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Coordinates: 19°52′59″S 148°04′59″E / 19.883°S 148.083°E / -19.883; 148.083
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{{Use Australian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox port
{{Infobox port
| name = Abbot Point
| name = Abbot Point
| image = Abbot Point Terminal.jpg
| image = Abbot Point Terminal.jpg
| image_caption = Abbott Point Port infrastructure from the sea, 2018
| image_caption = Abbott Point port infrastructure from the sea, 2018
| country = Australia
| country = Australia
| location = {{cvt|25|km}} north of [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]]
| location = {{cvt|25|km}} north of [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]]
| coordinates = {{coord|-19.883|148.083|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|-19.883|148.083|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = yes
| pushpin_map = yes
| pushpin_map_geomask = yes
| pushpin_map_geomask = yes
| pushpin_map_zoom = 5
| pushpin_map_zoom = 5
| locode = AUABP<ref name="Locode-1">{{cite web |title=UNLOCODE (AU) - AUSTRALIA |url=https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/locode/au.htm |website=www.unece.org |publisher=[[UNECE]] |accessdate=8 October 2020}}</ref>
| locode = AUABP<ref name="Locode-1">{{cite web |title=UNLOCODE (AU) - AUSTRALIA |url=https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/locode/au.htm |website=www.unece.org |publisher=[[UNECE]] |accessdate=8 October 2020 |archive-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110230700/http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/cefact/locode/au.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
| berths = 2<ref name="fap-1">{{cite web |title=Port of Abbot Point, Australia |url=https://www.findaport.com/port-of-abbot-point#berthing |website=www.findaport.com |publisher=Shipping Guides Ltd |accessdate=8 October 2020}}</ref>
| berths = 2<ref name="fap-1">{{cite web |title=Port of Abbot Point, Australia |url=https://www.findaport.com/port-of-abbot-point#berthing |website=Findaport.com |publisher=Shipping Guides Ltd |accessdate=8 October 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116143306/http://www.findaport.com/port-of-abbot-point#berthing |url-status=live }}</ref>
| draft_depth = 19.1 m.<ref name="fap-1"/>
| draft_depth = 19.1 m.<ref name="fap-1"/>
| opened =
| opened =
| operated = [[Adani Group]]
| operated = [[Adani Group]]
| owner = North Queensland Bulk Ports
| owner = North Queensland Bulk Ports
| type = Artificial
| type = Artificial
| sizewater =
| sizewater =
| sizeland =
| sizeland =
| size =
| size =
| wharfs =
| wharfs =
| piers =
| piers =
| employees =
| employees =
| leadershiptitle =
| leadershiptitle =
| leader =
| arrivals = 190 (2010-11)
| leader =
| arrivals = 190 (2010-11)
| cargotonnage = 15,063,943 (2010-11)
| containervolume =
| cargotonnage = 15,063,943 (2010-11)
| containervolume =
| cargovalue =
| cargovalue =
| passengertraffic =
| passengertraffic =
| revenue =
| revenue =
| profit =
| website = {{Official URL}}
| profit =
| website = {{url|http://www.nqxt.com.au}}
}}
}}
⚫
'''Abbot Point Port''' is home to the '''North Queensland Export Terminal''' (NQXT), the most northerly deepwater coal port of Australia, situated approximately {{convert|25|km}} north-west of the township of [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]] ([[Queensland]]).<ref name=nqbp_abbot>{{Cite web|title=NQBP Abbot Point |url=http://www.nqbp.com.au/index.cfm?contentID=15 |publisher=North Queensland Bulk Ports North Queensland |accessdate=2010-02-07 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026232929/http://www.nqbp.com.au/index.cfm?contentID=15 |archivedate=26 October 2009 }}</ref> Established in 1984, it consists of a rail in-loading facility, coal handling and stockpile areas, and a single trestle [[jetty]] and conveyor connected to a berth and [[shiploader]], located 2.75&nbsp;km off-shore.<ref name=nqbp_abbot/> Coal reaches the port via the [[GAP railway line]] from the [[Bowen Basin Coalfields]].


