From Neglect to New Horizons

Historic Revitalisation for Port Hinchinbrook Announced

FRONT COVER

The State Government has kickstarted a long-awaited revitalisation of Port Hinchinbrook. The plan includes works to reinstate all-tide and Coast Guard access and resolve long-running legal issues. A Provisional Priority Development Area will be established to transform the precinct into a thriving tourism, economic, and residential hub. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to delivering a fresh start for Queensland and regional communities. Port Hinchinbrook will become the first-ever Provisional Priority Development Area, unlocking its full potential. The Queensland-first declaration marks a historic step and addresses long-standing issues that were neglected during the previous decade. Read on page 6

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Premier Announces Port Hinchinbrook Revitilisation Plan

Economic Development Queensland will lead the initiative in partnership with Cassowary Coast Regional Council, industry, the community, and other key stakeholders.

Prior to the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area, Economic Development Queensland will secure all final approvals for infrastructure works, including the dredging at Port Hinchinbrook.

The declaration enables the State Government to begin transforming the Port and surrounding areas by:

• Reinstating all-tide access for boats to the Port’s marina and public waterways by removing dredging spoil.
• Restoring clear access for the local Coast Guard to improve safety for boaties.
• Resolving long-standing legal issues that have impeded the Port’s redevelopment and economic future.

The Government will also acquire selected land parcels within the 140-hectare Provisional Priority Development Area – with no impact on private residential properties – to address economic and environmental issues.

The conformed deed over the property will be extinguished.

Residents are encouraged to provide feedback before the formalisation of the Provisional Priority Development Area in January 2026. Enabling works will follow, with dredging scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering a fresh start for Port Hinchinbrook.

"We've only been in office for a short period of time, but I think most people realise that you've got a government that understands that Queensland is a little bigger than Brisbane, and that's what this is about."

“Port Hinchinbrook has been neglected for far too long and today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this proud North Queensland community,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“This historic declaration is the first step towards unlocking the Port’s economic and tourism potential and finally fixing the issues that have held this community back for a decade.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the people of Port Hinchinbrook deserved a fast-tracked solution to a complex issue – one that had remained unresolved for far too long.

"Local tourism stalled and the community was repeatedly left without answers."

He said they were, "restoring Port Hinchinbrook to its rightful place as a thriving tourism and lifestyle hub for North Queensland.”

Mayor of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Teresa Millwood, said the project means more to the people of the area as "It's about bringing Port Hinchinbrook back to its former life. The dredging is only one part of it, but it'll mean the world to not only Port Hinchinbrook, but the whole township of Cardwell and the whole of the Cassowary Coast. You heard them talking about the jewel in the crown. This is the southern gateway. So it's going to be unbelievable."