Review of Port Activities in GBRWHA_Reef Ecologic_2014

REVIEW OF PORT ACTIVITIES IN GBRWHA

A PROJECT COMMISSIONED BY WWF AUSTRALIA

18 OCTOBER 2014

A REVIEW OF PORT ACTIVITIES IN THE GREAT BARRIER

REEF WORLD HERITAGE AREA WITH

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICE

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY

The review of port activities in the GBRWHA confirmed that they are not best practice for environmental

management and lag behind other sectors such as Shipping, Defence, Tourism and Research. The review

recommends six port issues that could be improved by best practice management: Dredging, Disposal, Water

Quality, Habitat, Governance and Policy. We provide a three part structure for discussion of each of the six issues

including (1) Overview, (2) Fundamentals of best practice and (3) Principles and practices to improve

environmental management of these issues in the GBRWHA. Key stakeholders may find this format useful to

discuss key questions such as What is important? What is required?, Where to begin? and, What to focus on?

Environmental decisions are typically done under uncertain and incomplete information (Scheffler et al 2014). One

positive way to address the current uncertainty, conflict and crisis associated with management of ports in the

GBRWHA is for leadership and stakeholders including government, industry and community to work together to

promote an accepted methodology and this is known as best management practice. This evolution of approach

from crisis to best management practice of ports has been successful for government, industry and

conservationists in Europe and United States through the Building with Nature programme. In the GBRWHA there

are several relevant examples of best management practice by government, industry and community that could be

readily adopted by ports – the ABCD Framework used by cane farmers (NQ Dry Tropics 2013), Reef Guardian

(GBRMPA 2014) and Ecocertification (Ecotourism Australia 2014).


A review of the draft Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan indicated that there were 18 proposed actions for

future management of ports in the GBRWHA and the majority were focused on water quality and economic

development and there were some significant gaps and missed opportunities as many of the actions were not

SMART. Suggested improvements for some of the key actions are focused on SMART process and the results of

review findings. Additional work will be needed with government and industry to ensure future best practice port

management in the GBRWHA.

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF WORLD HERITAGE AREA

The Great Barrier Reef was declared a World Heritage Area in 1981 because of its 'outstanding universal value'. This recognised the Reef as being one of the most remarkable places on earth, as well as its global importance and its natural worth. The World Heritage Committee listed the Reef for all four natural criteria:

1. Be outstanding examples representing the major stages of the earth's evolutionary history 2. Be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing geological processes, biological evolution and

man's interaction with his natural environment 3. Contain unique, rare or superlative natural phenomena, formations or features or areas of exceptional

natural beauty, such as superlative examples of the most important ecosystems to man 4. Be habitats where populations of rare or endangered species of plants and animals still survive

The World Heritage Area covers 348,000 square kilometers and extends from the top of Cape York in north-east Australia to just north of Bundaberg, and from the low water mark on the Queensland coast to the outer boundary of the Marine Park, which is beyond the edge of the continental shelf. About 99 per cent of the World Heritage Area is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The remaining one per cent includes:

some 980 islands which are under Queensland jurisdiction

some internal waters of Queensland (for examples, some deep bays, narrow inlets or channels between islands)

intertidal areas protected by Queensland legislation

a number of Marine Park exclusion areas around major and minor ports.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem on earth and one of the best managed marine areas in the world. At 348 000 square kilometres, the reef and associated habitats is one of the richest and most diverse natural ecosystems on Earth. The unique qualities of this property were recognised in 1981 when it was inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO 2014).

Over the past 3 years there has been uncertainty, conflict and crisis between government, port industry, scientists,

conservation and stakeholders on information, environmental impacts and management of dredging and spoil

disposal in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (Greenpeace 2012, Lloyd, 2013; Commonwealth of Australia

2013; 2014; SKM 2013, UNESCO, 2013; AMCS 2014; Davey 2014; GBRMPA, 2014; Hughes, 2014; Reichelt, 2014,

WWF, 2014).

UNESCO first threatened to list the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage site "in danger" in June 2012. The report said the unprecedented scale of development posed serious concerns for the reef's long-term conservation and recommended that the Federal Government needed to implement a strategic assessment before considering future developments around the reef. The World Heritage Committee meeting in Doha (Qatar) on 18 June 2014 deferred for 12 months a decision on whether to inscribe Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-21/un-releases-reef-report/4083358



http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/154


PORTS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF WORLD HERITAGE AREA

Queensland has 20 ports of which 12 trading ports are located in the World Heritage Area (Figure 1), managed by

four port authorities — all Queensland Government-owned corporations. In terms of infrastructure, operational

capacity and size, the largest ports on the Region’s coast are Abbot Point, Gladstone and Hay Point which are

major hubs for the export of coal. Proposals for dredging under environmental assessment in 2013 involved an

estimated maximum of approximately 54 million cubic metres of dredging in the World Heritage Area (GBRMPA

2014).

Figure 1. Location and size of ports in the GBRWHA (from GBRMPA 2014).

In the past five years the boom in minerals, coal and gas industries, as well as a trend from public sector to

privatisation of assets has resulted in numerous and sometimes conflicting proposals for significant port

infrastructure expansions at ports in the GBRWHA (Port Australia 2014, GBRMPA 2014).

Ports are a long term activity that generally provides positive economic and social benefits to Australia (Ports

Australia 2014). In recent times port activities have generally had medium to high risks and negative environment

and social impacts (GBRMPA, 2014). Large scale port activities and particularly dredging and spoil disposal results

in turbidity and sedimentation of water quality and results in stress and lethal environmental impacts to

ecosystems and negative impacts to other industries such as conservation, tourism and fisheries (Erftemeijer and

Lewis, 2006; Grech et al, 2013; SKM 2013; Becken et al, 2014; GBRMPA 2014). The environmental and social (and

potentially political and economic) impacts of dredging and disposal at Gladstone Harbour in 2011-14 and Abbot

Point in 2014 created local, state, national and international concern from communities, scientists and

stakeholders (Becken et al, 2014; Commonwealth of Australia 2013; 2014; UNESCO, 2013, WWF, 2014).

There has been some strategic work on management of ports by the Australian and Queensland Governments

(GBRMPA 2010; 2014; AGIC 2011, DSDIP 2014, Queensland Government 2014) with a focus on efficiency,


infrastructure, jobs, economy and the environment. There has been an independent review of management issues

at Gladstone Port (Commonwealth of Australia 2013, 2014) which found that environmental management and

governance within the Port of Gladstone is generally comprehensive.

The Commonwealth of Australia (2013) review identified three key areas for improvement in the assessment and

management of ports:

1. The need to incorporate world heritage and other environmental protection considerations in a single,

comprehensive and consultative port planning process

2. The need for assessment and consideration of cumulative impacts

3. The need for meaningful and ongoing stakeholder engagement to improve information and community

confidence in environmental management and governance.

GHD (2013) undertook a review of international best practice of ports and found three important factors

1. Strong regulation, policy environment and governance arrangements

2. Consideration and avoidance of environmental impacts through rigorous site selection and master planning

processes (including strong stakeholder and community engagement processes)

3. Adoption of a site specific and risk based approach to selecting management options to avoid, mitigate

environmental impacts.

This literature review builds on Commonwealth of Australia (2013) and GHD (2013) and provides a template for

discussion for suggested best practice environmental management standards for selected key issues for port

operations in the GBRWHA

LEADING OR BEST PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

A best practice is a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other

means, and that is used as a benchmark. In addition, a "best" practice can evolve to become “leading” or

“aspirational” as improvements are discovered. Best practice is considered by some as a business buzzword, used

to describe the process of developing and following a standard way of doing things that multiple organizations can

use (Cater et al. 2008).