⚫
The '''Port of Abbot Point''' is home to the '''North Queensland Export Terminal''' ('''NQXT'''), the most northerly deepwater coal port of Australia, situated approximately {{convert|25|km}} north-west of the town of [[Bowen, Queensland|Bowen]], [[Queensland]].<ref name=nqbp_abbot>{{Cite web|title=NQBP Abbot Point |url=http://www.nqbp.com.au/index.cfm?contentID=15 |publisher=North Queensland Bulk Ports North Queensland |accessdate=2010-02-07 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026232929/http://www.nqbp.com.au/index.cfm?contentID=15 |archivedate=26 October 2009 }}</ref> Established in 1984, it consists of a rail in-loading facility, coal handling and stockpile areas, and a single trestle [[jetty]] and conveyor connected to a berth and [[shiploader]], located 2.75&nbsp;km off-shore.<ref name=nqbp_abbot/> Coal reaches the port via the [[GAP railway line]] from the [[Bowen Basin Coalfields]].
⚫
The Port of Abbot Point is of significant strategic value to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, as there are very few locations along Queensland's eastern seaboard where deep water (>15m) is so close in-shore.<ref name=nqbp_abbot/> North Queensland Export Terminal has been operating for 35 years exporting coal,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=Oct 2020|title=Abbot Point Factsheet|url=https://www.adaniaustralia.com/-/media/Project/Australia/Fact-sheets/Abbot-Point-Operations---Port-Fact-Sheet_v15_WEB.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105111437/https://www.adaniaustralia.com/-/media/Project/Australia/Fact-sheets/Abbot-Point-Operations---Port-Fact-Sheet_v15_WEB.pdf |archive-date=5 November 2020 |access-date=|website=}}</ref> however the port's location is sometimes considered controversial given it is about 200&nbsp;km from the [[Great Barrier Reef]], a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site|UNESCO world heritage site]].

⚫
The Port of Abbot Point is of significant strategic value to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, as there are very few locations along Queensland's eastern seaboard where deep water (>15m) is so close in-shore.<ref name=nqbp_abbot/> North Queensland Export Terminal has been operating for 35 years exporting coal.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=Oct 2020|title=Abbot Point Factsheet|url=https://www.adaniaustralia.com/-/media/Project/Australia/Fact-sheets/Abbot-Point-Operations---Port-Fact-Sheet_v15_WEB.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105111437/https://www.adaniaustralia.com/-/media/Project/Australia/Fact-sheets/Abbot-Point-Operations---Port-Fact-Sheet_v15_WEB.pdf |archive-date=5 November 2020 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>


==Terminal 1==
==Terminal 1==
[[Adani Ports & SEZ|Adani Ports]] signed a 99-year lease on Abbot Point Terminal 1 in 2011.<ref>[https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/indias-adani-to-buy-australian-port-for-2-billion/ Adani of India to Buy Australian Port for $2 Billion]</ref><ref name="riex">{{Cite news|date=1 May 2012|title=Rio's exit 'won't blunt Abbot Point plan'|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/rios-exit-wont-blunt-abbot-point-plan-20120430-1xv47.html|accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref> The deal cost [[Adani Group]] $1.83 billion.<ref name="iags">{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/asset-sale-yields-1-8-billion-20110503-1e6ed.html |title=Asset sale yields $1.8 billion |author=Daniel Hurst |accessdate=26 August 2021 |date=3 May 2011 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref>
[[Adani Ports & SEZ|Adani Ports]] signed a 99-year lease on Abbot Point Terminal 1 in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/indias-adani-to-buy-australian-port-for-2-billion/ |title=Adani of India to Buy Australian Port for $2 Billion |date=3 May 2011 |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-date=1 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001164752/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/indias-adani-to-buy-australian-port-for-2-billion/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="riex">{{Cite news|date=1 May 2012|title=Rio's exit 'won't blunt Abbot Point plan'|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/rios-exit-wont-blunt-abbot-point-plan-20120430-1xv47.html|accessdate=31 May 2012|archive-date=23 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723065109/https://www.smh.com.au/business/rios-exit-wont-blunt-abbot-point-plan-20120430-1xv47.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal cost [[Adani Group]] $1.83 billion.<ref name="iags">{{Cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/asset-sale-yields-1-8-billion-20110503-1e6ed.html |title=Asset sale yields $1.8 billion |author=Daniel Hurst |accessdate=26 August 2021 |date=3 May 2011 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-date=25 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825212438/https://www.smh.com.au/business/asset-sale-yields-1-8-billion-20110503-1e6ed.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Abbot Point Operations been contracted by '''North Queensland Export Terminal''' to manage the operations at the port of Abbot Point.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Abbot Point Operations|url=https://www.abbotpointoperations.com.au/the-operation/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022224326/https://www.abbotpointoperations.com.au/the-operation/ |archive-date=22 October 2020 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>
Abbot Point Operations been contracted by '''North Queensland Export Terminal''' to manage the operations at the port of Abbot Point.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Abbot Point Operations|url=https://www.abbotpointoperations.com.au/the-operation/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022224326/https://www.abbotpointoperations.com.au/the-operation/ |archive-date=22 October 2020 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>


