Port establishment in Queensland

Regulating the establishment of a port allows appropriate operational port management controls to be considered and implemented prior to a new port being created. The regulation of port establishment is intended to:

• provide equitable access to the sea-land interface for transfer of cargo and passengers for current and future users
• meet demand by developing and ensuring the provision of infrastructure and services
• identify and control risks to the port, shipping, stevedoring, transport, land use, the environment, and the regional community
• align private sector investment and development in the port precinct with policy and local community expectations
• maximise existing port and supply chain infrastructure solutions
• ensure long-term supply chain planning interfaces are considered for the betterment of the community and State.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is the agency responsible for regulating the development and management of ports under the:

• Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
• Sustainable Ports Development Act 2015
• Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994
• Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995
• Maritime Safety Queensland Act 2002. 

Contact us

The process to establish new ports in Queensland is administered by TMR's Governance and Ports team.

Any queries can be directed to this unit, which can be contacted via email: [email protected] or telephone 13 23 80 during business hours, 8:30am–5:00pm on business days.