Best practices are used to maintain quality as an alternative to mandatory legislated standards and can be based

on self-assessment or benchmarking. Best practice is a feature of accredited management standards such as

International Standards for Environmental Management Systems (ISO14001 and ISO14004)

Looking at the bigger picture of Australian environmental management performance, a recent review by Jacobson

et al (2014) found that it involved a mix of voluntary, collaborative and market based approaches which has been

limited as many indicators suggest continuing decline in environmental condition. There are several examples of

Australian or state governments and industries who have developed best practice environmental guidelines

(ACMCC 2005; Sainsbury 2006; EPA 2007; AMEC 2010, GBRMPA 2014a).


Smith et al (2008) compared historical with best practice environmental assessment and management (Table 1)

and the findings that policy and risk were best practice were similar to a review of ports by GHD (2013).

Table 1. Historical and Best Practice elements of environmental assessment and management in the GBRMP.

Historical Best Practice

Case by case Planning, policy and guidelines

EIS for small projects Risk based approach

Short term complicated permits 1 year Long term simple permits and EMP

Intensive broad monitoring programs Baseline and issue based monitoring

Regulatory approach Partnership approach with all stakeholders

Fox et al (2014) provide a model HIYMPAD for assessing global MPA performance which includes governance,

resource use, and ecological, social, political and economic information. An approach that also considers social

values is based on Ecosystem goods and services and Constituents of well being (EFTEC 2011).

In the Great Barrier Reef catchment there are three examples of best management practice systems, certification

and stewardship (see boxes below) that have been adopted by some industries that could readily be adopted by

the port sector.

The ABCD approach- Canegrowers

The ABCD (A -Aspirational, B - Best practice, C - Conventinal, D – Dated) framework is designed to highlight and facilitate communication about the different levels or standards of management practice (as opposed to resource condition) within the cane industry for different water quality parameters (i.e. sediment, nutrients and chemicals). A – Cutting edge practices using innovative technology. When these A practices are calibrated they are likely to become a well known acceptable practice for the long term. B – Currently promoted practices using common technology and often referred to as best management practices. These are acceptable practices for the medium term. C – Common practices using basic technology and often referred to as code of practice. These are acceptable practices for today but may not be acceptable in the medium term. D – Practices that are superseded or unacceptable by industry and community standards. The ABCD approach and subsequent management practices have been developed by growers, NRM bodies and extension groups such as BSES for each region. The ABCD framework will be used in Reef Rescue to show practice change. With the ABCD framework, growers do not get classed as an A or a B grower. They are considered a grower who uses A or B practices. CANEGROWERS encourages their members to use B practices.


In future, the Australian Government or Ports could initiate an ABCD Framework for port activities. Based on the

ABCD principle it is suggested that current port activities such as dredge spoil disposal in the GBRWHA are likely to

be D practices.

In future, the Australian Government or Ports could initiate a GBRWHA, Queensland or Australian environmental

certification program. There are similar programs internationally such as Ecoports and Green Ports.

In future, the Australian Government or Ports could initiate a Reef Guardian Ports program

In regards to ports and best practice environmental management in the GBRWHA an independent management

review reported that there is little evidence of outcomes to support ports being environmentally sustainable

(GBRMPA 2014). The Australian and Queensland Governments have drafted Strategic Assessments which indicate

that management effectiveness scores for ports are mostly or partially effective (Table 2, from GBRMPA 2014).

Table 2. Management effectiveness scores for ports in the GBRWHA (from GBRMPA 2014).

High standard tourism operators – Ecotourism Australia.

GBRMPA encourage tourism operations to adopt high standards for protection, presentation and partnership within the Marine Park. They do this in partnership with Ecotourism Australia, through a recognised ECO certification program which manages and audits these high standards. ECO Certified operators go ‘above and beyond’ for the Reef and their actions and leadership make them a High Standard Tourism operator. GBRMPA strongly recommends High Standard Tourism operators for their commitment to minimal impacts on the environment and quality presentation of the Reef’s World Heritage values.

Reef Guardian program – GBRMPA

Reef Guardians are taking on voluntary actions beyond what is required by law and sharing information. These actions will help to improve the economic sustainability of industries operating in the Great Barrier Reef Region and ensure the environmental sustainability of the Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Reef Guardian stewardship program began with schools in 2003 to encourage the community to take action for a healthier Reef. In 2007 the initiative was expanded to include local government councils along the Great Barrier Reef coast through the Reef Guardian Councils program. The Reef Guardian Fishers and Reef Guardian Farmers and Graziers programs were launched in 2011

Ecoports and Green Ports Companies seeking a competitive advantage or wanting to enhance their environmental credentials have much to gain by proactively pursuing sustainable business practices. Ecoports and GreenPorts has been created by ports, for ports, to stimulate the exchange of experience with environmental solutions between colleagues. It involves the environmental effects in the port area as well as in the logistics chain. It offers a knowledge network to share the knowledge that is needed to deal with the increasing number of environmental laws In addition to promoting its well established tools, Ecoports actively participates in European projects on sustainability. Environmental priority areas change over time as new legislation comes into force, political and public interests are changing and often new technical solutions become available for improving sustainability in ports. Current priorities include noise and greenhouse gas emissions.

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/reef-guardians/reef-guardian-councils

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/reef-guardians/reef-guardian-fishers

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-partners/reef-guardians/reef-guardian-farmers-and-graziers


.

An independent review of management effectiveness in the GBRWHA reported “effective” management for 4 key

sectors (Defence, Tourism, Research, Shipping) and “partially effective” management for 2 key sectors: ports and

fishing (commercial) (Table 3).

A question for discussion and feedback is “Is an effective rating equivalent to leading or best practice?” Without

effective management, protected areas are unlikely to achieve the high expectations that conservation and

development sectors have for them (Fox et al. 2014). A priority for future environmental management of the

GBRWHA is to work with the partially effective sectors (ports, commercial fishing) to move their management to

effective. There are many opportunities that best practice could be achieved for ports in the GBRWHA including

specific suggestions in this review.

Table 3. Management effectiveness comparison of several industries in the GBRWHA (modified from GBRMPA

2014).

Effe

ctiv

e

Mo

stly

Effe

ctiv

e

Par

tial

ly

Effe

ctiv

e

Ine

ffe

ctiv

e

Ports

Defence


Tourism

Research

Shipping

Fishing- commercial

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

This report builds on the information in the literature review and considers 6 issues (Habitat, Water Quality,

Dredging, Disposal, Governance, and Policy). The report adopts a methodology developed by ANAO (2012) with an

Overview of each of the six issues, Fundamentals of leading best practice and Principles and practices to improve

environmental management. In order to promote discussion in a SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic

and Timely) format we provide 4 questions and draft answers for each of the six issues:

1. What is important?

2. What is required?

3. Where to begin?

4. What to focus on?

1. BEST PRACTICE HABITAT MANAGEMENT IN THE GBRWHA

Overview of this issue

Habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. Within the GBR there are some

2,500 individual reefs of varying sizes and shapes, and over 900 islands, ranging from small sandy cays and larger

vegetated cays, to large rugged continental islands. The latitudinal and cross-shelf diversity, combined with

diversity through the depths of the water column, encompasses a globally unique array of ecological communities,

habitats and species. This diversity of species and habitats, and their interconnectivity, make the GBR one of the

richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth (UNESCO 2014).

