The Bunbury Port Authority has negotiated an agreement with woodchip exporter Hansol PI that is designed to allow both woodchips and coal exports to proceed throught the port.
Hansol took legal action after the port allowed Collie coal miner Griffin Coal to commence coal exports through Bunbury.
Hansol claimed that coal dust would contaminate its woodchip stocks and threaten the viability of its business.
A statement from the Bunbury Port Authority is pasted below:
WOODCHIP SETTLEMENT REACHED
Following over 12 months of negotiation between representatives from Bunbury Port Authority, Hansol PI and the State Government, agreement has been reached on the future of woodchip export through Bunbury.
The parties have entered into a Settlement Deed which will require a "workaround solution" to be implemented prior to coal being exported through the Port's "Berth 8" allowing a "Stay of Proceedings".
If a coal exporter is to use Berth 8 a "workaround solution" will be implemented to ensure that any possible compatibility issues between coal and woodchip are addressed.
The Settlement Deed allows Hansol to progress its business interests and provides an avenue for coal exports to commence. The Port Authority continues to work with coal proponents to progress coal exports through Bunbury.
A dedicated coal berth is still contemplated provided export tonnages support the construction and dredging requirements. Berth 8 is available for use as an interim berth to build the trade.
