Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) will lead and co-ordinate a simulated oil spill response drill at Cairns and Port Douglas on 29 and 30 July
Exercise Navarino will simulate a response to a fictional scenario in which a trading ship spills oil, impacting the coastal environment around Port Douglas.
The exercise will involve staff from MSQ and other state government agencies practising their response arrangements and skills.
The incident management team co-ordinating the response will be located in Cairns, while a forward operating base will be established at Lot 96, Spinnaker Close, Port Douglas.
Port Douglas locals might observe oil spill response staff and equipment being deployed but should rest assured this will be for a controlled, simulated event rather than the real thing.
In the interests of safety, the public is asked not to approach staff involved in the exercise.
While the event occurs there will be no impact on community safety, the environment or cultural assets.
Exercise Navarino is the latest annual state marine pollution control exercise to be conducted by MSQ as part of its responsibilities under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan) for responding to a major maritime emergency.
This plan emphasises a collaborative response between government and industry, which is crucial for efficient incident response.
Australia’s economy and lifestyle are heavily dependent on the import and export of goods via large trading ships, and such exercises are key to being prepared to protect the environment and public safety should there be a major shipping incident.
