JUNE 2015 your community and environmental P2 GPC launches new look website P6 GPC change it up for a reconciled Australia P3 GPC s marina awarded best public boat harbour in Australia P8 Get in early B2B registrations are now open
A message from Craig We are approaching the end of another busy financial year with just over a week left of FY14/15. GPC s total throughput tonnage will not meet our target for this financial year and will likely be similar to last year s total of around 98 million tonnes through the three ports of Gladstone, Bundaberg and Rockhampton. Most of the shortfall is attributable to coal and LNG, with the coal market in particular feeling the effects of the low coal price. In late April, Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) successfully loaded their first vessel with 74,000 tonnes of coal bound for Hong Kong. As identified in GPC s 50 year Strategic Plan we plan to close Barney Point Coal Terminal to coal operations in 2016. The coal will move from Barney Point to RG Tanna Coal Terminal or WICET at that time. The timing of the final decision has been linked to WICET facility becoming operational. Following relocation of the coal, The Barney Point Terminal will be utilised for other smaller bulk products such as clean dry bulk/break bulk general cargo and possibly a liquids berth. GPC will communicate the timing for this with the community within the next six months. The topic of dredging in and around port areas continues to gain a lot of media attention, particularly as UNESCO has recently delivered their decision to not list the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area as in danger. GPC remains committed to ensuring that any development within the Port of Gladstone is delivered efficiently and effectively and with minimal impact to the environmental values of the port areas and their surrounds. The Federal Government recently legislated the ban on the dumping of dredge material at sea in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The ban also covers 99% of the Reef World Heritage Area. This means that any future capital dredging projects to allow for further growth of the Port of Gladstone, must place dredged material on land rather than at sea. GPC has never placed any dredge material in the Marine Park and has no plans to do so in the future. Whilst GPC maintains a focus on minimising impacts to the environment from its operations, dredging is a vital part of operating a port as it is needed to maintain the depth in channels, berths and harbours to allow ships efficient and safe passage. Maintenance dredging involves the removal of sediments naturally transported by waves or currents, into deeper channels or berths. In most ports, maintenance dredging is needed in certain areas each year. Maintenance dredging was undertaken in the Marina five years ago, and since that period, a significant build-up of sediment has occurred, reducing the Marina depth from between 3-4 metres Lowest Astronomical Tides (LAT), to as low as 1 metre LAT. This shallow depth restricts vessel movement and compromises the safe exit and entry into the Marina. A maintenance dredging program in the marina basin has commenced this month and is expected to conclude in October 2015. A permit has been issued by the State and Commonwealth Government for this program, and contains a number of conditions to ensure the activity is undertaken within appropriate regulations. A Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) has been commissioned to undertake the dredging work. This type of dredger uses a rotating cutter head to loosen the material. A suction tube is connected from the dredger to the disposal area, and operates similarly to a vacuum. Dredge material will be disposed of in GPC s land based reclamation area off Alf O Rourke Drive. This area is approved for the placement of dredge material and once filled, will be converted to usable land, and is consistent with the objectives, targets, actions and outcomes of the Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan. GPC has recently launched an education and awareness program for the EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) Act listed endangered and migratory species in the Port Curtis region and greater bioregion. The initiative forms part of GPC s Biodiversity Offset Strategy, which was developed in response to a condition of approval for the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project (WBDDP). The program aims to engage and educate the community about the numerous endangered and migratory megafauna species that inhabit our local waterways. For more information about the program, please visit www.gpcl.com.au/big6. I am pleased to note that GPC s Botanic to Bridge fun run will be held again this year on Sunday 16th August. I encourage everyone to get involved in this event as it is not only an enjoyable day and a fantastic way to stay active, but also a great opportunity to support local schools and a worthy community beneficiary. GPC launches new look website Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) recently launched its new look corporate website. The new site has been designed to provide visitors with a more intuitive and efficient experience with improved navigation and a fresh, modern design. Additionally, the website adopts a responsive design; adapting its layout depending on what type of device it is being used on, be it a desktop, PC, tablet or mobile. During the initial adjustment phase, users will find the newly added search function of assistance, to point them in the right direction for the information they require. Community members are also encouraged to subscribe to GPC s new email newsletter to receive regular s about port operations, projects and community initiatives. Sign-up is via GPC s homepage www.gpcl.com.au. GPC s new website presents a modern and fresh design with improved functionality. GPC Website features Job vacancies Contractor induction Webcams showcasing Agnes Water, Tannum Sands and Kelly s Beach. Parklands booking forms Gladstone s Big 6 microsite P2