==Expansion==
==Expansion==
The port is planned to provide export facilities for coal mined from the [[Galilee Basin]]. The terminal has approvals to be expanded with the addition of a second [[wharf]] and [[shiploader]] as well as an additional onshore stockyard and machines, however this was tabled due to the sizing down of the [[Carmichael coal mine|Carmichael Mine]].
The port is planned to provide export facilities for coal mined from the [[Galilee Basin]]. The terminal has approvals to be expanded with the addition of a second [[wharf]] and [[shiploader]] as well as an additional onshore stockyard and machines, however this was tabled due to the sizing down of the [[Carmichael coal mine|Carmichael Mine]]. The road and railway to the port have been targeted at times by non-violent direct action by environmentalists opposed to coal exports.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paine |first=Andy |date=2022-10-26 |title=Frontline Action on Coal FLAC: Ten Years on the Climate Frontline |url=https://commonslibrary.org/frontline-action-on-coal-flac-ten-years-on-the-climate-frontline/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=The Commons Social Change Library |language=en-AU |archive-date=10 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110031951/https://commonslibrary.org/frontline-action-on-coal-flac-ten-years-on-the-climate-frontline/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


An environmental assessment which included a review of 16 environmental studies,<ref name="ensd">{{Citation|title=16 Environmental Studies |url=https://file.ac/--AmCOw-eRs/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627105726/https://file.ac/--AmCOw-eRs/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2013 |accessdate=30 May 2013 }}</ref> found the port's expansion would not have a significant impact on the [[Great Barrier Reef]] and that [[Greenpeace]]'s claims regarding the expansion's impact were overstated. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Protection Authority (GBRMPA) advised minister Greg Hunt not to approve dredging for the Abbott Point coal port expansion.<ref>http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/greenpeace-share-foi-documents-on-great-barrier-re</ref><ref name="hfct">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-25/hope-for-coal-terminal-report-to-allay-green-fears/4332962?section=qld |title=Hope for coal terminal report to allay green fears |accessdate=25 October 2012 |date=25 October 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}</ref> The [[Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999|Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act]] was amended so that government does not have to consider expert advice before approving major developments such as mines and ports.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jabour|first=Bridie|title=Great Barrier Reef park directors still face conflict of interest questions|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/04/marine-park-directors-face-investigation|accessdate=4 February 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=4 February 2014}}</ref>
An environmental assessment which included a review of 16 environmental studies,<ref name="ensd">{{Citation|title=16 Environmental Studies |url=https://file.ac/--AmCOw-eRs/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627105726/https://file.ac/--AmCOw-eRs/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2013 |accessdate=30 May 2013 }}</ref> found the port's expansion would not have a significant impact on the [[Great Barrier Reef]] and that [[Greenpeace]]'s claims regarding the expansion's impact were overstated. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Protection Authority (GBRMPA) advised minister Greg Hunt not to approve dredging for the Abbott Point coal port expansion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/greenpeace-share-foi-documents-on-great-barrier-re |title=Greenpeace share FOI documents on Great Barrier Reef coal port dredging at Abbot Point &#124; Mining Australia |access-date=14 June 2014 |archive-date=30 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030073653/http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/greenpeace-share-foi-documents-on-great-barrier-re |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="hfct">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-25/hope-for-coal-terminal-report-to-allay-green-fears/4332962?section=qld |title=Hope for coal terminal report to allay green fears |accessdate=25 October 2012 |date=25 October 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173557/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-25/hope-for-coal-terminal-report-to-allay-green-fears/4332962?section=qld |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999|Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act]] was amended so that government does not have to consider expert advice before approving major developments such as mines and ports.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jabour|first=Bridie|title=Great Barrier Reef park directors still face conflict of interest questions|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/04/marine-park-directors-face-investigation|accessdate=4 February 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|date=4 February 2014|archive-date=4 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204051815/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/04/marine-park-directors-face-investigation|url-status=live}}</ref>


