A number of programs were implemented or extended during the 02/03
financial year for projects in accordance with the principles of Environmental
Management and Sustainability. Major projects undertaken include
the following:
- The draft of the Authority's major Flora, Fauna, Hydrology and Cultural
Heritage Study for its western lands, Bedford's Paddock, was finalised
and released for public comment and agency scrutiny. The report was
released for a 60 day period with 617 submissions received.
All comments received will be responded to, as well as utilising appropriate
suggestions etc for amendments for the final report.
This study has suggested a number of development 'offsets' which will
be further investigated once a decision has been made to the extent
of development to be pursued and the impacts associated with that development.
The Authority provided final comments as part of its review of the
Environmental Protection Agency's study into undeveloped port lands,
part of the continuing cooperation with EPA.
- The Authority realises the importance of its Environmental Management
System and the associated process as it underpins. Its existing system
had become dated so the Authority has commissioned consultants to develop
a new system, reflecting present legislation, expectation and resources
- Noise has the potential to be a significant issue for airport operations.
To properly identify the present situation and to provide important
background information and calibration for future expansion of services
and increase in aircraft size, the Authority has commissioned a detailed
investigation into aircraft related noise
- The Authority this year commissioned a marine plant specialist to
review the seaport drainage facilities and to determine ways that these
corridors can be improved for habitat values and fisheries access
- Airport flood amenity is crucial to the safe operation of aircraft
as well as for identifying environmental controls for what are unlikely
but nonetheless possible accidents or operational spills etc.
To allow the Authority to properly evaluate the flood amenity of the
site, drainage improvements and environmental improvements consultants
were appointed this year to fully model and identify options for the
facility
- Many of the Authority's tenants carry out environmentally relevant
activities. The Authority has this year worked very closely with local
government and EPA to ensure that facilities have appropriate licences
and systems
- The Authority has been actively involved in negotiations with Maritime
Safety Queensland to transfer responsibility for oil spill response.
The Authority expects however to maintain its level of training and
preparedness for oil spill response
- The Authority has maintained its involvement in the Australian Ballast
Water Treatment Consortium. In addition to this, the Authority continues
to lobby for Marine Pest preparedness to protect the Mackay, Queensland
and Australian coastline
- The Authority has identified and ordered significant equipment to
help improve its containment and management of abrasive blast operations
and materials. New systems will be introduced as part of its 'continual
improvement' commitment
- The Authority established its Community Reference Group in 2003.
This group will assist the Authority in making decisions by providing
the voice of different sections of the community. In this manner the
group will also form an extremely important part of the Authority's
ability to determine community concern and to answer queries as they
arise
- Stormwater quality has the potential to affect flora and fauna along
drainage lines and in waterways. For this reason the Authority continues
to monitor areas under its control, including the installation this
year of a permanent logger and sampler unit. This will assist the Authority
in obtaining data at the time of specific events, rather than as staff
or consultants are available
The Authority continues its involvement and support for groups such as
the Mackay Marine Advisory Committee and Mackay Conservation Group. School
information sessions, about issues such as water quality and wetland management
etc, continue to be provided as requested.
The Authority committed large tracts of its lands to Conservation many
years ago. This commitment however requires support for weed management,
fencing etc. In addition to this the Authority has planted significant
numbers of native plants in the port area and in recently developed areas,
to increase habitat and connectivity as well as provide aesthetic services
to the port.
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