GPC s marina awarded best public boat harbour in Australia This year we received an overwhelming number of submissions, which is a promising sign for the marina industry, Mr Chapman said. GPC s submission was a standout in what was a highly competitive category. After successfully addressing all criteria, the judges undertook a physical evaluation of Gladstone Marina and were extremely impressed with what they saw. GPC s marina team demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering a high level of service and exceptional commitment to customers. Their facilities and services have set a benchmark. GPC Marina Superintendent, Darren Marshall said the marina will proudly hold the title of Best Public Boat Harbour in Australia for the next two years. For our marina to have impressed the judges, who have visited some of the best facilities in the world, it is a real honour, Mr Marshall said. This was the first time that GPC has entered the Marina of the Year Awards, so a win was all the more significant. GPC Marina Superintendent, Darren Marshall and Parks and Recreation Manager, Graham Gambie proudly display the Marina of the Year Award for Best Public Boat Harbour in Australia. Gladstone Ports Corporation s (GPC) marina was recently awarded the prestigious title of Best Public Boat Harbour in Australia in the Marina Industries Association s Club Marine Marina of the Year Awards. Marina Industries Association (MIA) President, Andrew Chapman, CMM, referred to this year s awards submissions as being of the highest calibre the Association has seen. The preparation of our submission was a valuable process to undertake and it allowed us to identify strengths and weaknesses for future business improvement and development. The Marina of the Year Awards cover the 2015/16 period and are awarded based on performance from the previous financial year. In 2014, GPC s marina received accreditation through MIA s International Clean Marina Program, which encourages environmental compliance and the use of best management practices for marinas. For more information about GPC s marina and facilities, visit www.gpcl.com.au. Maintenance dredging program planned Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) will undertake a maintenance dredging program in the Gladstone Marina to reduce siltation build up that has occurred over the past five years. Maintenance dredging was last undertaken in the Marina in 2009, and since that period, significant sediment build-up has occurred reducing water depths from 3-4 metres Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) to as low as 1-1.5 metres LAT. This shallow depth restricts vessel movement and compromises the safe exit and entry, and berthing in the Marina. The State and Federal approved dredging program has commenced and is expected to conclude in October 2015. A Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) has been commissioned to undertake the dredging work. Dredge material will be disposed of in GPC s land based reclamation area off Alf O Rourke Drive. This area is approved for the placement of dredge material and once filled, will be converted to usable land. A pipe will run from the Cutter Suction Dredger to the land based disposal area and across Alf O Rourke Drive. To ensure motorist safety, a detour will be in place on a section of Alf O Rourke Drive for the duration of the maintenance dredging program. Dredging in the marina is required to facilitate safe entry and exit and improve berthing facilities. GPC has consulted with marina residents, businesses and stakeholders, and will continue to do so throughout the dredging program. Residents are also invited to visit GPC s website, www.gpcl.com.au, for s and further information on the maintenance program. P3
project WICET loads and sets sail first coal vessel During April Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) successfully loaded their first vessel. Bound for Hong Kong the vessel was successfully loaded with 74,000 tonnes of coal, departing on the 28th of April 2015. There were no injuries, equipment damage or significant failures recorded. WICET is privately owned and funded by a group of Queensland coal exporters, who are providing additional export capacity through the Port of Gladstone. Gladstone Ports Corporation has been contracted to operate the coal terminal on behalf of WICET via its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gladstone WICET Operations. WICET operations have now commenced. Port of Gladstone master port planning area identified for public comment The Queensland Government is implementing the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan (Reef 2050), developed to secure the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. In accordance with Reef 2050 master planning is being undertaken for four priority ports. Fitzroy Delta Port Alma (Port of Rockhampton) Priority ports include the ports of Gladstone, Abbot Point, Hay Point/ Mackay and Townsville. CURTIS ISLAND Port of Gladstone Coral Sea On 3 June 2015 the Queensland Government introduced the Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015 to implement key port-related actions of Reef 2050. The Bill mandates port master planning for Queensland s priority ports. Master planning will ensure the environmental values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are considered in port development; optimise use of existing infrastructure; and provide for transparent decision making and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. The first priority port to undergo master planning will be the Port of Gladstone with early work to determine the boundary for the port master planned area already underway. The outcomes of the master planning for the Port of Gladstone will include: a 30 year strategic vision and associated strategic objectives for the master planned area; articulation of the port state interests in relation to the Port of Gladstone and how those interests must be considered in all planning decisions made within the port master planned area; an environmental management framework for the port master planning area that reflects ecologically sustainable development and provides for the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef. Proposed Gladstone port master planned area Legend Proposed boundary for the Gladstone port master planned area Port limits Proposed land component of the Gladstone port master planned area Proposed marine component of the Gladstone port master planned area Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Port of Gladstone, a Queensland priority port. Gladstone Harbour Gladstone BOYNE ISLAND FACING ISLAND Port limits GBR MARINE PARK BOUNDARY These outcomes will deliver better understanding of the impacts of port operations, leading to improved management of port operations and development. A proposed boundary for the port master planned area has been identified to include the Gladstone State Development Area, marine areas within the port limits of the Port of Gladstone as stated in the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (that are not Commonwealth nor State marine park), small areas of the local government planning scheme, and strategic port land. This proposed area has been released for public comment and is available at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/sustainableports Port limits P4
