Save Shoalwater Bay

Minister Garrett can stop massive Shoalwater coal port this week

Mon, 2008-09-01 15:05 by admin

Waratah Coals proposal for a massive mine, railway and Shoalwater Bay Coal port could be given the red light if Environment Minister Peter Garrett uses his existing powers and declares it clearly unacceptable under the provisions of the EPBC act (Section 74 B)

Outraged environmental groups, regional residents and the Australian Greens have all called on the minister to act to protect Queensland's beautiful Shoalwater Bay from the environmentally damaging project to avoid a long and expensive EIS process.

Shoalwater Protection Society spokesman Steve Bishopric said, "There is massive condemnation throughout Australia and locally to this ludicrous proposal. It is unprecedented that one project can trigger 6 out of 7 assessment criteria under the act (only lacking the nuclear component) and it is clearly unacceptable. People need to act immediately as time is almost out for this stage of proceedings. It is critical that those concerned contact the minister to voice their requests for him to declare the proposal unacceptable."

The 1994 Commonwealth Commission of Inquiry into Shoalwater Bay stated the values of this area and risks posed by enviromentally damaging developments in this pristine wilderness.

Specifically it stated:

The area's terrestrial and marine environments represent large and relatively undisturbed habitat areas for significant floral and faunal assemblages, including populations of rare and threatened species. The estuarine and marine sections of the Area contribute to important regional commercial fisheries. The area has a high level of Biodiversity and contains the catchment of the fresh water supply of the Capricorn Coast.

The geomorphological attributes of the eastern dunefields of the Area and the Clinton Lowland contribute significantly to the values of the area and to the Area's National Estate values.

The Area is the largest coastal area with high wilderness values on the East Coast of Australia south of Cooktown and, as such, is regionally and nationally very significant.

The whole of the Area's marine environment is included on the World Heritage list and on the Register of the National Estate; and the majority of it is included in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

People do have the right indeed an obligation to advise the minister of what they want for Australia. They should use his contact form on line at www.petergarrett.com.au/8.aspx
Or phone him on 02 62777640 or Fax 02 62736101.

Further information
Steve Bishopric
Spokesman, Shoalwater Protection Society
E-Mail info [AT] shoalwaterbay org
www.shoalwaterbay.org

Topic:

Shoalwater not Coalwater - Meeting Wednesday 30 July 2008

Tue, 2008-07-29 16:02 by admin

The Premier Anna Bligh recently announced a Coal Port project which is proposed for development within Shoalwater Bay.

The high environmental values of Shoalwater Bay are well known and the historical threat of sand mining back in the 1980's was vehemently opposed and quashed by an active community voice and conservation lobby. The Commonwealth Commission of Enquiry 1994 found that Shoalwater Bay provides significant intangible benefits to society through the existence of its highly significant conservation values.

These high environmental values are associated with its relatively undisturbed state, coastal landforms, size and health of its component ecosystems and arise from the area as a whole rather than considering individual parts in a fragmented way.

Capricorn Conservation Council is shocked that a project which would see fragmentation of this important wilderness could even be considered and questions the Premiers declaration of support. Such large tracts of wilderness are rare along Queenslands east coast and conservation of this area should be a priority for the Government.

Capricorn Conservation Council is inviting members of community to come along and have their say on Shoalwater Bay at a Public Meeting at Yeppoon Town Hall, Normanby Street, at 7 pm on Wed 30 July.

For more information please call Sara Hanggi Coordinator on (07) 4927 8644 or email ccc [AT] cqnet com au

What you can do: attend public meeting at Yeppoon Town Hall, Wednesday 30th July at 7pm. Phone 07 4938 1818.

