Ports North Launches First Sustainability Strategy
Published: 1 December 2021
Ports North released its first Sustainability Strategy today, outlining a clear path for the
organisation to continue supporting environmental stewardship, community partnerships and economic
prosperity throughout Far North Queensland.
Building on flagship projects such as the Cairns Shipping Development Project and Cairns CityPORT,
leading practice environmental monitoring and Ports North’s valued community role, the
strategy establishes goals and sets actions across four key sustainability pillars of people,
planet, partnerships and prosperity.
The Ports North Sustainability Strategy sees the organisation formalise an approach to
sustainability and align itself with a global trend towards broad sustainability thinking and
innovation, embedding sustainability initiatives across all areas of strategy and operations.
Ports North used the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to guide its strategy, flagging
actions across climate, water, waste, energy, technology, infrastructure and development,
among other areas.
However, the strategy has a distinct Far North Queensland flavour.
“Operating at the intersection of two World Heritage-listed sites like the Great Barrier Reef and
the Daintree Rainforest, protection of the environment and cultural heritage has long been
paramount for our ports,” Ports North CEO, Chris Boland, said.
“I’m immensely proud that our inaugural Sustainability Strategy recognises our existing
achievements, while incorporating ideas and feedback from more than 100 port customers, employees,
local industry representatives and community members to determine future priorities.
“Just as our stunning Far North Queensland region is unique, Ports North is unique among many other
port authorities, too.
“Our diverse role in tourism, property, defence, marine pilotage and community supply
services, alongside our responsibilities as a trade enabler of bulk, project and general cargo,
means we are ideally placed to bring together multiple parties and lead sustainability
initiatives.”
The Cairns Marine Precinct is one such example, where Ports North have commenced work to deliver
two new in-water berths at the Port of Cairns as part of an early works packaged
funded by the Queensland Government. The project will increase the in-water maintenance capacity
of the shipyards and marine precinct, while retaining and further developing local skills and
expertise to service highly valued industries.
Ports North Chair, Russell Beer, also highlighted the importance of the Ports North network to
remote and rural communities from Mourilyan to Burketown.
“From our major hub at the Port of Cairns, our network of nine ports in Far North
Queensland is essential to economic development and community connection in the region.
“We facilitate global supply chains, but we also provide invaluable local services.
“Our ports make it possible for residents in remote areas including Cape York, Gulf of Carpentaria
or Torres Strait Islands to receive critical items such as household goods, food supplies, fuel,
construction materials and cars.”
Media contact:
Kerry Egerton: GM Corporate Services
Phone: 07 4052 3811
Email: Kerry.egerton@portsnorth.com.au
Read the full Ports North Sustainability Strategy HERE.
Ports North is the port authority responsible for the Port of Cairns, alongside a network of
regional and remote ports including Mourilyan, Cooktown, Cape Flattery, Quintell Beach,
Thursday Island, Skardon River, Karumba and Burketown. Collectively, the ports enable more than
6.7 million tonnes of trade each year. Key bulk commodities include general and project cargo,
minerals, fuels, sugar, molasses, silica sands, metal concentrates, fertilisers, timber products and livestock.