NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) held its first community reference group (CRG) meeting, in Bowen, last week.
The inaugural CRG meeting reaffirms NQBP’s long-standing commitment to meaningful community consultation and engagement.
“NQBP is dedicated to fostering strong relationships between our ports and the local communities,” NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said.
“These meetings provide an invaluable forum for sharing updates on trade performance, key infrastructure projects, and environmental initiatives, while allowing community representatives to voice their concerns and feedback,” Mr Webb said.
“We are committed to transparent communication and collaboration, ensuring that our projects take community expectations into consideration.
“The CRGs serve as an active platform for building relationships, exchanging insights, and reinforcing our commitment to responsible port operations.
“It was great to welcome our new members to the CRG.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP said the consultation was vitally important for both the business community and residents in Bowen because NQBP was a major contributor to the town’s economy and liveability.
“The Bowen Jetty is important infrastructure as both an icon and a tourism attraction, so it is vital that the community was consulted with and had input into the future of that infrastructure,” Mr Last said.
Topics of discussion during the meeting included an overview of NQBP’s economic impact, updates on the progress of major projects, such as the Bowen Jetty, and information on NQBP’s sponsorships and donations program.
NQBP’s CRGs, which are also held in Hay Point and Mackay, have been a cornerstone of NQBP’s community engagement for more than two decades.
The CRGs include representatives from local government, businesses, residents, the port industry, traditional owner groups, and environmental groups.
For more information visit www.nqbp.com.au.
Bowen and Abbot Point Community Reference Group members
- Mayor Ry Collins, Whitsunday Regional Council Representative
- Jonathan Cutting, Coordinator Engagement and Place Whitsunday Regional Council Representative
- Donna Turner, Strategy and Partnerships Manager, NQ Dry Tropics
- Alex Cramb, Maritime Safety Queensland Representative
- Max Haste, Maritime Safety Queensland Representative
- Tony Bale, Chamber of Commerce Representative
- Bradley Stout, Juru Enterprise Representative
- Mark Smith, NQXT Industry Representative
- Kate Mee, Abbot Point Operations Industry Representative
- Damien Dederer, Abbot Point Operations Industry Representative
- James Gilmour, Port Industry Representative
- Clint Mason, Engage Marine Representative
- Matt Bowkett, Engage Marine Representative
- Stephanie Cora, Bowen Community Representative
- Emma Stark, Youth Representative
- David Paddon, Local Business Representative
- Cheryl Bullemor, Recreational Representative
- Glenda Robertson, Bowen Community Representative
- Richard Roberts, Bowen Community Representative
- Lorraine Maltby, Bowen Community Representative
- Brendan Webb, NQBP CEO (CRG Chair)
- Darren Brownsey, NQBP GM Commercial & Maritime Services
- Tim Lewis, NQBP GM Infrastructure
- Nawar Spear, NQBP Project Director
- Julie Keane, NQBP Indigenous Program Manager
- Emilie Power, NQBP Senior Advisor Community Relationship
- James Miller, NQBP Acting Ports Supervisor – Bowen
