Abbot Point Operations (APO) has kicked-off Bowen’s biggest severe weather prep plan to ensure the multi-billion-dollar North Queensland Export Terminal is ready for the cyclone season ahead.

APO General Manager Damien Dederer said the business activated its Severe Weather Committee each October to review and test the coal export terminal’s systems, people processes, and infrastructure, which includes some of the largest manmade structures in the Whitsundays.

Six 40-metre-tall stacker-reclaimers and a trestle jetty that stretches 2.75 kilometres offshore to a wharf supporting two shiploaders are among the plant and equipment used to export about 35 million tonnes of thermal and metallurgical coal from Bowen and Galilee basin mines each year.

“The wet season is part and parcel of living in North Queensland and while we’re all old hands at the process, the risk of cyclones is never something to be complacent about,” Mr Dederer said.

“Similar to the prep we encourage each of the nearly 400 men and women who work at the Terminal to do at home, we make sure our emergency response processes are up to date, our site is clear of debris, and that we can safely and quickly store equipment away or lock down our infrastructure.

“We also make sure our people’s contact details are current and that there is food, water, and supporting facilities in place in case our team ever gets cut off from town.

“It’s a collaborative effort and we work closely with the Terminal’s leaseholder NQXT, the port authority North Queensland Bulk Ports, and various State and Commonwealth departments to execute the plan.”

Mr Dederer said APO’s focus on innovation and continuous improvement also paid dividends regardless of whether rain was bucketing down or the sun was shining.

“We’ve invested heavily in state-of-the-art systems and technology to make sure we maintain and operate the Terminal in a way that is responsible, sustainable, and protects the environment and our neighbours,” Mr Dederer said.

“One of these systems is real-time water monitoring and weather forecasting that allows us to model potential rainfall against Terminal water storage capacity and take early action, if necessary.

“While we hope Bowen and the Whitsundays avoid severe storms and cyclones this wet season, it’s comforting to know the right controls are in place to manage no matter what Mother Nature delivers.”

ENDS

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