General News
27 May, 2026
Port land grab ‘not decided’
NO decisions have been made by Cassowary Coast Regional Council whether to proceed with land acquisitions at Mourilyan Harbour to make way for a new ‘industrial precinct’ to meet the needs of an increasingly busier port.
Property owners revealed to The Observer (20 May edition) they had been formally approached and had held meetings with council officers about the possible acquisition of their land.
The move is part of plans by council to establish a large new industrial land area to complement the expected increase in port activities at Mourilyan Harbour, including the expected major increase in silica shipments from the port by Silica Resources Australia.
“No decisions have been made about the future use or acquisition of any land,” the council spokeswoman said.
“This work is about responsible long-term planning, transparency and early engagement,” she said.
“It is better for landholders and the community to understand potential future considerations early, rather than after decisions have already been made.”
The council spokeswoman said council’s position “is clearly set out in its adopted strategic documents” which it intends to put on the agenda of its June council meeting.
“Item 6.4 of council’s corporate plan identifies the need to advocate for the development of the Port of Mourilyan Industrial Precinct to secure regional investment, economic growth and job creation,” the spokeswoman said.
“Council’s operational plan 2025/26 includes a quarter four initiative for the strategic business case for the Port of Mourilyan to be endorsed by council and an advocacy plan developed.
“This matter is expected to be considered at the June 2026 local government meeting.
“Council is seeking to keep landholders informed about future strategic considerations for the precinct, including potential land use conflicts, infrastructure needs, environmental matters and amenity impacts that may arise if the area is further considered for industrial or port-related development.
“Any future development would still be subject to the appropriate planning, tenure, environmental, state government and stakeholder approval processes. Council will continue to work constructively with government agencies, industry, landholders and the community to ensure any future opportunities at the Port of Mourilyan are considered transparently and in the best interests of the region.”
The council wrote to property owners close to the port end of Mourilyan Harbour Road, saying: “Due to the forecast future growth of trade and infrastructure at the Port of Mourilyan proposed in the coming decade, one such development area being considered is located in proximity to the entrance to the Port of Mourilyan precinct.
“Your abovementioned land currently falls within the area that is being considered for potential future development,” the letter said.
The letter included a map showing a potential 84ha of “developable” land in total.
One property owner told the newspaper that council had gone further than the initial letter, indicating it was intent on proceeding with the land acquisition – even foreshadowing that properties had already been valued by a professional valuer and that owners would be offered “their market value plus 10%.
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