Yabulu a threat to the North

THE blight of the former nickel refinery at Yabulu continues to seep through the region – this time in the form of potential environmental damage.

With Queensland’s environmental authorities now investigating an oil spill over a 20m area between the now- closed refinery and Port of Townsville, there are fresh concerns about the ageing infrastructure associated with the refinery.

The 28km pipeline was used to transport oil from tanks at the port to the Yabulu site for use with its processing.

It follows the rail corridor and runs close to some residential areas.

According to sources, the pipeline has not been used since the refinery shut more than two years ago.

And while the state’s Department of Environment and Science said it was still investigating the cause of the spill, related parties have been quick to deny responsibility.

Hydrocarbon oil booms have been installed by Clive Palmer’s refinery management company Queensland Nickel Sales. This is despite Mr Palmer telling

yesterday that his company has had nothing to do with the pipeline for more than two years.

Exactly who is responsible for the pipeline needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Then, the future of the site needs to be decided once and for all.

The refinery, and in particular the tailings dams at the refinery, pose significant environmental risk should the site be hit by heavy rainfall.

These dams hold nickel ore byproducts and water containing ammonia.

Already there was an overflow in 2014 when Cyclone Ita hit and they are being monitored by the environment department.

But for as long as Mr Palmer continues to speculate about reopening the facility, he can avoid the costly task of rehabilitating the site.

The longer it’s left to languish, the more we fear the potential for disaster.