In ecology, it has been recognised for many years that spatial and temporal patterns of disturbance and recovery

play a key role in ecosystem dynamics and the maintenance of diversity (Sainsbury 2006).

Historically significant areas of high value habitat (including corals, seagrass) have been lost as a result of dredging and disposal (Erftemeijer and Lewis 2006, PIANC 2009). Adverse impacts have occurred due to a range of factors including limited or no planning, non peer reviewed science, impact assessment that focuses on mitigation rather than avoiding impacts, and poor environmental management and compliance (Smith et al. 2008; PIANC 2009, Ports Australia 2014).


Intact coastal habitats (for example freshwater wetlands, floodplains and saltmarshes) are vital to a healthy Great Barrier Reef. They are important in the life cycle of some marine species and also play a role in slowing overland water flow and trapping sediments and nutrients. Terrestrial habitats, such as wetlands and connecting water bodies, along the Great Barrier Reef coast have been substantially modified, particularly south of about Port Douglas. This has reduced their ability to support the healthy functioning of the Reef (GBRMPA 2014).

Fundamentals of leading best practice (for discussion)

Protection and restoration of existing marine and terrestrial habitats.

Long term ambient monitoring of condition and trend of key habitats and species at appropriate spatial

and temporal scales.

Compensation, penalties, offsets and remediation orders if habitat is damaged in a planned or unplanned

way.

Targets and resources for active management and restoration of degraded critical habitats including

seagrass beds, coral reefs, wetkands and mangroves.

Principles and practices to improve environmental management of this issue in the GBRWHA (for

discussion)

What is important?

Habitats such as seagrasses, coral reefs are protected and not destroyed or degraded.

Species such as whales, dugongs, turtles and endangered and threatened specie4.

What is required? Vision, actions and funding to improve habitat protection and restoration in the port areas of

the GBRWHA

Where to begin?. Determine baseline information and direct and indirect negative impacts of port activities on

habitat . Determine cumulative impact assessment. Assess, prevent or minimize dredging, disposal, shipping

activities that have negative impacts on habitat. Determine positive strategies and allocate funds to improve

habitat and ecosystem services.

What to focus on? Protection and restoration of seagrasses and coral reefs. Aim for a target such as 10%

improvement in area\diversity of seagrass and coral habitats by 2018 in ports areas in the GBRWHA.

Discussion and feedback – are the fundamentals, principles and practices SMART? What can be improved? What is

missing?

2. BEST PRACTICE WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THE GBRWHA


Marine ecosystems require good quality water to remain healthy (GBRMPA 2014). The changes in land use since

European settlement, including land clearing and the application of fertilizers, have significantly altered pollutants

principally nutrient and sediment concentrations in the inshore waters of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon to the

extent that declining water quality is one of the most significant factors affecting Reef health (GBRMPA 2014).


Deterioration of water quality is one of the most serious potential impacts that ports can have because of its effect

on a wide range of environmental values (GHD 2013, Figure 2)

Figure 2. Satellite image of turbid water quality surrounding Hay Point during dredging and disposal in 2006 and a

photo of water quality and habitat at Round Top Island, Hay Point in 2005 (pre-dredging).

Management of water quality to protect aquatic ecosystems is included in national and reef specific water quality

guidelines (ARMCANZ and ANZECC 2000; GBRMPA 2010a). The Water Quality Guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef

Marine Park describe the concentrations and trigger values for sediment, nutrients and pesticides that have been

established as necessary for the protection and maintenance of marine species and ecosystem health of the Great

Barrier Reef (GBRMPA 2010a). The management intent for waters with aquatic ecosystem values depends on their

current aquatic ecosystem condition and community needs and aspirations. Two levels of aquatic ecosystem

condition and management intent are considered relevant for Great Barrier Reef waters: high ecological value, and

slightly disturbed. The management intent for waters with high ecological value aquatic ecosystems is to maintain

the natural values of the ecosystems, including biotic, physical form, riparian vegetation, flow and physicochemical

water quality attributes. For slightly disturbed aquatic ecosystems the management intent is to maintain their

current values, and improve their slightly disturbed attributes back towards their natural values.

Two key targets of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013 (Reef Plan) are to achieve a 50 per cent reduction

in nutrient loads and at least a 20 per cent reduction in anthropogenic end-of-catchment loads of sediment and

particulate nutrients in priority areas entering the Great Barrier Reef by 2018.

There are a number of direct and indirect port activities that can impact positively and negatively on water quality.

Dredging and disposal is likely to be the primary issue. There are other issues such as pollutants from coal dust,

petrochemicals and antifoulants. There are some good international initiatives such as a dust free container

loading and shipping process that have the potential to address some environmental issues such as water quality

declines from coal dust. Where implemented, this best management practice achieves improved environmental

performance through the use of current port equipment (Green Port 2014). Decision makers, industry and the

community have a large number of options for treatment technologies and beneficial use of dredged material

(Scheffler et al 2014).



Maintain and improve water quality in port areas in the GBRWHA

No waste from port activities to impact on water quality, biota or communities

Avoid negative direct and indirect water quality impacts from port activities

Ports to comply with water quality frameworks and standards such as ANZECC Water Quality, GBRMPA

(2010a) and NAGD guidelines (Commonwealth of Australia 2009).

An integrated approach to water quality and sediment management (with Reef Plan)

Establish and maintain effective ambient and impact monitoring programs;

Community involvement in water resource management, including establishment of the environmental

values and development of management plans


discussion)

What is important?

Protecting and improving the water quality in the GBRWHA.

What is required? Vision, actions and funding to improve water quality to agreed standards or better.

Where to begin? Confirm regionally specific air and water quality environmental objectives/standards. Determine

baseline information and direct and indirect negative impacts of port activities on water quality. A general

approach is to assess, prevent or minimize dredging, disposal, shipping activities that have negative impacts on

water quality. A specific approach is to prevent coal dust from entering GBRWHA. Determine positive strategies

and allocate funds to improve water quality.

What to focus on? Maintain and improve water quality in port areas in the GBRWHA. For example, using baseline

water quality information aim for a 50% reduction by 2018 (to mirror Reef Plan)


missing?

3. BEST PRACTICE DREDGING IN THE GBRWHA


Dredging involves the extraction of parts of the seafloor (predominantly sand and fine silt, but also harder substrate such as rock) to deepen an area and allow increased access for navigation. The term 'capital' dredging is dredging that is undertaken to create, lengthen, widen or deepen channels, berth areas, swing basins, and port areas. 'Maintenance' dredging is undertaken to ensure that previously dredged depths are maintained (that is, removing accumulated silt from the channel) (Ports Australia 2014).

Both capital and maintenance dredging is undertaken at the majority of trading ports in the GBRWHA. Proposals currently under assessment (as at May 2013) would involve an estimated maximum of approximately 54 million cubic metres of seafloor material removed by dredging in the World Heritage Area (GBRMPA 2014)


Dredging results in the physical removal of the seabed and associated flora/fauna / habitat from the dredge site. The environmental impact of this removal process depends upon the nature of dredging, the nature of existing communities in a particular area and recolonisation / environmental recovery processes (Smith and Rule, 2001; Erftemeijer and Lewis, 2006; PIANC 2010; Grech et al, 2013; SKM 2013). Dredging may cause sediment to be introduced to the water column (turbidity) and result in impacts as these sediments settle (sedimentation) (SKM 2013).

Capital dredging involves the excavation of previously undisturbed areas of the seabed. In general, recent capital dredging in subtropical/tropical Australia has involved unvegetated or sparsely vegetated soft sediments (clays, mud, silts and sands). However, on some occasions, port related capital dredging has involved the removal of seagrasses (e.g. Gladstone Western Basin Project) and corals (Ports Australia 2014).

