Port risk 'too great'

The Capricorn Conservation Council believe Xstrata’s proposed Balaclava Island Coal Port will put local marine life at risk.

CONSERVATIONISTS say Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe should reject Xstrata’s Balaclava Island Coal Port as the area is far too environmentally sensitive.

It is understood the State Government is obtaining help from the Federal Government in preparation for the release of the draft terms of reference early next year.

Capricorn Conservation Council (CCC) coordinator, Michael McCabe said Balaclava Island was unsuitable for a coal terminal as it was predominantly low-lying tidal mud flats which were inundated twice a day up to five metres.

“The island is situated at the mouth of the Fitzroy River in close proximity to the Fish Habitat Area, an area protected from coastal development,” he said.

“Furthermore we cannot understand why the project is being pushed ahead after approval has already been given to the expansion of the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal.”

Last weekend, Mr Hinchliffe rejected the assertion that the project’s approval had been predetermined.

“Social, environmental and economic investigations will be undertaken as part of the environmental impact statement which will feature extensive community and stakeholder consultation,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Of special concern for the environmentalists are the habitats of the critically-endangered yellow chat and Australia’s only endemic dolphin, the snub-fin dolphin.

“The clearing of 240ha and potential threats to the critically endangered coastal vine thickets on beach cheniers for the coal conveyer and port, places too great a threat of permanent harm,” Mr McCabe said.