Acting premier Jeff Seeney said the ports strategy, economic analysis and public submissions would feed into the comprehensive federal-state strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef.

“The Queensland government is committed to responsible and incremental growth underpinned by thorough and extensive planning, which constantly takes protection of the environment into account,” he said.

“It was this government that took the former Labor administration’s massive, unrealistic development proposals for an additional five coal terminals and huge new wharf complex at the Port of Abbot Point off the table – yet the WWF considered Labor’s plans would provide better protection for the Great Barrier Reef.”

The Queensland government released its Great Barrier Reef Ports Strategy in October, with public consultation open until mid-December.

Several hundred submissions about future port development in Queensland have been received and are now being considered by the government. Hundreds of people have also attended public meetings and presentations, Seeney said.

“It is no surprise that the WWF opposes proposals from this government,” he said.

“Port infrastructure must be planned and constructed to meet the demands of resource projects far into the future. Quite simply, our resource sector would be totally uncompetitive if companies waited until demand emerged before providing export infrastructure.

“The proposed expansion of ports in central and North Queensland is necessary to maximise the export of coal in line with future export demand, and any development will be planned in a staged, incremental way to meet emerging demand.”