The proposal is a key element in the joint Commonwealth-state government plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland Natural Resources and Mines and State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham introduced legislation into state parliament last week to establish master planning for the four priority ports, including a bill to drive economic development in and around Gladstone and protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Lynham said the master plan would set a “clear direction” for the future for Queensland’s second busiest port, help protect the reef and help make Gladstone’s port precinct a more attractive development option, giving potential investors greater certainty about infrastructure essentials such as transport and utilities corridors.

“The master planning process that begins this week in Gladstone is an important step towards achieving growth for Gladstone and protecting the future of the Reef,” Lynham said.

Master planning at priority ports of Gladstone, Abbot Point near Bowen, Hay Point/Mackay, and Townsville is part of the Queensland government’s commitment to the federal Department of the Environment’s Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan

Lynham said the Queensland economy relied on ports, particularly the major bulk commodity exporting ports adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

“Port master planning considers marine and land-based impacts, port and supply chain capacity and connectivity, and environmental and community values,” he said.

“Port master planning for the four Queensland priority ports, including Gladstone, will help better manage impacts of port operations and port development on adjacent land and marine areas.

“This shows how the government can balance economic growth and job creation, environmental values and community interests.

“Through master planning we will better manage areas needed for the effective operations and development of the port including road, rail, electricity and gas pipeline corridors now and for the long term, while protecting community and environmentally-sensitive areas.”

Gladstone had a throughput of more than 97 million tonnes of products including coal, mineral and petroleum in 2013-14, making it Queensland’s second busiest port after coal export port, Hay Point near Mackay.

The proposed Gladstone master-planned area encompasses about 88,000 hectares and includes 4321ha of land controlled by the Port of Gladstone, 29,000ha of the Gladstone State Development Area and marine components within the port limits.

Lynham said the marine components would not include the Port of Rockhampton , also known as Port Alma, the Fitzroy Delta, Keppel Bay or North Curtis Island.

“It’s part of our commitment to protecting the reef to exclude these areas from priority port development,” he said.

Public comments on the proposed boundary are open until July 20. Comments will be incorporated into a draft port master plan that will be issued for public comment later this year.

Master planning starts for Abbot Point later this year, and next year for Hay Point/Mackay and Townsville.

Submissions can be made via this link