In 2007 the Department of Infrastructure and Planning commissioned Connell Wagner to identify and rank sites within the Port of Gladstone that could support plant and associated infrastructure to form an liquefied natural gas (LNG) precinct.

The scope of this study included:

• review of existing information
• determination of critical requirements for a conceptual LNG plant and infrastructure allowing for future growth
• determination of criteria to assess all possible sites
• determination of a list of possible sites within the Gladstone region
• establishment of a short list of sites, assessment and ranking.

Design criteria for LNG facility operations were established in relation to LNG carrier size and operations, port configuration, load out wharf facilities, LNG processing plant, associated infrastructure, cryogenic pipeline and safety and security clearance zones. The environment and community, gas delivery capacity and transport and infrastructure considerations for both construction and operation phases were also assessed.

Site assessment criteria were developed and grouped to assist with consideration and ranking of the sites.  The study initially identified a total of 13 sites for high level assessment. A first cut review was undertaken resulting in a long list of nine sites, of which six were located on Curtis Island.

The long list of nine sites was assessed against pre-determined criteria using a “multifactor evaluation technique”. A fatal flaw analysis was undertaken in conjunction with a site inspection. The site inspection  confirmed access issues relating to shipping, land side, services, land form and the environment. Interviews were also held with representatives of the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development Board, Central Queensland Ports Authority and the Regional Harbour Master (Maritime Safety Queensland).

This approach allowed a short listing two namely North China Bay and Hamilton Point West.  Coincidentally, both sites are adjacent and are on Curtis Island.

A more detailed assessment of these two sites was also undertaken. This involved preparation of site layout drawings to assist in the consideration of the siting of the LNG plant and product loading jetty and the barge landing sites to facilitate large module delivery.  Further consideration was given to the suitability of each site through a high level cost comparison and the suitability of the site for future expansion.  This process was used to prepare a final ranking of each site.

The study conclusions resulted in the North China Bay site being ranked as the preferred development site for an LNG processing precinct. This site ranked only marginally better than the Hamilton Point West site, however, it is noted that the North China Bay site has the attraction of additional adjacent areas suitable for further expansion of LNG operations.  Although the North China Bay and Hamilton Point West sites are adjacent, they are separated by a ridge and therefore may not be easily merged.  Notwithstanding this, site layouts may be revisited in terms of optimisation, development opportunities and sharing of common user infrastructure. Such opportunities will only become evident following definition of particular proponent requirements and further detailed analyses of the sites and development requirements.

During the course of the study it became evident that further detailed consideration was required for channel widths and LNG carrier access arrangements, beyond the scope of this study, was required. Ship simulation work is being undertaken by the Gladstone Ports Corporation and Maritime Safety Queensland to assess safe vessel movement requirements in the Port of Gladstone.  This additional work will inform the need for increased dredging of the harbour. The assessment is critical so that decisions can be made relating to overall project costs and potential common user infrastructure access requirements.

As part of the site selection study, a desktop environmental assessment, Environmental Assessment – LNG Production and Export Facility – Site Selection Study  was undertaken of the nine sites on the “long list” in order to rank these sites according to the following environmental issues:

• disturbance to terrestrial flora and fauna
• marine ecology disturbance
• proximity to residents
•  cultural heritage constraints
• potential operational effect on surroundings.

Copies of the Site Selection Study - LNG Production and Export Precinct and the accompanying Environmental Assessment–LNG Production and Export Facility -  Site Selection Study can be obtained by contacting:

LNG Projects
Department of Infrastructure and Planning
PO Box  15009, City East, BRISBANE, QLD 4002
Telephone: (07) 3224 2029