===GVK-Hancock Coal===
===GVK-Hancock Coal===
Federal approval for the port to be used by Hancock Coal to export coal from the [[Alpha Coal Project]] was granted on 10 October 2012.<ref name="banap">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-10/burke-approves-new-abbot-point-coal-terminal/4305114?section=qld |title=Burke approves new Abbot Point coal terminal |author=Melissa Maddison and Megan Woodward |accessdate=11 October 2012 |date=10 October 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}</ref> Conditions for the go-ahead included a [[seagrass]] offset scheme, a [[wetland]] management plan, funding for [[Indigenous ranger]]s, monitoring of air and water quality, amongst a total of 60 conditions aimed primarily to protect the Great Barrier Reef.<ref name="napct">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/new-abbot-point-coal-terminal-wins-federal-approval/story-fn59niix-1226492795146 |title=New Abbot Point coal terminal wins federal approval |author=AAP |accessdate=11 October 2012 |date=10 October 2012 |newspaper=The Australia |publisher=News Limited }}</ref><ref name="ctc">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coal-terminal-comes-with-big-strings-attached/story-fn59niix-1226493170353 |title=Coal terminal comes with big strings attached |author=Rosanne Barrett |accessdate=11 October 2012 |date=11 October 2012 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited }}</ref> For every {{convert|1|ha}} of seagrass impacted by the port expansion, {{convert|8|ha}} must be protected.<ref name="ctc"/>
Federal approval for the port to be used by Hancock Coal to export coal from the [[Alpha Coal Project]] was granted on 10 October 2012.<ref name="banap">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-10/burke-approves-new-abbot-point-coal-terminal/4305114?section=qld |title=Burke approves new Abbot Point coal terminal |author=Melissa Maddison and Megan Woodward |accessdate=11 October 2012 |date=10 October 2012 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=11 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011045122/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-10/burke-approves-new-abbot-point-coal-terminal/4305114?section=qld |url-status=live }}</ref> Conditions for the go-ahead included a [[seagrass]] offset scheme, a [[wetland]] management plan, funding for [[Indigenous ranger]]s, monitoring of air and water quality, amongst a total of 60 conditions aimed primarily to protect the Great Barrier Reef.<ref name="napct">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/new-abbot-point-coal-terminal-wins-federal-approval/story-fn59niix-1226492795146 |title=New Abbot Point coal terminal wins federal approval |author=AAP |accessdate=11 October 2012 |date=10 October 2012 |newspaper=The Australia |publisher=News Limited |archive-date=11 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011045121/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/new-abbot-point-coal-terminal-wins-federal-approval/story-fn59niix-1226492795146 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ctc">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coal-terminal-comes-with-big-strings-attached/story-fn59niix-1226493170353 |title=Coal terminal comes with big strings attached |author=Rosanne Barrett |accessdate=11 October 2012 |date=11 October 2012 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |archive-date=11 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011091704/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coal-terminal-comes-with-big-strings-attached/story-fn59niix-1226493170353 |url-status=live }}</ref> For every {{convert|1|ha}} of seagrass impacted by the port expansion, {{convert|8|ha}} must be protected.<ref name="ctc"/>