Auckland Point prepares to export logs and woodchip HQ Plantations is the largest plantation company in Queensland. Earlier this year, their estate located at Byfield (near Yeppoon), underwent significant damage when Tropical Cyclone Marcia battered the Central Queensland coast. Thousands of hectares of trees were left wind-thrown and damaged, and needed to be salvaged as soon as possible. Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) have been working closely with HQ Plantations to swiftly finalise a contract to commence export of the damaged trees and woodchip from Auckland Point. Logs and woodchip have begun arriving at Auckland Point, where they will be exported via Auckland Point 4 and 1. Remediation works on some of the idle equipment at Auckland Point 1 have been initiated, to be ready for the first shipment of logs which is expected this month. Logs and woodchip will soon be exported via Auckland Point. Port Alma receives surveillance and security upgrade Port of Bundaberg retaining wall reconstruction nears completion The Port Alma Shipping Terminal. Wall undergoes rebuild following 2013 floods. Port Alma Shipping Terminal recently received an upgrade to its surveillance system and security gate. The 20 year old aluminium gate was replaced with a heavy duty modern security gate. The new surveillance system installed is the same equipment currently used at the Port of Gladstone and will be monitored by Gladstone Ports Corporation s (GPC) security team. The Port Alma facility is a explosive port, and with this the primary cargo, the new equipment will ensure the security of the site and the safety of employees, contractors and visitors. The Port of Bundaberg will soon have the same surveillance equipment installed, aligning all of GPC s operational facilities. The Port of Bundaberg is currently half way through the rebuild of its main northern retaining wall. The wall, which helps to control river flows and maintain channel depths, was damaged during the 2013 floods. Approximately 50,000 tonnes of rock was washed away during the devastating floods and the wall was left with major damage. Some sections of the wall had less than 30% of material left in place. The rock used to replace those washed away has been sourced from a quarry in Biggenden and trucked to the site where two barges with long reach excavators are being used to place material. The repair, which covers over 3km of wall, is expected to be complete in July. P5
Today s talent recognised in scholarship Gladstone Ports Corporation s (GPC) Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow scholarship for local Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander university students was recently awarded to Iesha Nixon, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work. GPC CEO Craig Doyle and Community Relations Officer- Indigenous Affairs Lee-ann Dudley celebrate National Reconciliation Week with community members. GPC change it up for a reconciled Australia Last month Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) celebrated National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) by hosting a number of internal activities to engage employees, generate awareness and drive to change it up. GPC acknowledges and values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander heritage, culture and peoples and the role that they play in our organisation as employee, customers and community members and has made a commitment to reconciliation. GPC Community Relations Officer - Indigenous Affairs, Lee-ann Dudley said National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect and come together to close the gaps. The week is about being proud of our culture and heritage, reflecting on where we have come from and appreciating the contributions made by our ancestors that have enabled us to live the life that we do today. each other with respect and as equals, Ms Dudley said. To change it up GPC has made an ongoing commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander peoples by developing its second Reconciliation Action Plan. This plan continues GPC s promise to strengthen relationships, foster respect, increase opportunities and ensure accountability. Although National Reconciliation Week is over, GPC encourages the wider Gladstone community to join us in changing it up for a Reconciled Australia. The scholarship forms part of GPC s Reconciliation Action Plan, and aims to help facilitate increased opportunities for those in pursuit of higher education through financial assistance. Ms Nixon will receive up to $21,000 in financial support during her tertiary studies for up to three years. The mother of three, who is enrolled at the University of the Sunshine Coast, hopes to become a social worker within the justice system. She said the Talent Today, Talent Tomorrow scholarship will help alleviate the financial pressure of studying. The funds received through the scholarship will assist in the purchase of textbooks, transport to and from university and child care fees, she said. This will allow me to concentrate more on my studies, as well as help me to continue being a role model to my children, future Indigenous generations and single parents. GPC wish Ms Nixon all the best with her studies and look forward to seeing her progress. This year s theme It s time to change it up! provides Australians with the opportunity to take new actions and spark change, treating NRW was celebrated across numerous GPC worksites. P6