The GBRMPA (2010) Dredge and Spoil Disposal Policy has limited relevance to the GBRWHA as most ports do not dredge in the GBRMP (but do dredge in the GBRWHA where there is no policy coverage). The Queensland Government (2014) strategy for dredging has two future actions “Within and adjoining the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the Queensland Government will prohibit dredging for the development of new, or the expansion of existing port facilities outside PPDAs, for the next ten years” and “The Queensland Government will develop technical guidelines for the assessment of dredging and other coastal development activities that involve the disturbance of marine sediments". There is no comprehensive government or industry guideline on best practice dredging in Australia. Some projects such as dredging and disposal at Port Douglas have won environmental awards (Figure 2) and others such as Gladstone have been criticized (Figure 3).


Minimise the need for capital and maintenance dredging by maximizing the efficient use of existing port

infrastructure.

Input and output controls for dredging in protected areas such as World Heritage or Marine Park (e.g.

annual limits or caps such as 1 million cu m pa for the GBRWHA).

No dredging of important environmental habitats such as seagrass and coral

Limit maintenance dredging to time periods which minimise impact on ecosystems (e.g. coral, seagass,

fish spawning and periods of stress e.g. coral bleaching). e.g. 1 March-30 June or water quality e.g. 1 Jan-

28 Feb

Limit dredging to time periods where it will have minimum impact on other industries and communities

(e.g. weekends) and provided there is consultation and community support (70-80%).

Dredge activities to have a net environmental benefit (e.g. through offsets, habitat enhancement)

Channels that have limited need for regular maintenance dredging.

Use low impact environmental \ restoration dredgers (IACD 2005) stationary equipment such as Cutter Suction Dredges (CSDs) or grab dredges that have less effect on turbidity and sedimentation than mobile equipment such as Trailing Suction Hopper Dredges (TSHDs)

Dredging activities to be certified carbon neutral

Principles and practices to improve environmental management of this issue in the GBRWHA (for discussion)


What is important?

Protecting the environment and the Outstanding Universal Value of WH areas.

Maintaining and improving existing port facilities.

Community understanding and support for best practice dredging.

What is required? Use of dredgers that minimise environmental and social impacts. Determine the sediment and

nutrient budgets of the catchment and inshore marine areas adjacent to the port. Set limits for dredge areas and

navigation channels that are based on environmental factors rather than port areas or size of ships. E.g. Trans-

shipping and Reef Class vessels which may avoid or mitigate dredging and disposal (Chen 2014). Set caps on

volumes of dredging and spoil placement based on environmental factors rather than port areas or size of ships.

Where to begin? Review habitats in existing Qld port areas to check if all or some areas can be dredged or not. No

capital dredging unless it can result in environmental and social benefit (e.g. building with nature, offset). A

proactive environmental rehabilitation project before dredging works to mitigate/offset potential impacts.

What to focus on? Sediment budget and hydrological regime of port and adjacent areas. Input and output controls

for dredging in protected areas such as World Heritage or Marine Park (e.g. annual limits or caps such as 1 million

cu m pa for the GBRWHA).

Figure 3. Though operating at different scales, Port Douglas offers an example of best practice dredging and disposal in the GBRWHA and Gladstone offers a potential worst practice example.


missing?

4. BEST PRACTICE SPOIL DISPOSAL IN THE GBRWHA


Once material is extracted from the seafloor during dredging, it requires disposal. Disposal sites may include ocean disposal sites, near-shore reclamation areas and land-based receiving facilities. When disposal sites are ocean-based, the disposal is referred to as 'sea dumping’ (Commonwealth of Australia 2009). Disposal or dumping is often the main environmental and social issue associated with dredging (Voisey and Apelt 2002).

Dredge material can be considered as a waste or a product (Figure 3). Internationally, dredged material is

increasingly regarded as a resource rather than as a waste, with more than 90% of sediments from navigation

dredging comprise unpolluted, natural, undisturbed sediment, which is considered acceptable for a wide range of


uses (IACD 2005). Conversely, the majority (approximately 90%) of dredge material in the GBRWHA is comprised of

fine sand, silt and clay (some containing Acid Sulphate Soil) and has been regarded as waste and disposed offshore

at designated Dredge Spoil Disposal Areas. This historical practice has been regarded as cost effective with minimal

impact to the environment by some stakeholders. Some material such as coarser sand or contaminated sediment

has been treated as a product for reuse\reclamation. There are some new technologies for land based treatment

of tailings that may have some future potential, such as mud scrolling (BDM 2014).

Figure 3. The waste\product hierarchy of sustainability \ best practice

The NAGD (Commonwealth of Australia 2009) states: ‘All alternatives to ocean disposal need to be evaluated, including the environmental, social and economic impacts of each disposal option. Consultation with potentially affected stakeholders or potential users of the dredged material will be required.

The SKM (2013) report highlights that beneficial re-use opportunities around the world can be divided generally into three main categories depending on the physical characteristics of the material:

• Engineered and product uses – land creation, beach nourishment, fill material for future infrastructure projects, park creation, shoreline stabilisation and erosion control.

• Agriculture and related uses – used to enhance soils in agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture, and related uses such as mine rehabilitation. These uses generally rely on dredged material from freshwater dredging which is common in Europe and North America whereas the overwhelming volume of dredged material in Australia is from saline waters and generally not useful for these purposes because of the salt content.

• Environmental enhancement – habitat development, restoration of tidal flats, mud flats, salt marshes, wetlands, nesting habitats.

One of the underlying constraints of beneficial re-use options is often the cost, time, and feasibility of processing the material into a form that can be used effectively

Land-based placement options typically involve the placement of the material in a dedicated bunded area or storage facility.

Building with Nature is a new approach to designing water and coastal infrastructure, one that seeks to realise

socioeconomic project goals in harmony with the environment (Vikolainen et al 2014, Appendix 1). The dredging


industry is searching for ways to make their operations more environmentally friendly, such as by responsible

disposal of dredged material (Mink 2006, International Association of Dredging Companies 2012), by introducing

an ecosystem approach to dredging and by using nature and natural processes as a starting point in project design

and development (International Association of Dredging Companies 2010). In parallel with Building with Nature,

the Working with Nature concept was developed under the auspices of the World Association for Waterborne

Transport Infrastructure (PIANC 2011) and Engineering with Nature by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


No disposal to protected areas on land or sea (World Heritage, Marine Park, National Park)

No disposal to sensitive environments or habitats

No disposal if there are significant impacts on other stakeholders

No disposal of contaminated material in marine waters.

Minimise or mitigate adverse effects to environment , human health (including food safety and

occupational safety ) and other stakeholders (such as fishery, aquaculture, navigation, tourism, coastal

protection or nature conservation)

Allow, facilitate or support a beneficial, preferably economically viable, re-use of dredged material for

engineered uses, agricultural or product uses or environmental enhancement.

Disposal activities to be certified carbon neutral


What is important?

Building with Nature – World Association of Waterborne Transport Working with Nature – US Army Corp of Engineers Building with Nature is a new approach to designing water infrastructure, one that seeks to realise socioeconomic project goals in harmony with the environment (Vikolainen et al 2014). The dredging industry is searching for ways to make their operations more environmentally friendly, such as by responsible disposal of dredged material (Mink 2006, International Association of Dredging Companies 2012), by introducing an ecosystem approach to dredging and by using nature and natural processes as a starting point in project design and development (International Association of Dredging Companies 2010). In parallel with Building with Nature, the Working with Nature concept was developed under the auspices of the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC 2011), Engineering with Nature by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Sustainable dredging implies full consideration of the environment from the very first planning phase of a project. The principles “Building with Nature” and “Working with Nature” mean that the design of the project uses the natural environment and its dynamic processes as a starting point. Project designs explore the potential for “nature” development, i.e. making use of natural processes for placement and redistribution of dredged material, as well as the use of dredged material aimed at the enhancement of the environment.


