The Situation

Advisian was engaged by the Queensland Department of State Development to provide environmental assessment and approvals support for the Abbot Point Growth Gateway (APGG) project. The project involves dredging and construction and operation of an onshore dredged material placement facility to support expansion activities at the port.

We were sole sourced by the Department on the basis of our previous experience and high level of performance in delivering environmental and approvals support to the Department’s previous development of the Abbot Point Port and Wetlands Strategy.

Approach

Our role on the APGG project included:

• Undertaking and management of supporting technical studies (environmental, social and economic)

• Environmental risk assessment

• Preparation of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act Referral

• Preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for EPBC Act Approval, including the assessment of cumulative and consequential impacts

• Preparation and lodgement of Queensland State Approvals for onshore and offshore activities

• Review and response to public submissions

• Development of the Project Environmental Offset Strategy

• Development of the Outline Environmental and Dredge Management Plans

• Support to stakeholder consultation and review of public submissions

Results

Commonwealth environmental approvals (referral, EIS public notification and assessment decision) were delivered within an eight month timeframe.

Evolving design demanded a flexible approach and effective flow of information between the Advisian project team, client and regulators.