacts in Gladstone Harbour, allegedly causing commercial losses for some fishers.
It was claimed that GPC failed totake adequate steps to prevent turbidity and that contaminants were released into the harbour.
GPC, in contrast, contended that the work was properly conducted in accordance with government approvals and any turbidity or contamination from the bund was not a cause of harm to commercial fish stocks.
GPC said it had “consistently denied the allegations and has made no admission of liability”.
Under the terms of the settlement, the plaintiffs—via their litigation funder, Litigation Capital Management (LCM)—have agreed to make payment to GPC towards its legal costs to resolve the matter.
The settlement is still subject to approval by the Queensland Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled to start on 27 October.
“GPC welcomes this resolution and remains committed to operating our ports to the highest environmental and operational standards for the benefit of our local communities and industry as we continue to deliver for Queensland,” port management said in a statement.
The proposed settlement can be viewed here.