Abbot Point

Located approximately 20 kilometres west of Bowen, Abbot Point forms a key part of the Queensland's Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007-2012.

A key objective of the plan is to develop a new industrial precinct for large-scale industries at Abbot Point, which offers an existing deepwater port facility and is close to transport links such as the Bruce Highway and rail infrastructure.

The Abbot Point State Development Area (APSDA) was declared by the Governor in Council on 19 June 2008 under section 77 of the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.

The APSDA is approximately 16,230 hectares and provides for the establishment of industrial development, including infrastructure corridors and essential services.

Development scheme

A development scheme (Development Scheme for the Abbot Point State Development Area) (PDF, 210 KB) has been prepared by the Coordinator-General to manage land use in the APSDA. This scheme was approved by the Governor in Council on 19 June 2008.

The development scheme plans for the establishment of industrial development, infrastructure corridors and essential services in a coordinated manner, while recognising the environment, cultural heritage and the community.

The Coordinator-General’s role is to assess and determine all applications for land use development (material change of use) within the state development area.

Material change of use applications are subject to fees. For more information, read the Guideline for material change of use application fees (PDF, 148 KB).

Maps

The boundary of the declared APSDA is shown on the Abbot Point State Development Area regulation map (PDF, 857 KB).

The Abbot Point State Development Area precinct map (PDF, 804 KB) forms part of the development scheme. This map divides the APSDA into four precincts:

  • industry precinct
  • infrastructure and corridors precinct
  • restricted development precinct
  • environmental management/materials transportation precinct.

Planning for the Abbot Point State Development Area

As part of the department’s strategic planning for the APSDA, high-level research has been undertaken to investigate how future infrastructure could connect to North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited’s proposed multi-cargo facility at the Port of Abbot Point, and guide the establishment of large-scale industry in the central portion of the APSDA over the next 50 years.

These study reports are a source of information for proponents, government and the community about the potential locations for industry and infrastructure within the APSDA. The conclusions and future actions within these reports provide the foundation for further planning by government and detailed site-based planning by proponents.

APSDA Multi-user Infrastructure Corridor Study

The Abbot Point State Development Area Multi-user Infrastructure Corridor Study (PDF, 5.57 MB) identifies a selected infrastructure corridor that would link the northern part of the industry precinct and the proposed multi-cargo facility over a 50 year timeframe.

Suitability Assessment report

The Suitability Assessment for LNG Industry at Abbot Point report (PDF, 3.7 MB) describes the land and infrastructure requirements for LNG facilities (including processing, transport, storage and export) and the LNG industry’s implications for the future development of Abbot Point. The report considers four sites for the LNG industry, which in no way prevents other sites from being considered.

Land and Infrastructure Planning Study for the Central Portion of the APSDA

The Land and Infrastructure Planning Study for the Central Portion of the APSDA (PDF, 5.72 MB) identifies development parcels, areas for further investigation, infrastructure connections to the proposed multi-cargo facility, an internal road network and a Bruce Highway interchange over a 50 year timeframe.

Rail corridor planning

The department has commissioned rail consultants, Himark Consulting Group, to investigate rail corridor planning within the APSDA. Rail corridors are being planned for the central part of the APSDA, with particular consideration to connecting with the proposed T4+ coal terminals identified by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.

Environmental management plan

The department has commissioned environmental consultants BMT WBM to develop an environmental management plan (EMP) for the long-term management of the part of the Kaili Valley Wetlands that lies within the APSDA.

Baseline profile

A baseline profile (PDF, 1.57 MB) providing a description of the Kaili Valley Wetlands was compiled during the preparation the draft EMP.