The Commitment

The Commitment

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We are committed to best practice environmental performance as we safely, responsibly and efficiently export Queensland coal to the world.

As a neighbour of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, APO has systems and monitoring programs in place to balance environmental responsibilities with operational activity. We meet our regulatory requirements and often exceed them.

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Demonstrating our commitment

In March 2019, Bowen’s community leaders visited the terminal for a tour of the infrastructure and the Caley Valley Wetlands following heavy rain and flooding.

In March 2019, Bowen’s community leaders visited the terminal for a tour of the infrastructure and the Caley Valley Wetlands following heavy rain and flooding.

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Water

State-of-the-art systems and technology provide real-time water monitoring and the ability to forecast and model potential weather (such as heavy rainfall from tropical cyclones) against the terminal’s water storage capacity and take early action as necessary.

Caley Valley Wetland

The health of the Caley Valley Wetland is monitored by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, which undertakes water quality and sediment testing at 14 locations within this nationally important coastal wetland.

The Department’s findings can be accessed here.

The Department’s latest Progress Report (2018-2019) showed no harm to the environmental values of the Caley Valley Wetland.

Marine Environment

Annual beach and marine sediment sampling is undertaken to monitor the overall health of our marine environment, which includes nesting beaches for turtles; feeding grounds for dugong; and migratory routes for humpback whales.

Our activity aligns with and supports that of the port authority, North Queensland Bulk Ports, whose comprehensive environmental works at Abbot Point include one of the largest seagrass monitoring programs in the world.

Air Quality

Abbot Point’s dust monitoring program is designed around the prevailing south-easterly wind and captures background, upwind and downwind data.

Dust monitors are located in twelve locations on and around site, including the Caley Valley Wetland. Four of the dust monitors are electronic and provide real-time air quality data.

Air quality monitoring is supported by dust control strategies such as the use of water spray systems on conveyors and coal stockpile management to minimise dry product handling.

Land and Biodiversity

APO works in partnership with North Queensland Bulk Ports and Whitsunday Regional Council to coordinate local weed and pest management.

Our strategic approach to weed management is informed by the generational knowledge and cultural practices of the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, the Juru People.

Safe Shipping

Commercial shipping within the Great Barrier Reef is subject to stringent management arrangements.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, along with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Maritime Safety Queensland, administer special measures under international and domestic law to regulate ship activities.

Commercial vessels travelling through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park may only navigate within the designated shipping area and the General Use Zone, and vessels are monitored using radar, satellite and other maritime sensors known as Reef VTS.

Dingo Beach and the beach immediately east of Abbot Point are important turtle nesting grounds.

Sea grass beds located to the east of the Abbot Point are important feeding grounds for dugong.

Humpback whales pass through the port area on their annual migration.

Growing resilient communities and people

We deliver on our mission and commitment to Grow Local through strategic partnerships across the local region.

APO’s Corporate Social Responsibility program provides significant funding each year to community groups, organisations and initiatives in the Whitsunday Regional Council communities of Bowen and Collinsville.

Since 2017, more than $1.2 million has been awarded under the program.

Learn how to apply, and what eligibility criteria must be met to be successful.

Learn More