Port of Brisbane Environmental Monitoring Program 2013-25

Background

Client: Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd

The Port of Brisbane is located at the mouth of the Brisbane River on the western foreshore of Moreton Bay, Queensland. The port is located adjacent to areas of high biodiversity significance and environmental sensitivity. The seagrass and mudflats adjacent to the port are recognised for their importance to fish, shellfish, dugong, marine turtles and shorebirds. The port also operates within and adjacent to Moreton Bay Marine Park and the internationally significant Moreton Bay Ramsar wetland site.

The Port of Brisbane has developed an environmental monitoring program which aims to provide an understanding of the condition, values and stressors operating at and adjacent to the port area. 

Outcomes and Benefits

BMT was engaged to undertake the monitoring program (2013-25).  The monitoring program is comprised of numerous sub-programs, including sediment sampling and analysis to determine the suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal, ambient surface water and groundwater monitoring, monitoring of turbid plumes generated by dredging activities, weed surveys, monitoring of the condition and community structure of seagrass meadows and mangrove forests, and reef surveys. 

The information collected in the monitoring program provides a basis for informing port planning and management activities, and meeting regulatory compliance requirements for carrying out dredging activities.

Services and Expertise Provided:

• Environmental monitoring program design and implementation;
• Statistical analysis of trends in condition, stressor and biodiversity indicators;
• Assessment of suitability of dredged material for ocean disposal; and
• Development of online environmental database.