Ports in Queensland

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has regulatory oversight of ports in Queensland.

While legislation provides the full framework for port establishment and ongoing operations, this Information Paper provides additional informal guidance to government agencies and project proponents about matters that may be considered when seeking to establish a new port, and/or designate a port authority. This may include broad issues such as trade facilitation, regional development, economic development, social outcomes, and environmental protection. This summary is intended to assist government agencies and project proponents and does not alter the existing legislative framework.

The considerations for establishing a port are future focussed and will not be used to reassess existing port management determinations which were based on historical circumstances, or fetter the exercise by TMR of any discretion, power, function or right of TMR in any regulatory capacity arising by law which TMR may have either now or in the future.

In establishing a new port, additional government authorities, permits and approvals, including environmental approvals, may be necessary. This may include assessment by the Coordinator-General, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation or the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in the Australian Government. 

TMR expects port declaration proposals to occur in parallel with these applications, and proponents should consult with local government and relevant Queensland and Australian government agencies concurrently to ensure a coordinated approach to assessments and approvals.

The information paper does not provide an exhaustive list of considerations for the establishment of new ports and proponents should obtain their own advice in relation to the authorities, permits and approvals which may be required for a particular proposal.

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.