The Queensland government has given its approval to the Port of Cairns' Environmental Impact Statement, putting the upgrade project a step closer to completion.

QLD's independent Coordinator-General has approved the $120 Million port upgrade plan with very stringent reef safeguards.  

"The Ports North project will be a game-changer for the Far North Queensland tourism industry by allowing a significant increase in the size and number of cruise ships and other vessels that can berth in Cairns," said Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Planning Cameron Dick.  "Economic modelling suggests the project will deliver an $850 Million boost to Far North Queensland tourism," he continued.  "The region will see the greatest benefit from passenger expenditure, port charges and associated supplies and servicing activity as the Cairns Shipping Development Project will allow for over 100 additional cruise ships to berth annually in the Port of Cairns by 2031."

The project must meet a comprehensive set of conditions to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

"In his evaluation report, the coordinator-general evaluated all the possible environmental impacts and sets comprehensive conditions to manage potential impacts on Trinity Inlet within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and state marine park," said Dick.  "They include managing marine water quality, plant clearing and activity in the state marine park."