== Gilmour Space Technologies ==
== Bowen Orbital Spaceport ==
In May 2021, it was announced that private Australian rocket launch company [[Gilmour Space Technologies]] was given the go-ahead by the Queensland Government to build a rocket launch facility in Abbot Point.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/qld-govt-gives-go-ahead-for-a-small-rocket-launch-site-at-abbot-point |title=QLD Govt gives go-ahead for a small rocket launch site at Abbot Point |work=[[Gilmour Space Technologies]] |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=19 September 2022 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920173217/https://www.gspacetech.com/post/qld-govt-gives-go-ahead-for-a-small-rocket-launch-site-at-abbot-point |url-status=live }}</ref> Gilmour Space's rocket, [[Gilmour Space Technologies#Eris_orbital_rocket|Eris]], is expected to make its first launch from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in 2024.<ref>{{cite tweet |author-link=Gilmour Space Technologies |author=Gilmour Space |user=GilmourSpace |number=1731860020663316897 |title=** LAUNCH UPDATE: With end of year fast-approaching and launch approvals still pending, Test Flight 1 will now attempt first orbital launch in 2024. ** |date=5 December 2023 |access-date=5 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.gspacetech.com/post/gilmour-space-announces-first-caravan-rideshare-mission-to-leo |title=Gilmour Space announces first 'Caravan' rideshare mission to LEO |work=[[Gilmour Space Technologies]] |date=19 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |quote=[The company] is expecting to launch its first Eris vehicle from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, Australia, early next year. |archive-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525045900/https://www.gspace.com/post/gilmour-space-announces-first-caravan-rideshare-mission-to-leo |url-status=live }}</ref>
In May, 2021, it was announced that private Australian rocket launch company, [[Gilmour Space Technologies]], was given the go-ahead by the Queensland Government to build a rocket launch facility in Abbot Point. The rocket dedicated to launch from the launch facility is known as [[Eris (rocket)|Eris]] and will launch as early as 2022.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 65: Line 66:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official}}
* [http://www.nqbp.com.au/ North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation of Queensland]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090812052746/http://www.infomarine.gr/australia/abbotpoint Abbot Point] on Infomarine On-Line
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090812052746/http://www.infomarine.gr/australia/abbotpoint Abbot Point] on Infomarine On-Line
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110104200333/http://www.ga.gov.au/bin/gazd01?rec=122594 Abbot Point] on [[Geoscience Australia]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110104200333/http://www.ga.gov.au/bin/gazd01?rec=122594 Abbot Point] on [[Geoscience Australia]]

Latest revision as of 15:53, 24 August 2024

Abbot Point
Abbott Point port infrastructure from the sea, 2018
Map
Click on the map for a fullscreen view
Location
CountryAustralia
Location25 km (16 mi) north of Bowen
Coordinates19°52′59″S 148°04′59″E / 19.883°S 148.083°E / -19.883; 148.083
UN/LOCODEAUABP[1]
Details
Operated byAdani Group
Owned byNorth Queensland Bulk Ports
Type of harbourArtificial
No. of berths2[2]
Draft depth19.1 m.[2]
Statistics
Vessel arrivals190 (2010-11)
Annual cargo tonnage15,063,943 (2010-11)
Website
www.nqbp.com.au Edit this at Wikidata

The Port of Abbot Point is home to the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), the most northerly deepwater coal port of Australia, situated approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) north-west of the town of Bowen, Queensland.[3] Established in 1984, it consists of a rail in-loading facility, coal handling and stockpile areas, and a single trestle jetty and conveyor connected to a berth and shiploader, located 2.75 km off-shore.[3] Coal reaches the port via the GAP railway line from the Bowen Basin Coalfields.

