UNITED FRONT FOR DREDGING

MEMBER for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto is pushing ahead with his campaign to get the State Government to dredge the Port Hinchinbrook boat channel.

Mr Dametto met on Monday with representatives from Port Hinchinbrook mortgagee China- based SinoResource Import and Export Co Ltd, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and maintenance firm Norship Marine in Cardwell. He said the talks centred around the revival of Port Hinchinbrook.

“I saw an opportunity in bringing together stakeholders in order to determine how to proceed on this issue now that Sino has been appointed as the legitimate mortgagee of Port Hinchinbrook,” he said. “By joining forces we have the best chance of convincing the State Government to do its part and dredge One Mile Creek.”

He said the possibility of reworking Port Hinchinbrook’s Conformed Deed signed by the State, Commonwealth, council and original Port Hinchinbrook developer, Williams Corporation, in 1994 was canvassed at the meeting.

Under the terms of the deed, the developer assumed responsibility for the maintenance of the Grand Canal access channel, marina basin, roads and sewage treatment plant.

Mr Dametto said the need for an independent assessment of Port Hinchinbrook’s sewage treatment plant and who was responsible for its maintenance was discussed.

“My focus is on getting an outcome for residents of Port Hinchinbrook who have been frustrated by the development’s long- running saga that has involved multiple court battles,” he said.

He said Sino was declared the legitimate mortgagee of Port Hinchinbrook by the Supreme Court in May.

“I know that decision had been a long time coming and many residents were eagerly awaiting the outcome. We all want a solution to the many issues that have plagued the development for too long,” Mr Dametto said.

“The purpose of yesterday’s meeting was to provide that clarity and certainty for the future of Cardwell. There is much at stake and I am determined to get the State Government to act on dredging.”

In March, Mr Dametto tabled a paper petition in State parliament with 1355 signatures calling for One Mile Creek to be dredged to allow all- tidal access for Cardwell’s Coast Guard.