SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 - POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RELEASE AT PORT HINCHINBROOK, RECTIFIED BY COUNCIL

Council was made aware by the Port Hinchinbrook community of a potential release from the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) on Saturday 25 September 2021.

As this posed as a public health and environmental risk, Council with the consent of the liquidator mobilised crews to investigate any potential release to environment.

Council Officers identified an issue at pumping station five and working under the environmental authorities held by the liquidator resolved the issue Saturday evening.

Council is currently working with the liquidator to negotiate cost recovery for all works undertaken in relation to this event. Responsibility for the Port Hinchinbrook STP and associated environmental authorities remain with the liquidator and they provided the relevant notifications to regulators.

Chief Executive Officer of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Andrew Graffen said Council would consider operating the plant on behalf of the Liquidator until the acquisition of land is finalised if funding was agreed between parties.

“Council are working with the State Government and the Liquidator to find a resolution which is beneficial to all parties, particularly the residents. 

“Council is well placed to operate and maintain this service for the Port Hinchinbrook community when land tenure, the required environmental authorities and funding are resolved.

“Council is committed to working with the Liquidator, the State Government and with the support of the Federal Government to realise a long-term solution around the normalisation of Port Hinchinbrook,” said Mr Graffen.

Council will continue to provide the community updates as they occur. For further information please contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email at enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.