THE PORT of Brisbane has clarified that it is following due process for its Channel Enhancement Project, after landing in hot water with a local aboriginal group.
The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council (MMEIC), which represents members of the Quandamooka people, flagged concerns about PBPL’s plan to dredge 96.5 million cubic metres of material out of the Moreton Bay.
The port said the 25-year project aims to ensure the shipping channel servicing Brisbane and Queensland improves efficiency, reduces vessel emissions, and safely caters for the larger vessels expected to transit to Australian waters in the future, with the project to create a wider and deeper freight passage for ships.
Moreton Bay is of importance to the Quandamooka people, who hail from North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island, with national media reporting the MMEIC is concerned the effects to the seabed and potential dumping of waste material may harm fragile ecosystems and cultural sites.
Speaking to DCN, a PBPL spokesman said the port operator is following the process outlined by the Commonwealth and State Governments which includes “multiple opportunities for consultation”.
The port explained the Commonwealth Government has declared the project as a ‘controlled action’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, and the Queensland coordinator-general has declared the project as a ‘coordinated project’ under State legislation, with a single environmental impact statement (EIS) to be developed.
“There is no legal requirement under the EPBC Act for formal consultation on a project proposal at the referral stage,” the spokesman said.
“PBPL is committed to broad, deep and respectful engagement with Traditional Owners in the area, which is why we are spending significant time and resources at this stage of the project in engaging with Traditional Owner representatives.
“PBPL is currently engaging with representatives from seven Traditional Owner groups as part of the Channel Enhancement Project, and we have also briefed Queensland South Native Title Service.”
PBPL said the State Government, with Federal Government input, issued the draft Terms of Reference for the project’s EIS for public consultation.
“On release, the Port of Brisbane notified Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) and other representatives of Traditional Owner groups by phone call and written notification regarding the public comment period. (The public comment period closed on Monday 26 May)” the spokesman said.
“The EIS will only commence once the Queensland Coordinator-General finalises the Terms of Reference. The EIS for the Project will be both rigorous and thorough.
“It is anticipated the EIS will cover all aspects of the project including program of works, material processing and placement, natural environment, coastal processes, cultural heritage matters, social and economic development and project funding.
“The draft Terms of Reference includes a comprehensive section specifically relating to First Nations cultural heritage matters including the need to identify and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander places of cultural significance within the designated project area.”
PBPL said a highly experienced cultural heritage consultant will be appointed to undertake this work, and that it will also need to make a notification to seek formal endorsement of Aboriginal Parties for the Channel Enhancement Project to prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
“PBPL has met with MMEIC online and in-person to acknowledge and discuss their concerns. There have also been six separate written offers for further project briefings, which we hope can happen in the near future,” the spokesman continued.
“PBPL did undertake initial engagement across its spectrum of stakeholders as part of the referral process including representatives of the Quandamooka people represented by Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).
“QYAC is responsible under the Native Title Act for managing the native title rights and interests of the Quandamooka People. QYAC has an existing Native Title claim that has yet to be determined (Redlands/Quandamooka Coast) and has publicly identified the Moreton Bay/shipping channel area as a potential future claim in their strategic plan.”
However, the statement also drew criticism from some, with MMEIC and QYAC reportedly just some, and not all, of the region’s local Aboriginal groups.