Shoalwater Bay Wilderness Awareness Group opposes new coal terminal

Tue, 2008-07-29 15:24 by admin

Shoalwater Bay Wilderness Awareness Group media release Mon 21st july

Locally based Shoalwater Wilderness Awareness Group (SWAG ) is deeply concerned about the recent announcement of a coal terminal in Shoalwater Bay. SWAG has been assessing currently available information released by the premier Anna Bligh and Waratah Coal, regarding the coal facility at Port Clinton 40km north of Byfield adjoining the National Park. Information released indicates plans are further developed than SWAG was previously led to believe. While details are still sketchy, the scale and purpose of the project, the proposed site inside a military reserve surrounded by Great barrier Reef 'Green Zones" all raise grave concerns for the environment and for public health.

"Port Clinton is one of the most important parts of the Shoalwater/Byfield Wilderness Area", SWAG spokesman and Byfield resident Steve Bishopric said."It is a 20km by 10 km sheltered , very shallow bay with a rock bar running across its middle and a moving sand bar across its mouth. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.The Shoalwater Bay region, with RAMSAR listed wetlands and subject to two migratory bird treaties ,includes seagrass meadows that feed Queensland's endangered dugong population. The massive dredging required to make this a deep water port would have devastating consequences on the Great Barrier Reef."

"Port Clinton is less than 10 km from the Waterpark Creek catchment, which is the Capricorn Coasts water supply and any coal dust pollution will be carried via Waterpark Creek to the Byfield National Park and Yeppoon beaches. Other sites proposed even closer to the Byfield National Park pose an even greater risk."

Australian Defence forces regularly use Shoalwater Bay for major international combined forces training. This involves closure of the entire area and exercises, some involving USA Aircraft carrier battle groups some vessels nuclear powered, Airforce and Army. It is total madness to even consider this proposal with Bulk carriers anchoring in the middle of Australia's largest war games, in a green Zone of the GBRMNP and adjoining the Byfield National Park." Steve concluded.

SWAG will be supporting the Capricorn Conservation Council's public meeting and panel discussion, with invited guests, at the Yeppoon Town Hall on Wednesday 30th July at 7pm. All Welcome.

What you can do: attend public meeting at Yeppoon Town Hall, Wednesday 30th July at 7pm. Phone 07 4938 1818.

Coal port proposal another insult to Queensland's biggest wilderness region

Tue, 2008-07-29 14:55 by admin

Joint Media Release: of Friends of the Earth, the Wildlife Protection Association of Australia and Peace Convergence

18 July 08

Friends of the Earth Brisbane and the Peace Convergence are concerned at a proposal to build a new coal port on Australian Defence Force land at Shoalwater Bay in central Queensland. The port puts at risk Queensland's largest coastal wilderness area and increases the states contribution to climate change.

The Shoalwater Bay region, with RAMSAR listed wetlands and subject to two migratory bird treaties feeds into the seagrass meadows that fed Queensland's endangered dugong population. It has been the focus of community opposition to military activities in recent years.

Environmental spokesperson for the Peace Convergence, Kim Stewart, says, "This area is already at risk of toxic pollution and structural damage from the activities of the military. A coal port will lead to the further destruction of this unique area. The Shoalwater region should be returned to it's traditional owners to be managed."

Pat O'Brien, spokesperson for the Wildlife Protection Association of Australia says, "As Premier Bligh says, this development is of significance to the state, but for other reasons than profit of the coal industry. If we lose Shoalwater Bay to industry and development, we risk losing a significant site of natural heritage and contribute to the extinction of dugong and green sea turtles and the endemic species of flora found there."

Climate Justice spokesperson for Friends of the Earth Brisbane, Emma Brindal, says, "It's climate insanity to be further opening up the coal industry and doubly so because of the unfortunate choice of location for a port at Shoalwater. Premier Bligh has a duty to stop this development and set Queensland on the sustainable energy path.

"An opportunity exists for Premier Bligh to protect this important area from further development and enhance it's protection as a national treasure and for future generations."

Media:
Wildlife Protection Association of Australia: Pat O'Brien 0408 711 344
Peace Convergence & Friends of the Earth: Kim Stewart 0413 397839

www.wildlifeprotectaust.org.au
www.peaceconvergence.com
www.brisbane.foe.org.au