‘The level to which we can manage Cleveland Bay is directly proportional to our understanding of Cleveland Bay. The more we know, the better we can manage. The better we can manage, the more sustainable is our use’. Cleveland Bay Consortium
For more than 30 years the Port of Townsville has undertaken significant research and monitoring within Cleveland Bay and surrounding areas. This has been undertaken in conjunction with a range of research partners, from universities to industry, from regulators to community partnerships. The Port has worked with a range of partnerships to develop significant datasets over the years and utilize this knowledge not only for improvements across our port but also across our region.
Ports are often located within large population centers, have broad ranging supply chains, handle diverse ranges of goods and services and are located at the land/water interface. Ports play a significant role in understanding cumulative impacts as ports are often both a source and a catchment sink. Ports have limited legislative power to alter inputs coming into the port from the coastal and marine catchments they are located within.
We have undertaken a significant amount of monitoring and research in Cleveland Bay to ensure we can operate sustainably whilst minimising impacts to our surrounding environments as well as respond to emerging contaminants that may be generated in the catchments around our port. We work collaboratively with a range of partners to protect our environment and improve understanding and connectedness with Cleveland Bay. Over time methodologies and technology has changed, partners change and understanding improves, this case study highlights the key learnings from undertaking nearly 30 years of monitoring in Cleveland Bay, as the more we know, the better we can manage.