ninemsn reported that a second shipping channel in Queensland's busy Gladstone harbour will be subjected to a vigorous environmental assessment

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said “This project will open up a second channel in the harbour, allowing two way traffic and more efficient and effective use of the harbour.”

Mr Seeney said the AUD 400 million project would face a vigorous process to assess its environmental impacts

He added “The Port of Gladstone is Queensland's largest multi commodity port, the world's fifth largest coal export terminal and one of the busiest ports in Australia.”

The announcement of the new channel, which will allow two way shipping traffic in the busy coal and gas export hub, falls amid ongoing concern about the effects of existing dredging projects to accommodate large ships. Environmentalists and local fisheries have blamed the massive dredging program for causing an outbreak of illness among fish, with symptoms of skin lesions and cloudy eyes.

The government owned Gladstone Ports Corporation will build the channel, which will stretch for more than nine kilometers and reach depths of more than 16 meters. The channel will duplicate the existing Gatcombe and Golding Cutting shipping channel.

Source - ninemsn

(www.coalguru.com)