2022-09-06 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   6 SEPTEMBER 2022




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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                            6 SEPTEMBER 2022

                1. MSQ perspective - Presentation by General Manager MSQ
               Discussion:
               There were rapid changes in weather conditions, from severe to extreme, meaning staff were
               stretched, and access to the Brisbane River restricted. At least 300 pontoons were lost, and over
               7,000 tonnes of debris removed from across south-east Queensland. There was significant
               damage to navigational aids, loss of a ferry, wharves, and a tanker loose in the Port.
               Local governments have been requested to provide cost figures to QRA on the recovery efforts
               and cleanup. NSC CEO offered to provide NSC costs.
               Monitoring polystyrene pollution impacts on the environment and wildlife (including locations and
               outcomes) should be included in the costs as the long-term effects are still unknown.
               MSQ to undertake a root cause analysis to better understand why so many polystyrene-filled
               structures broke away and adopt a preventive response for future flood events. This includes
               manufacturing standards for whole of life and installation, the need for inspections and ID
               requirements on pontoons and decommissioning standards including recycled materials.
               Risk analyses and standards review of pontoon building material is needed in light of increased
               extreme weather events. Tracking devices on pontoons will assist with the thousands of pontoons
               which are not registered to an owner. Past products standards, particularly regarding tethering,
               are not aligned with the increase in severity of climate events.

              Minutes - Polystyrene Round Table - 21 July 2022                                         Page 4

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