The Port of Abbot Point is of significant strategic value to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, as there are very few locations along Queensland's eastern seaboard where deep water (>15m) is so close in-shore.[3] North Queensland Export Terminal has been operating for 35 years exporting coal.[4]

Terminal 1

[edit]

Adani Ports signed a 99-year lease on Abbot Point Terminal 1 in 2011.[5][6] The deal cost Adani Group $1.83 billion.[7]

Abbot Point Operations been contracted by North Queensland Export Terminal to manage the operations at the port of Abbot Point.[8]

Expansion

[edit]

The port is planned to provide export facilities for coal mined from the Galilee Basin. The terminal has approvals to be expanded with the addition of a second wharf and shiploader as well as an additional onshore stockyard and machines, however this was tabled due to the sizing down of the Carmichael Mine. The road and railway to the port have been targeted at times by non-violent direct action by environmentalists opposed to coal exports.[9]

An environmental assessment which included a review of 16 environmental studies,[10] found the port's expansion would not have a significant impact on the Great Barrier Reef and that Greenpeace's claims regarding the expansion's impact were overstated. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Protection Authority (GBRMPA) advised minister Greg Hunt not to approve dredging for the Abbott Point coal port expansion.[11][12] The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act was amended so that government does not have to consider expert advice before approving major developments such as mines and ports.[13]

GVK-Hancock Coal

[edit]

Federal approval for the port to be used by Hancock Coal to export coal from the Alpha Coal Project was granted on 10 October 2012.[14] Conditions for the go-ahead included a seagrass offset scheme, a wetland management plan, funding for Indigenous rangers, monitoring of air and water quality, amongst a total of 60 conditions aimed primarily to protect the Great Barrier Reef.[15][16] For every 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of seagrass impacted by the port expansion, 8 hectares (20 acres) must be protected.[16]

Bowen Orbital Spaceport

[edit]

In May 2021, it was announced that private Australian rocket launch company Gilmour Space Technologies was given the go-ahead by the Queensland Government to build a rocket launch facility in Abbot Point.[17] Gilmour Space's rocket, Eris, is expected to make its first launch from Bowen Orbital Spaceport in 2024.[18][19]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "UNLOCODE (AU) - AUSTRALIA". www.unece.org. UNECE. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Port of Abbot Point, Australia". Findaport.com. Shipping Guides Ltd. Archived from the original on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "NQBP Abbot Point". North Queensland Bulk Ports North Queensland. Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  4. ^ "Abbot Point Factsheet" (PDF). October 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2020.
  5. ^ "Adani of India to Buy Australian Port for $2 Billion". 3 May 2011. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  6. ^ "Rio's exit 'won't blunt Abbot Point plan'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 1 May 2012. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2012.
  7. ^ Daniel Hurst (3 May 2011). "Asset sale yields $1.8 billion". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Abbot Point Operations". Archived from the original on 22 October 2020.
  9. ^ Paine, Andy (26 October 2022). "Frontline Action on Coal FLAC: Ten Years on the Climate Frontline". The Commons Social Change Library. Archived from the original on 10 November 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  10. ^ 16 Environmental Studies, archived from the original on 27 June 2013, retrieved 30 May 2013
  11. ^ "Greenpeace share FOI documents on Great Barrier Reef coal port dredging at Abbot Point | Mining Australia". Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  12. ^ "Hope for coal terminal report to allay green fears". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 25 October 2012. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  13. ^ Jabour, Bridie (4 February 2014). "Great Barrier Reef park directors still face conflict of interest questions". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
  14. ^ Melissa Maddison and Megan Woodward (10 October 2012). "Burke approves new Abbot Point coal terminal". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  15. ^ AAP (10 October 2012). "New Abbot Point coal terminal wins federal approval". The Australia. News Limited. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  16. ^ a b Rosanne Barrett (11 October 2012). "Coal terminal comes with big strings attached". The Australian. News Limited. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  17. ^ "QLD Govt gives go-ahead for a small rocket launch site at Abbot Point". Gilmour Space Technologies (Press release). 20 May 2021. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  18. ^ Gilmour Space [@GilmourSpace] (5 December 2023). "** LAUNCH UPDATE: With end of year fast-approaching and launch approvals still pending, Test Flight 1 will now attempt first orbital launch in 2024. **" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 December 2023 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ "Gilmour Space announces first 'Caravan' rideshare mission to LEO". Gilmour Space Technologies (Press release). 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2022. [The company] is expecting to launch its first Eris vehicle from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland, Australia, early next year.
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