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Abbot Point dredging: Environment Minister expects application to scrap dumping of dredge spoil on Great Barrier Reef

Dredge spoils from a north Queensland port expansion will be dumped on land instead of inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park under a proposal set to go before the Federal Government.

The ABC has obtained new information about the plan, which would resolve an ongoing dispute about one of Australia's most environmentally controversial developments at Abbot Point.

North Queensland Bulk Ports, GVK Hancock and Adani Group already have approval to dump the dredge spoil at sea.

The new proposal would need to be sent to Environment Minister Greg Hunt for approval, although the ABC has been told a new submission was several weeks away.

Newcastle-based company BDM Resources has developed a plan to dry the sand and mud from Abbot Point, and then dispose of it on land.

In the plan, the company said new technology meant it could dry the mud 25 times more quickly.

"BDMR believes that using mudscroll drying technology as an onshore disposal option is significantly cheaper than the proposed offshore disposal of dredge spoil, while providing complete control and minimisation of disposal impacts on the environment," the plan stated.

BDM has not responded to requests for comment.

The ABC understands BDM last month made a presentation to the developer of Abbot Point, North Queensland Bulk Ports.

North Queensland Bulk Ports declined to comment.

However, Mr Hunt today told 612 ABC Brisbane he expected to receive an application to scrap the dumping of dredge spoil within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

"We would welcome and we would consider on its merits against the law, and there is a very real chance that this might come forward," Mr Hunt said.

"I want to see the first priority for all dredging proposals being onshore disposal."

Adani Group released a statement responding to the proposal.

"We've long said that disposal options will adhere to the best practice and the best science, based on advice from technical experts and approving authorities," the statement said.

"We are committed to ensuring the best options are in place to ensure this project is achieved, together with the best possible environmental outcomes."

Qld tourism industry ecstatic about new plan

The tourism industry has fought fiercely against plans to dump spoil within the marine park and has been lobbying politicians in Canberra.

Col McKenzie from the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators said news of a possible new plan had been enthusiastically received by the tourism industry.

"We are not against the port development or the shipping and development of coal," he said.

"What we are against is having their waste product thrown on our reef.

"I don't think the word ecstatic is quite strong enough to say how we feel today.

"We've put in an enormous effort industry-wide to try to get the Government to change its mind."

Last week, north Queensland Liberal National Party MP George Christensen declared he had "got it wrong" in his support for the expansion project and called on the owners of Abbot Point to look at alternative onshore options.