The Government of Queensland (Australia) has proposed declaring five Priority Port Development Areas (PPDAs) for the state's leading long-established ports, where development will be concentrated and encouraged.

The move was among the key actions in the draft Queensland Ports Strategy released several days ago. The PPDAs would be created for the ports of Brisbane, Mackay/Hay Point (two separate zones), Gladstone, Townsville and Abbot Point.

Along Queensland's 6,973 km coastline, there are 20 ports. This strategy will prohibit capital dredging for the development of deep water port facilities outside of PPDAs for the next 10 years.

The government is working to have legislation in place by next year to deliver on these commitments.

The draft Queensland Ports Strategy aligns with the recommendation made by UNESCO that the Australian and Queensland Governments restrict port development outside the long-established major port areas within or adjoining the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

In 2011-2012, these proposed PPDA ports handled 87 % of Queensland's $54.5 billion in exports and were responsible for 98 % of the state's imports. Coal is still the predominant commodity export representing 63 % of volumes followed by bauxite at 15 % and petroleum products 6 per cent.

The draft Queensland Ports Strategy will be open for public comment until 13 December 2013.