The DEC of ports in the state is projected to increase by 81 per cent from $4.29 billion in 2011 to $7.74 billion in 2031.
The Queensland Ports Strategy366 sets out details for the establishment of five priority port development areas at long-established major ports in the state: Abbot Point, Brisbane, Gladstone, Hay Point/ Mackay and Townsville. The new Government is expected to introduce legislation to mandate master planning for four of these ports, except Brisbane. The legislation will allow for planning 'beyond the port boundaries' and will prohibit dredging in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, to develop new ports, or expand existing facilities outside these ports. The new Queensland Government has pledged not to privatise state-owned ports.367
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366. Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (2014)
367. Queensland Labor (2014)