No waste is disposed in the GBRWHA.

Some product could be placed in the GBRWHA if environmental and social values are beneficial.

What is required.? Review of disposal of waste in existing Dredge Material Placement Areas (DMPA’s) and if

necessary amend existing permissions. Review of Commonwealth of Australia (2009) NADG guidelines as they are

ambiguous and not best practice internationally. For example, rather than “consultation” with stakeholders under

NADG suggest change to “cooperate\partnership” so that it is consistent with best practice and Building with

Nature (Appendix 1).

Where to begin? Set zero limits for disposal in GBRWHA from 2014. Set annual limit of 1million cum of

maintenance dredging product for GBRWHA for disposal of maintenance material provided it can be used for

beneficial use and result in net environmental benefit. Implement Building with Nature concept. Model future

projects on current best practice of dedicated dredge spoil disposal facility (with potential for reuse) at Port

Douglas (Figure 4).

What to focus on? No disposal to protected areas on land or sea (World Heritage, Marine Park, National Park).

Options for land disposal and environmentally and socially acceptable treatment method(s).

.

Figure 4. Examples of potential best (Port Douglas) and worst (Gladstone) practice dredge spoil disposal in the GBRWHA


missing?

5. BEST PRACTICE GOVERNANCE IN THE GBRWHA


There are different views of what is Governance, but there are some common elements: rules and processes.

Definitions for corporate and public sector governance are provided to show some commonality and differences.

ASX Corporate Governance Council (2014) describes corporate governance as “the framework of rules,

relationships, systems and processes within and by which authority is exercised and controlled within

corporations. It encompasses the mechanisms by which companies, and those in control, are held to account.”

Good corporate governance promotes investor confidence.


The Australian Government (2007) defines Public sector governance as ‘…the set of responsibilities and practices,

policies and procedures, exercised by an agency’s executive, to provide strategic direction, ensure objectives are

achieved, manage risks and use resources responsibly and with accountability.’ It also encompasses the important

role of leadership in ensuring that sound governance practices are instilled throughout the organisation and the

wider responsibility of all public servants to apply governance practices and procedures in their day-to-day work.

Good governance is about both:

• performance—how an agency uses governance arrangements to contribute to its overall performance and

the delivery of goods, services or programmes, and

• conformance—how an agency uses governance arrangements to ensure it meets the requirements of the

law, regulations, published standards and community expectations of probity, accountability and openness.

According to Grech et al (2013) the current governance arrangements (regulatory, administrative, operational) are

inhibiting the effective management of ports in the GBRWHA and need to be significantly improved around four

themes: governance system, planning and location of ports, assessment and decision process, and ecosystem

services.

There are more than 30 pieces of legislation that administer ports in the GBRWHA. There are three key Commonwealth Acts that relate to the regulation of ports and particularly management of dredging and disposal:

• Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 (the Sea Dumping Act);

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act); and

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.


Have one governance system for government, industry and stakeholders for environmental management

of ports in the GBRWHA.

Leadership which focuses on the values of the GBRWHA and ESD

Cumulative environmental and social impact \ benefit assessments

Act ethically and responsibly and with majority support of stakeholders

Recognise and minimise risk

Prevent Conflict of Interest and have independent review and quality control and peer review in science,

management and communication.

Timely and accountable public reporting.


discussion)

What is important?


Rules and processes that enable best practice environmental management of ports in the GBRWHA

What is required? Transparent and well communicated governance system. Independent experts.

Where to begin? Governance and risk assessment for environmental management of all ports in GBRWHA (rather

than individual ports)

What to focus on? Best practice governance system that has been co-developed and has confidence of majority of

stakeholders.


missing?

6. BEST PRACTICE POLICY IN THE GBRWHA


Policy can be considered as a "Statement of Intent" or a "Commitment". A policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. Regulation is defined as “Any rule endorsed by government where there is an expectation of compliance” (Australian Government, 2014). There are various types and forms of policy including:

Broad policy which enunciates government wide direction;

Specific policy which may be developed for a particular sector or issue area; and

Operational policy which may guide decisions on programs, and project selection. With respect to the

forms that government policy can take, it is reflected most typically in legislation, regulations and

programs. These are often referred to as policy instruments.

Policy process generally involves issue identification, research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to produce recommendations.

There is no comprehensive Australian or Queensland Government Policy for managing port activities and World

Heritage values in the GBRWHA. There are some relevant documents that are partially applicable such as GBRMP

(2012) Dredging and Spoil Disposal Policy and Queensland Port Strategy (DSDIP 2014). GBRMPA (2014) recognized

that there is a strength of an existing Dredge and Spoil Disposal Policy and Hydrodynamic guidelines and a

weaknesses that there is “No regulatory provisions that set out where ports can be developed within the Region”

and “There is a need for a cross-jurisdictional policy consistent with the findings of the strategic assessment,

including consideration of cumulative impacts and delivery of net benefits”

A media article stated that the Environment Minister had banned Gladstone Port from dumping dredge spoil on the Great Barrier Reef Lloyd (2013). "In particular, I have requested that the Ports Corporation give priority to examining land reclamation and on-shore recovery of any spoil," Mr Hunt said. This is an important policy statement but it was not translated subsequently into a formal public policy.

A recent media article quoted the Environment Minister Greg Hunt “They are not now or never in the future going to apply to dump dredge spoil in the marine park” (Lloyd 2014). Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has recently acknowledged that sea-dumping is “environmentally the worst option” for spoil disposal at Abbot Pt and expressed his Government’s preference for onshore disposal of dredge spoil.


One new approach to environmental policy is “Working with Nature” which is regarded as best practice in Europe

and the USA . National environmental policies tend to converge on the level established by leading countries

(Vikolainen et al 2014, see box).

The GBRMPA (2014) Strategic Assessment has two specific recommendations that are relevant:

REC11: Support development of a Queensland ports strategy that concentrates port development around long-

established major ports in Queensland, and encourage port master planning

REC11A: Facilitate the development of a whole of government policy to provide a strategic and consistent

approach to the sustainable management of dredging and dredge spoil disposal in the Great Barrier Reef World

Heritage Area (GBRMPA 2014


Turn the broad policy articulated in media statements by Minister for Environment (Lloyd 2013, 2014) and

recommendations (GBRMPA 2014) into specific and operational policies covering port activities in the

GBRWHA.

The policy option offering the greatest net environmental benefit (rather than narrow focus on economic

or social benefits) should always be the recommended option.

Policy makers should consult\partner in a genuine and timely way with affected businesses, community

organisations and individuals.


What is important?

Policy on management of activities in WHA should be consistent with GBRMP policy.

Policy provides an agreed SMART transparent approach to how the International and Australian

Governments, Industry and stakeholders will manage an issue.

Policy has support of majority of stakeholders.

What is required? A Partnership approach with Australian Government, industry and scientists to develop policy

building on existing best practice such as “Building with Nature” and ABCD Framework.

Where to begin? A process led by Australian Government or Independent Expert without a conflict of interest. A

desired outcome that focuses on protection and improvement of the GBRWHA.

