Our role

We are the only port operator in the world to run three major ports within a World Heritage Area. This is a responsibility that weighs heavily in our decision making. We work with a clear focus, ensuring we always reduce and manage any potential environmental impact.

We care about getting the balance right. Our mission is to add value to the prosperity of the state, customers and communities, while demonstrating high levels of social and environmental integrity.

A primary focus at each port

While environmental activities occur across all four trading ports, the main focus at each port differs.

Port of Mackay

Air quality monitoring is a key responsibility for NQBP at the Port of Mackay. Coral, marine water and seagrass monitoring programs are also in place at this port. A regional alliance was developed to look at stormwater runoff in the Mackay region. We are proud to partner with Mackay Regional Council and Reef Catchments, and hope to implement management strategies to improve stormwater runoff.

Port of Weipa

At the Port of Weipa, we continue to work within stringent environmental guidelines to ensure safe navigable shipping corridors to and from the port. Maintenance dredging is necessary to provide safe, sustainable and competitive seaport services. The dredging program is completed with full environmental compliance.

Port of Abbot Point

Abbot Point is a designated Queensland Priority Port. Dredging at this port is subject to environmental approvals and the outcomes of seagrass, marine water and coral monitoring.

Port of Hay Point

As one of the largest coal export ports in the world, our focus here is on consistent coal dust and air quality monitoring. In place for nearly 20 years, this program is designed to improve dust management practices at the port. The results of the most recent studies showed that all monitored community sites around Hay Point were in full compliance with the national air quality standards. Coral, marine water and seagrass monitoring programs are also in place at this port.

View key environmental activities at each port in more depth.

Impact assessment of projects

All new projects on port land are assessed for potential environmental impacts as part of an internal approval process. The proponent is required to prepare an Environmental Management Plan that covers:

• Legislative requirements
• Water, air or noise impacts
• Stormwater management (including erosion and sediment control)
• Waste management
• Flora and fauna management
• Incorporation of sustainability measures.

NQBP’s environment policy outlines how it is committed to protection of the environment and to the sustainable management of its ports and activities.

Read more about applying to develop on port land.

Leadership and partnerships

Our role as an environmental guardian is also practical and ongoing. Every day we operate our ports to the highest international standards through our Environmental Management Systems (EMS), which are certified under AS/ISO14001:2015. Find out more about our environmental management practices.

Our environment team hold key advisory positions and roles at local, regional, state and International level.

International leadership

NQBP maintains ongoing engagement with PIANC (The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure), the international authority of waterborne transport infrastructure policy and research on key environmental aspects of port management.

NQBP team members contribute as Australian expert representatives on PIANC working groups, including those directly focused on marine biosecurity and invasive marine species, helping to develop international guidance for ports and maritime infrastructure.

In partnership with PIANC, NQBP co-authored the “Environmental Risk Management for Navigation Infrastructure Projects Guideline”, incorporating Australian and NQBP case studies, and has contributed to additional working groups including beneficial re-use of dredged material.

Partnerships

We share the same passion as our valued stakeholders when it comes to stewardship of the local environment and this has led to several successful partnerships in our port communities.

James Cook University

NQBP has a longstanding partnership with James Cook University’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Research (TropWATER), spanning more than 25 years. Through this collaboration, NQBP delivers world-class environmental monitoring and research across its ports, including marine water quality, coastal habitats, seagrass and coral ecosystems.

The partnership continues to evolve, with an expanded program supporting ongoing monitoring, research, education and training across North Queensland port environments, while providing NQBP with credible, independent scientific expertise to support evidence-based environmental management.

Outcomes from this work are also shared through national scientific forums, including presentations at the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) conference, supporting broader knowledge sharing across industry and research sectors.

This collaboration has also been recognised at a national level, receiving the Outstanding Collaboration for National Benefit category at the BHERT Awards

Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Health Rivers to Reef Partnership

NQBP is a partner in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, with representation on the Management Committee and Technical Working Groups.

Through these roles, NQBP contributes to regional report card development across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac, Wet Tropics and Dry Tropics regions, supporting improved understanding of waterway health.

The partnership produces an annual waterway health report card, incorporating data from NQBP’s ambient monitoring programs delivered in partnership with JCU TropWATER,

Whitsunday Blueprint for Tourism Operators

NQBP partners with JCU TropWATER and Reef Catchments on the Whitsunday Blueprint for Tourism Operators water quality monitoring program.

The program extends established water quality into the Whitsundays, supporting improved understanding of reef health and water quality. It also includes training for tour operators in sample collection and monitoring activities, supporting broader engagement in environmental stewardship.