Showcasing leadership and commitment to environmental protection

Ensuring the environment remains at the forefront of business planning and operations will be the focus of talks, by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and other industry-leading organisations, at the 2017 Australasian Coasts & Ports Conference this week in Cairns.

From 21-23 June, NQBP will join other delegates to share important insights and learnings around a range of multi-disciplinary issues impacting Queensland’s diverse and developing coastline.

The conference theme ‘Working with nature’ shapes the discussions and provides an opportunity to share innovative approaches across different industries.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Steve Lewis said NQBP was proud to be a sponsor and exhibitor at the conference, which aims to reinforce the responsibility organisations have to ensure environmental protection is a regular part of business.

“The sustainable development and environmental management of our ports underpins the growth and operation of NQBP’s business,” Mr Lewis said.

“NQBP is the only port authority in the world responsible for three major ports in a World Heritage Area, and so our commitment to environmental protection runs deep.

“We hold a vision where trade, communities and the environment work together in harmony.

“NQBP leads the way with the strength of our commitment to this area, and we are proud to be part of an event that encourages a similar, steadfast commitment across all industries,” he said

NQBP Senior Manager Environment and Planning Kevin Kane, and NQBP Senior Manager Sustainability Simona Duke, will both present on NQBP’s leading sustainability and environmental protection work.

Kevin Kane will offer a keynote address, ‘Girt by Sea’, on day two of the conference, as well as deliver presentations around NQBP’s recent work in sustainable sediment management and the PIANC Guideline (Environmental Risk Management of Navigational Infrastructure Project).

Simona Duke will also present to the conference on Thursday, on the topic of Port Sustainability Leadership in Tropical Australia.

Mr Kane said NQBP would exhibit at the conference with James Cook University (JCU), following a recent collaboration between NQBP and JCU’s Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research – TropWATER – which explored environmental management practices of coastal ports.

The Australasian Coasts & Ports Conference is the amalgamation of the 23rd Australasian Coastal and Ocean Engineering Conference, and the 16th Australasian Port and Harbour Conference. The Conference is being held at the Cairns Convention Centre from 21-23 June.