What to focus on? A policy on protection of the WHA, both Reef-wide and regionally, and environmental

management of ports, dredging and disposal. The starting point is set limits for dredging and no dumping of

dredge spoil in the GBRWHA and 70% stakeholder satisfaction.


missing?

FUTURE THINKING


The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area is declining and even with recent management initiatives to reduce threats and improve resilience, the overall outlook for the Great Barrier Reef is poor and getting worse (GBRMPA 2014b).

CSIRO (2008) developed scenarios for Great Barrier Reef catchments for 2050 associated with development and climate change. The primary future drivers and outcomes were 1. Regional leadership driven by environmental concerns would lead to Saving the reef, or 2. Regional leadership driven by global economy would lead to business as usual and booming growth. In hindsight we have had both of these scenarios and hence the uncertainty, conflict and crisis between government, port industry, scientists, conservation and stakeholders on dredging and spoil disposal in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

The port industry in the GBRWHA is not best practice and needs a major shift in leadership, strategy, ideas and processes that focus on environmental and social outcomes of dredging and disposal.

This review provides information on six key issues and solutions for improved strategy (What is important), ideas (Fundamentals of best practice) and processes (What is required, Where to begin, and What to focus on) that can realistically be actioned to protect the GBRWHA and be supported by the majority of its stakeholders.

The key draft document for the future is The Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan which is an overarching framework for protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef from 2015 to 2050. At the time of writing the Reef 2050 Plan is in draft form, and due to be finalized by the end of 2014. Appendix 2 includes comments and suggested improvements to the draft Plan, in line with the findings of this review.

REFERENCES

ACMCC (2005). Best practice framework of regulatory arrangements for aquaculture in Australia.

http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/5755/best_practice_paper.pdf

Apitz S.E, Elliot M, Fountain M, Galloway T.S (2006). European environmental management: moving to an

ecosystem approach. Integr Environ Assess Manag Jan 2006, 2(1):80-85.

AMCS (2014). Dredging, dumping and the Great Barrier Reef.

http://www.marineconservation.org.au/data/REEF_DREDGE_Doc_Spreads.pdf

AMEC (2010). Code of environmental practice for mineral exploration in Western Australia.

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/code_of_environmental_practice_for_mineral_exploration_in_wes

tern_australia__full_version_final.pdf

ARMCANZ and ANZECC (2000). Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality.

Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian and New

Zealand Environment and Conservation Council

http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/quality/australian-and-new-zealand-guidelines-fresh-

marine-water-quality-volume-1

ASX Corporate Governance Council (2014). Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.

http://www.asx.com.au/documents/asx-compliance/cgc-principles-and-recommendations-3rd-edn.pdf

http://www.marineconservation.org.au/data/REEF_DREDGE_Doc_Spreads.pdf

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/code_of_environmental_practice_for_mineral_exploration_in_western_australia__full_version_final.pdf

http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/documents/code_of_environmental_practice_for_mineral_exploration_in_western_australia__full_version_final.pdf

http://www.asx.com.au/documents/asx-compliance/cgc-principles-and-recommendations-3rd-edn.pdf


Australian Government (2014). The Australian Government Guide to Regulation.

http://www.cuttingredtape.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/australian_government_guide_regulation

.pdf

Australian Government Infrastructure Council (2011). National Ports Strategy. Infrastructure for an economically,

socially and environmentally sustainable future.

https://www.coag.gov.au/sites/default/files/National%20Ports%20Strategy.pdf

Australian National Audit Office (2012). Public Sector Environmental Management. Reducing the environmental

impacts of public sector operations. Better Practice Guide.

BDM (2014). Services. Environmental and Production Management.

http://www.bdmresources.com.au/#!services/mainPage

Becken, S., McLennan, C., Moyle, B (2014). WORLD HERITAGE AREA AT RISK? Resident and Stakeholder

Perceptions of the Great Barrier Reef in Gladstone, Australia. Griffith Institute for Tourism Research Report

No 2 http://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/614596/Report-2-World-Heritage-Area-at-

Risk-GBR.pdf

Cater, C., Buckley. R., Hales, R., Newsome, D., Pickering, C., Smith, A. (2008). HIGH IMPACT ACTIVITIES IN PARKS

Best management practice and future research. CRC for Sustainable Tourism

Chen, D (2014). Reef management inquiry hears shallow hull ships idea

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-24/reef-management-inquiry-hears-potential-for/5619984

Collingridge, D. and Reeve, C. Science Speaks to Power: The Role of Experts in Policy-making. Frances Pinter Publishers, London: 175 pgs. 1986.

Commonwealth of Australia (2009). National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging.

Commonwealth of Australia (2013). Independent review of Port of Gladstone- report of findings.

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/ae7cbcf9-2963-47d7-9029-

3aa1a065db51/files/gladstone-review-initial-report.pdf

Commonwealth of Australia (2014). Independent review of bund wall at the Port of Gladstone- report on findings.

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/82279d41-cb4d-4bae-bcc4-

c068577d0d31/files/report-findings.pdf

CSIRO (2008). Future Scenarios for the Great Barrier Reef Catchment.

http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/waterforahealthycountry/2009/wfhc-future-scenarios-GBR-

catchment.pdf

Davey, G. (2014). The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Marine Protected Area: valuing local perspectives in

environmental protection. Australian Geographer 01/2014; 45(2).

DSDIP (2014) Queensland Port Strategy. A report by the Department of State Development Infrastructure and

Planning.

https://www.coag.gov.au/sites/default/files/National%2520Ports%2520Strategy.pdf

http://www.bdmresources.com.au/#!services/mainPage

http://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/614596/report-2-world-heritage-area-at-risk-gbr.pdf

http://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/614596/report-2-world-heritage-area-at-risk-gbr.pdf

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-24/reef-management-inquiry-hears-potential-for/5619984

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/ae7cbcf9-2963-47d7-9029-3aa1a065db51/files/gladstone-review-initial-report.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/ae7cbcf9-2963-47d7-9029-3aa1a065db51/files/gladstone-review-initial-report.pdf


Ecotourism Australia (2014). The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

http://www.ecotourism.org.au/membership/members-of-ecotourism-australia/protected-area-managers-

members/individual-members-2/

EFTEC (2011) Including the Socio-Economic Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging in Decision-Making. Annex A:

Deliverable D3 – Data Report MEPF Ref No: MEPF 09/P104

Erftemeijer P.L.A., and Lewis R. R. R. (2006). Environmental impacts of dredging on seagrasses: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52: 1553-1572.

EPA (2007). Code of Practice for the environmental management of the South Australian abalone aquaculture industry. http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/xstd_files/Water/Code%20of%20practice/code_abalone.pdf

EPA (2008) Options for the Marine Ports Sector: Green Strategies for Sustainable Ports. http://www.portcompliance.org/pdfs/Green-Strategies-4-Sustainable-Ports.pdf

Fox, H.E., Holtzman, J.L., Haisfield, K.M., McNally, C.G., Cid, G.A., Mascia, M.B., Parks, J.E., Pomeroy, R.S (2014). How Are Our MPAs Doing? Challenges in Assessing Global Patterns in Marine Protected Area Performance. Coastal Management 24(3): 207-222.

GBRMPA (2010). Dredging and Spoil Disposal Policy. http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/3844/gbrmpa_DredgingandSpoilDisposalPolicy_2004.pdf

GBRMPA (2010a). Water quality guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 2010. http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/4526/GBRMPA_WQualityGuidelinesGBRMP_RevEdition_2010.pdf

GBRMPA (2014). Great Barrier Reef region strategic assessment : strategic assessment report / Great Barrier Reef

Marine Park Authority.