Education and awareness program makes a big splash Bronte Ellis makes an origami fish at this year s Ecofest, launching the Big 6 program. To celebrate the biodiversity of our waterways, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is calling on residents to discover Gladstone s Big 6 and identify which tribe they belong to as part of a new campaign. The recently launched, Gladstone s Big 6, is an education and awareness program targeted at improving the communities knowledge of the marine megafauna and their habitats located in our region. The program is built around six tribes - key groups of animals that locals and visitors to Gladstone are likely to come across, GPC Safety, Environment and Risk General Manager John Sherriff said. Some of these animals are migratory, many are threatened, but all are important to sustaining the local ecosystem as well as some of our favourite pastimes like fishing. We want kids and adults alike to sign up to a tribe and unlock important information about the Big 6 and the simple things we can all do to look after them. GPC, Marine Scientist, Dr Megan Ellis said the program was a fantastic extension of GPC s Biodiversity Offset Strategy. The purpose of the Biodiversity Offset Strategy is to assist in the long-term conservation of important species and the environments around the harbour in which they live, Dr Ellis said. It is important for everyone who uses the harbour and the beaches for work or recreation to know about the sea creatures and birds of Gladstone, and the impact humans can have on them. This campaign is a fun and easy way for people to access that information and celebrate the biodiversity that makes Gladstone a great place to live and play. Children can join up to the tribe of their favourite marine species within the Big 6, receiving an information pack including a cap and a fact filled info sheet. Tribe sign up and consolidated online resources, including fact sheets, puzzles and activities are available for free at www.gpcl.com.au/big6. Gladstone s Big 6: You can find the following marine species throughout the Gladstone Region waterway during different times of the year; Dugongs, Turtles, Fish, Crustaceans, Cetaceans and Shorebirds. Get snappy with Big 6 nature pix photo competition Boaties reminded to Go Slow for those below Whilst out on the water Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) wishes to remind you to slow down to protect the marine wildlife which make our waterways their home. The waters of Gladstone and the greater Port Curtis region are home to dozens of amazing and ecologically important animals of different shapes and sizes: microfauna, like crabs and prawns to megafauna creatures like dugong, dolphins and whales. In conjunction with Gladstone s Big 6, Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) and the Gladstone Observer are inviting budding photographers to submit their images of the Gladstone region s natural environment as part of the Big 6 Nature Pix photo competition. Entries are to be submitted online via the Gladstone Observer www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/ big6naturepix with the competition closing 5pm on Sunday 28 June 2015. There are over $4,000 in prizes to be won in both adult and junior categories. For more information on the competition visit www.gladstoneobserver.com.au or www.gpcl.com.au/big6. Some of these animals have a curious nature and will swim close to boats or in the bow waves they create. Many are slow moving, have poor eyesight or bad hearing and won t be able to move out of the way of fastmoving watercraft. It is important that you consider these animals and their habitat when you are enjoying time on the water, particularly at low tide or around river mouths, mangroves and seagrass meadows, and the best way to keep these creatures safe is to stick to signed speed limits and go slow for those below. P7
Get in early the B2B registrations are now open With a date now locked in, it s time to clear the calendar and register for this year s Botanic to Bridge. All registration fees are invested back into the our region via a community beneficiary and local schools. It doesn t matter if you walk or run the 3km or 8km events, just be involved in a great day, full of community spirit. Registrations are now open, and with the event reaching capacity last year, it is vital that you register early to ensure you don t miss out! Hurry, and register before June 30 to receive early bird pricing. Visit www.botanictobridge.com.au for more information and to register. Be early off the mark and register today Thanks to those who support B2B Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC), together with its event partners, is pleased to announce that the 6th annual Botanic to Bridge event will be held on Sunday 16th August 2015. Over the past five years the Botanic to Bridge has invested over $200,000 into the Gladstone region, distributed via a major community beneficiary, and primary and secondary schools across the region. Community events such as this are not possible without the support of sponsors, GPC would like to thank all new and repeat event sponsors for their support in 2015. GPC would like to make a special mention of this year s event platinum sponsor rt health fund, we thank you for your support of Gladstone s Favourite FunD Run. Simone Tregeagle, rt health fund s Chief Operating Officer said that they are delighted to be supporting this fantastic community event. As Australia s only industry health fund for people in the transport and energy sectors, we re very excited to be getting to know the Gladstone community better. Events like this are what we love about Gladstone: the community getting involved in a great event and working to support each other and people who need a hand, Ms Tregeagle said. It s very much what our organisation started doing 126 years ago, and what we re still about today. We re looking forward to having a few of our own crew out running on the day and to helping make vital funding available to local schools and community beneficiaries, she said. The rt health fund team has begun training for this year s Botanic to Bridge. P8