Queensland’s 20 ports are crucial to the state’s export-driven economy. Coal makes up the bulk of the exports by volume and accounts for nearly half of the total value of Queensland’s exports.
Under Queensland legislation we may regulate all the ports in Queensland if directed to do so, but only the business of the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) is subject to economic regulation by us at present. Our third-party access role regarding DBCT is set out under the provisions of the QCA Act.
Port activities (relating to our monitoring role) fall under the following legislation:
- Transport Infrastructure Act 1994
- Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994
- Queensland Competition Authority Act 1997
- Queensland Competition Authority Regulation 1997
The Transport Infrastructure Act covers, amongst other things:
- functions and powers of port authorities
- land management.
The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act regulates, amongst other things:
- safety, including ship safety
- navigation
- portage
- the role of harbour masters.