GBRMPA (2014a). Best environmental practices and legal requirements for limited impact research in the Marine Park. http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/zoning-permits-and-plans/permits/research-permits-advice-to-researchers/best-environmental-practices-and-legal-requirements-for-limited-impact-research-in-the-gbrmp

GBRMPA (2014b). Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2014, GBRMPA, Townsville.

GHD (2013) Environmental Best Practice Port Development: an analysis of international approaches. Report

prepared for Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/fd1b67e7-5f9e-4903-9d8d-

45cafb5232cd/files/gbr-ports-environmental-standards.pdf

Grech, A, Bos, M., Brodie, J., Coles, R., Dale, A, Gilbert, R, Hamann, M., Marsh, H., Neil, K, Pressey, R, Rasheed, M,

Sheaves, M, Smith, A (2013). Guiding principles for the improved governance of port and shipping impacts in

the Great Barrier Reef

Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute (Date?) Manual of Best Management Practices For Port Operations And

Model Environmental Management System

www.glmri.org/downloads/resources/manualBestManagementPorts.pdf

http://www.portcompliance.org/pdfs/Green-Strategies-4-Sustainable-Ports.pdf

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/3844/gbrmpa_DredgingandSpoilDisposalPolicy_2004.pdf

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/3844/gbrmpa_DredgingandSpoilDisposalPolicy_2004.pdf

http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/zoning-permits-and-plans/permits/research-permits-advice-to-researchers/best-environmental-practices-and-legal-requirements-for-limited-impact-research-in-the-gbrmp



http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/fd1b67e7-5f9e-4903-9d8d-45cafb5232cd/files/gbr-ports-environmental-standards.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/fd1b67e7-5f9e-4903-9d8d-45cafb5232cd/files/gbr-ports-environmental-standards.pdf

http://www.glmri.org/downloads/resources/manualBestManagementPorts.pdf


Greenpeace (2012). Boom goes the reef. Australia’s coal export boom and the industrialisation of the Great Barrier

Reef. March 2012.

http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/Global/australia/reports/Boom_goes_the_Reef_Report_4MB.pdf

Green Port (2014). Dust free loading process http://www.greenport.com/responsive-

newsletter/newsletter/articles/dust-free-loading-

process?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonuK7NZKXonjHpfsX87ukqW7Hr08Yy0EZ5VunJEUWy2YIHTNQ%2FcO

edCQkZHblFnVQASa2xS7kNoqwE

Hughes, T. (2014). Mounting evidence shows dredge spoil threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The Conversation. 18 August. http://theconversation.com/mounting-evidence-shows-dredge-spoil-threat-to-the-great-barrier-reef-29773

IACD (2005) Dredging the facts. http://www.iadc-dredging.com/ul/cms/fck-uploaded/documents/PDF%20Publications/dredging-literature-dredging-the-facts.pdf

International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) (2012) Selecting a Destination for Dredged material. An

Information Update from the IADC–Number 1

International Institute for Sustainable Seaports: Update (2013). Environmental Initiatives at Seaports Worldwide: a

Snapshot of Best Practices. http://www.getf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2013-Update-

Environmental-Initiatives-Worldwide-UPDATE-August-2013-Final-II.pdf

Jacobson, C., Hughey, K.F.D., Lynch, A.J.J., Nursey-Bray, M., O’Connell, M., Munro, P.G., Vella, K., Whiley, D.,

Dovers, S., Carter, R.W. (2014). Twenty years of pacifying responses to environmental management.

Australasian Journal of Environmental Management 21(2): 143-174.

Jones, A. (2014). The battle over Abbot Point risks losing the Great Barrier Reef war. The Conversation 21 March. http://theconversation.com/the-battle-over-abbot-point-risks-losing-the-great-barrier-reef-war-24207

Llley, D., Morris, R.K.A., Cruickshanks, K., Macleod, C., Underhill-Day, J., Brereton, T. & Mitchell, J. 2012. Identifying

best practice in management of activities on Marine Protected Areas. Natural England Commissioned

Reports, Number 108.

Lloyd, G. (2013). Gladstone Ports bid to dump dredge spoils on Great Barrier Reef axed. The Australian November 18. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/gladstone-ports-bid-to-dump-dredge-spoils-on-great-barrier-reef-axed/story-e6frg6xf-1226761473910

Lloyd, G. (2014). A sea change in reef policy. The Australian 13 September.

Mink, F.J (2006) Sustainable management of Dredged material under EU legislation. European Dredging

Association Paper 06-0030, European Dredging Association, Brussels

NQ Dry Tropics (2013). Reef Rescue ABCD Frameworkfile:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Administrator/My%20Documents/Reef%20Ecologic%20WWF%20Port%20review%20July%202014/ROO01_brochure_ABCD_Framework_Sugar_October_2013.pdf

PIANC (2010). Dredging and port construction around coral reefs. PIANC Environmental Commission Report 108 – 2010. World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, Brussels, Belgium 2010.

Ports Australia (2014). Dredging and Australian Ports. Subtropical and tropical ports.

http://www.greenport.com/responsive-newsletter/newsletter/articles/dust-free-loading-process?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonuK7NZKXonjHpfsX87ukqW7Hr08Yy0EZ5VunJEUWy2YIHTNQ%252FcOedCQkZHblFnVQASa2xS7kNoqwE




http://theconversation.com/mounting-evidence-shows-dredge-spoil-threat-to-the-great-barrier-reef-29773

http://www.getf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2013-Update-Environmental-Initiatives-Worldwide-UPDATE-August-2013-Final-II.pdf

http://www.getf.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2013-Update-Environmental-Initiatives-Worldwide-UPDATE-August-2013-Final-II.pdf

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/gladstone-ports-bid-to-dump-dredge-spoils-on-great-barrier-reef-axed/story-e6frg6xf-1226761473910

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/gladstone-ports-bid-to-dump-dredge-spoils-on-great-barrier-reef-axed/story-e6frg6xf-1226761473910


Queensland Government (2014). Queensland Ports Strategy.

http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/plan/queensland-ports-strategy.pdf

Reichelt, R. (2014). Let’s dump Great Barrier Reef dredging myths: authority chief. The Conversation. 3 March. http://theconversation.com/lets-dump-great-barrier-reef-dredging-myths-authority-chief-22991

Sainsbury, K. (2006). Best practice reference points for Australian fisheries

http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2219770/best-practice-references-keith-

sainsbury.pdf

Scheffler, A., Roth, T., Ahlf, W. (2014). Sustainable decision making under uncertainty: a case study in dredged

material management. Environmental Sciences Europe 26(7):

SKM (2013). Improved dredged material management for the Great Barrier Reef Region. Literature Review and Cost Analysis of Land- based Dredge Material Re-use and Disposal Option & Synthesis Report. Reports prepared in conjunction with Asia-Pacific Applied Science Associates for Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Smith, A., Foster, T., Corcoron, E., Monkivitch, J (2008). Dredging and material location in sensitive coral environments. Proceedings of WODCONXV111, Florida USA

Smith, S.D.A., and Rule, M.J. (2001). The effects of dredge spoil dumping on a shallow water soft sediment community in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, NSW, Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 42(11): 1040-1048

UNESCO (2013). Committee Decisions 36 COM 7B.8 Great Barrier Reef (Australia) (N 154).

http://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4657

UNESCO (2014). The Great Barrier Reef. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/154

Vikolainen, V., Bressers , H., Lulofs, K., A Shift Toward Building with Nature in the Dredging and Port Development

Industries: Managerial Implications for Projects in or Near Natura 2000 Areas. Environmental Management

(2014) 54:3–13

Voisey, C., Apelt, C (2002). Recent dredging projects in sensitive areas of Queensland. CRC for Sustainable Tourism.

