Dametto Calls on LNP State Government to Back Port Hinchinbrook Plan

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto with a Cardwell business and community representatives.

12 November 2024

Over the past seven years, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto has worked closely with local, state and federal governments to address the longstanding issues related to the Port Hinchinbrook development. Mr Dametto is now calling on the new LNP government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, to adopt the strategy previously adopted by the outgoing state government. Doing so would deliver all tidal access for boaties and long-lasting economic benefits for the Cardwell community.

Mr Dametto said the approach to normalise the Port Hinchinbrook development had been to first address land-based issues, with a shift then necessary to tackle the water-based liabilities.

“Through the normalisation process, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council has assumed ownership and responsibility for roads, parks, and the sewerage treatment plant within the suburb, rating and charging residents for these essential services,” he said.

“Over the past six months, the focus turned to solving the water-based challenges with the council and the State Labor government agreeing on the pathway forward. That pathway saw Economic Development Queensland instructed to begin negotiations to purchase the remaining properties in liquidation, which includes the marina basin and Lot 170 (the dredge spoil ponds).

“The goal set by the previous State government was to remediate these assets to meet current environmental standards, dredge One Mile Creek and the marina basin, and bring these properties to a condition suitable for sale to a credible developer.

“To ensure a sustainable future for Port Hinchinbrook, we must extinguish the existing Conformed Deed and establish a long-term dredging plan which includes a basic infrastructure agreement to outline how future maintenance dredging will be funded.

“I’m excited to meet with the incoming Premier, Deputy Premier and the Director-General for Premier and Cabinet, to bring them up to speed as to where the project is at. In the opinion of Cardwell residents, the hard work has been done and we just need the LNP to adopt and continue with the plan.

“This strategy is a widely accepted way forward. All stakeholders are on board including Council, residents, the Coast Guard, the local Chamber of Commerce and tourist operators.  It would take a brave Premier to put a stop to the current plan. We must ensure that the needs of the people come before politics on this issue.”

Over the weekend, local media travelled to Cardwell to hear from locals and business operators about the potential benefits of restoring tidal access and revitalising the Port Hinchinbrook marina. All agreed that the investment would be transformative for the local economy and provide the stability residents are so desperate for.

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