Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House the Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015 does not include the ports of Cairns and Mourilyan as priority ports. If capital dredging is discontinued, new larger passenger, naval and cargo ships will not be able to enter the ports. The estimated earnings foregone may be more than $5BN over the next 25 years, compounding the record high youth unemployment rates.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to amend the Sustainable Ports Development Bill 2015 to include the ports of Cairns and Mourilyan as 'priority ports' allowing the ports to carry out vital capital works dredging NOW and always. We also request that an independent project be commissioned to assess and recommend the lowest cost environmentally acceptable dredging solution. Revitalise our economy, create jobs for our youth, restore confidence and save many businesses from the brink of bankruptcy.