WWF (2014). Time to ban dumping of dredge spoil in the Reef World Heritage Area once and for al;. 3 September. http://www.wwf.org.au/?10660/Time-to-ban-dumping-of-dredge-spoil-in-the-Reef-World-Heritage-Area-once-and-for-all

http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/plan/queensland-ports-strategy.pdf

http://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/4657

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/154

http://www.wwf.org.au/?10660/Time-to-ban-dumping-of-dredge-spoil-in-the-Reef-World-Heritage-Area-once-and-for-all

http://www.wwf.org.au/?10660/Time-to-ban-dumping-of-dredge-spoil-in-the-Reef-World-Heritage-Area-once-and-for-all


APPENDICES

Appendix 1. The flowchart for decision making for Building with Nature


Appendix 2. Comments and suggested improvement of port related targets and actions in the draft Reef 2050 plan Reef 2050 has 18 individual targets and actions which are relevant to future management of ports, dredging and spoil disposal in the GBRWHA. The focus of future port management is on water quality (9 targets and actions) followed by economic benefit (6 actions). There are two specific heritage and one specific ecosystem health actions and no specific biodiversity or community benefit actions. These targets and actions are below together with a simple evaluation as to whether they are SMART and suggested improvements. None of the targets and actions have been costed and REEF 2050 will have a separate investment strategy to underpin delivery of the plan. In general the groups that are responsible are all government and industry and there is no role for community.

Reef 2050 Targets and Actions SMART Suggested improvement

WQT3 By 2020, Reef-wide and locally relevant water quality targets are in place for urban, industrial and port activities and monitoring shows a stable or positive trend.

Not realistic as ‘locally relevant’ is not defined and reefwide health is declining

Targets by 2015 5 year reporting by Outlook Focus on legislation and compliance

WQT5 Use of cost-effective and innovative measures and mechanisms to improve water quality from broadscale land use, urban, industrial and port activities (including dredging) is increasing.

Not SMART Focus on compliance and permittees

WQA5 Establish a performance-based voluntary reporting framework across agriculture, urban, ports and industry to measure management efforts to achieve best management practice and to inform regional report cards.(Industry, QG, LG)

Not SMART ABCD may be a useful best practice example Voluntary will not achieve results Focus on compliance and permittees

WQA6

Prohibit dredging within and adjoining the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, for the development of new, or the expansion of existing port facilities outside priority port development areas, for the next 10 years. (QG)

This has impacts in PPDAs that need to be managed. Ie volumes, times. Should not just be 10 years Suggested improvement Restrict dredging to Priority Port Development Areas with a maximum reef wide annual limit of 2m cu m (and annual PDAA limit of 0.5m cu m) and only during the period of 1 Mar to 30 June (to minimize impacts on World Heritage coral, seagrass and threatened species).


WQA7 Undertake dredging in a planned, structured and strategic manner for each port as part of a port safety and planning process that prioritises opportunities for the beneficial re-use of dredged material, taking into account national and international requirements and guidelines for the disposal of dredge material.(QG, GBRMPA)

Not SMART Simpler to say no disposal in GBRWHA Suggested improvement No disposal of dredge spoil in the GBRWHA

WQA8 Develop and implement a dredging management strategy that includes:

a principle-based dredge management policy that prioritises the beneficial re-use of dredged material (AG, GBRMPA, QG, Ports Australia, Industry)

conduct an examination and, where appropriate, a potential pilot program to evaluate different treatment and re-use options for managing dredge spoil (Ports Australia, AG)

measures to address dredging related impacts on Reef water quality and ecosystem health. (GBRMPA, Ports Australia)

a ‘code of practice’ for port related dredging activities. (Ports Australia, Industry, QG, GBRMPA)

Stronger to implement in legislation rather than policy and code of practice Suggested improvement No disposal of dredge spoil in the GBRWHA

WQA9 Develop a statewide coordinated maintenance dredging program that Is consistent with the dredge management policy and considers:

each port’s maintenance dredging needs

historical dredging volumes and likely future requirements and limits

availability of cost-effective dredge equipment

identification of environmental windows to avoid coral spawning, seagrass recruitment, turtle breeding, weather events

risk-based monitoring programs. (Industry, QG, AG, GBRMPA)

Not SMART

This is a process to have a plan rather than environmental and social targets.

Could put limits in now i.e. zero or 1 m cu m pa Suggested improvement See WQA6

WQA15

Expand ‘nested’ integrated water quality monitoring and report card programs at major ports and activity centres (e.g. Gladstone), in priority catchments (e.g. Mackay Whitsundays) and Reef-wide (i.e. Reef Report Card), to guide local adaptive management frameworks and actions. (Industry, LG, NRMs, QG, GBRMPA)

WQA19 At each major port, understand the port sediment characteristics, risks and how they interact and contribute to broader catchment contributions within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. (Industry, QG, GBRMPA)

Geology is a potential research question but biggest issue is social impacts so need research on this aspect

EHA3 Ensure Great Barrier Reef ports planning incorporates measures to support protection, restoration and management of coastal ecosystems that contribute to Reef

‘Measures’ and ‘contributes’ are not SMART

Suggested improvement Specific goals of 20%


health and resilience. (Industry, QG, AG) for additional protection and restoration of water quality and habitats in port areas by 2020

HA5 Facilitate robust consideration of heritage values in planning and port development and associated activities (including dredging). (AG, QG, GBRMPA, Ports Australia, NRMs, GBR Traditional Owners)

‘consideration’ is not SMART

HA7 Build capacity for the involvement of Traditional Owners and community members in cooperative management (AG, QG, GBRMPA, NRMs, GBR Traditional Owners) and port planning. (Industry, GBR Traditional Owners)

Not SMART

EBT3 Shipping within the Reef continues, is safe, risks are minimised, and there are no environmentally damaging incidents

Suggest that a similar action for shipping applies to ports

Suggested improvement Shipping and ports within the Reef continues, is safe, risks are minimised, and there are no environmentally damaging incidents

EBA2 Introduce a guideline for port master planning for Priority Port Development Areas that considers the relationships beyond traditional port boundaries, operational, economic, environmental and social, including supply chains and surrounding land issues. (QG)

Not SMART Suggest one boundary where GBRMP and GBRWHA are the same.

EBA3 Adopt the best practice principles identified in the Gladstone Independent Review Reports, provide guidance on where they can be applied, and integrate into port planning and development. (GBRMPA, AG, QG)

Not SMART Be specific on what Gladstone review recommended

EBA10

Establish Priority Port Development Areas at long-established major ports of Port of Abbot Point, Port of Gladstone, Port of Hay Point and Mackay, and Port of Townsville. (QG)

Suggest need to balance development with environment best practice

EBA14

Continue to engage in and support the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership. (AG, QG)

Not SMART

EBA16

Identify the risk and associated management measures to deal with impacts of coal dust on the Reef. (AG)

NEW Port and dredging activities to be certified carbon neutral by 2020

Climate Change is the biggest issue for the GBR and ports need a specific action

NEW Have one governance system for government, industry and stakeholders for environmental management of ports in the GBRWHA

Suggested improvement Port areas to be included in the GBRMP to ensure a


transparent, equitable governance and management system which prioritises protection of the reef and allows sustainable multiple uses.

Review of Port Activities in GBRWHA_Reef Ecologic_2014

Documents

Transcript of Review of Port Activities in GBRWHA_Reef Ecologic_2014