ACTION AT LAST Port Hinchinbrook Works Move Ahead

The Port Hinchinbrook Provisional Priority Development Area covers approximately 140 hectares near Cardwell and is intended to guide the site’s transformation into a tourism, commercial and residential precinct.‍Work is progressing at Port Hinchinbrook, with early remediation efforts now underway as part of the Queensland Government’s plan to restore the long-troubled site. Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa said the project is moving forward following a commitment made during the recent by-election. “The Government made a commitment during the Hinchinbrook by-election to get on with fixing Port Hinchinbrook, and that work is now underway,” Mr Chiesa said. Initial works have included the clean-up of silting ponds, construction of all-weather access tracks, and repairs to the bund wall to prevent sediment leeching. These works were recently completed by Civil Plus. ‍Port Hinchinbrook Restoration Moves Forward With Early Works Underway In the coming weeks, QBuild is expected to begin work on site, focusing on repairing dilapidated buildings and infrastructure to ensure safety at Port Hinchinbrook. Mr Chiesa said the next stage of the project will involve appointing a lead consultant, a process which is already well advanced. “The next step is the appointment of the lead consultant, which is well advanced and who will oversee the remaining technical investigations, secure required approvals, and appoint the dredging contractor as a priority,” he said. Dredging remains a key focus of the project, with works aimed at restoring navigability and addressing long-standing sedimentation issues within the waterways. “As the community would appreciate, when an issue has been left unresolved for such a long time, it is essential that the proper investigations and approvals are undertaken so the job is done properly,” Mr Chiesa said. “That said, the dredging to remediate the site remains the priority.” The Port Hinchinbrook Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA), declared in November 2025, covers approximately 140 hectares near Cardwell and is intended to guide the site’s transformation into a tourism, commercial and residential precinct. The project aims to reinstate safe marine access, address environmental concerns such as siltation, and unlock opportunities for private investment, while supporting long-term economic growth in the region. The site has faced ongoing challenges since the impacts of Cyclone Yasi in 2011, with infrastructure damage and environmental issues limiting its use. Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is overseeing the project, which includes a Provisional Land Use Plan to coordinate development and infrastructure. Mr Chiesa said community members can access further information or ask questions via the EDQ project page. “This is a positive step forward, and I look forward to providing regular updates to the community as we progress towards commencing dredging later in the year,” he said. Project delivery is expected to continue through to 2028. Caption PG 11: The project aims to reinstate safe marine access, address environmental concerns such as siltation, and unlock opportunities for private investment, while supporting long-term economic growth in the region.