Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority approves plan to dump millions of tons of dredge spoil . `` As a deepwater port that has been in operation for nearly 30 years , Abbot Point is better placed than other ports along the Great Barrier Reef coastline to undertake expansion as the capital and maintenance dredging required will be significantly less than what would be required in other areas , '' said Dr Russell Reichelt , Authority Chairman . The Queensland government has approved a controversial proposal that would allow the dumping of up to 100 million tonnes of dredged material in an area known as Abbot Point. Environmental groups decry decision .
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority approves plan to dump millions of tons of dredge spoil . The Queensland government has approved a controversial proposal that would allow the dumping of up to 100 million tonnes of dredged material in an area known as Abbot Point. Environmental groups decry decision .