Port of Brisbane - Coordinated Project Declaration for Channel Enhancement Project

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) Chief Executive Officer, Neil Stephens has welcomed the announcement by the Queensland Government to declare the Channel Enhancement Project a coordinated project requiring an environmental impact statement (EIS).

PBPL is currently in the early stages of considering the future requirements of its shipping channel. 

This is in response to the ever-increasing size of vessels that visit the east coast of Australia, importing and exporting goods that deliver billions of dollars' worth of jobs and economic activity every year. 

"The proposed 25-year Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement Project aims to ensure the shipping channel servicing the port improves efficiency, reduces vessel emissions, and caters for the future needs of the global shipping market," Mr Stephens said.

"As Queensland's largest multi-cargo port, we remain deeply committed to investing in sustainable development which supports the growth of the Queensland economy." 

The proposed program of work will require approvals from both the Queensland and Australian governments. 

"We welcome the decision by the Queensland Coordinator-General as a significant early step in the process and we look forward to working closely with State and Federal government agencies to develop the terms of reference for the project's EIS which will include comprehensive consultation with a broad range of interested stakeholders including the community and industry.

"One of our fundamental roles is to invest in the sustainable development of the port, so we can facilitate the trade requirements needed to supply our region's growing population," Mr Stephens said.

Geographically, the Port of Brisbane is Australia's largest capital city port and its third largest container port, supporting more than 7900 jobs within the port precinct and its supply chain.

In FY24, approximately $72 billion in international trade was handled through the Port of Brisbane, including a record 1.61 million containers. 

For further information: channelproject@portbris.com.au