FEDERAL Environment Minister Greg Hunt will fast track the assessment of a plan to dump 3 million cubic metres of Abbot Point dredge spoil into the Caley Valley wetlands.

He will duck long-established environmental processes and assess the dumping on preliminary documentation, rather than ordering a full environmental impact assessment which is normal practise for a project of this size.

WWF spokeswoman Louise Matthiesson said such a move was wrong and the world’s best reef required the world’s best management.

“The fast tracking of development at Gladstone triggered the World Heritage Committee’s concern — this looks like a case of history repeating itself,’’ she said.

“We don’t want to see short cuts taken with the Reef.

“It is absolute standard practice with a development of this enormous scale that a full and proper environmental assessment process is undertaken.’’

Mr Hunt’s department will assess the proposal put forward by Queensland Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act.

Mr Seeney put forward the plan as a way of resolving an impasse over expansion of the north Queensland coal port brought on by the plan to dump dredge spoil in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Mr Hunt has accused conservation group WWF of changing its position on spoil dumping.

‘It’s a curious position,’’ Mr Hunt said earlier this month. ‘Until now, WWF has demanded that the material be relocated on land.

‘It’s increasingly clear that WWF’s concern is not about the Reef but rather an ultimate desire to put an end to all mining.”

Mr Seeney wants the project approved by March because after that point, North Queensland Bulk Ports has approvals in place to start work, including dumping in the marine park.

The State Government, under pressure from the tourism industry, would rather dumping take place on land to relieve pressure from UNESCO which is looking at listing the World Heritage-listed Reef in danger due to environmental degradation.

It is understood the Government also wants the project started before legal action takes place. Three tourism industry and conservation groups have challenged port approvals.

Mr Seeney has said if his plan was approved, state land at the port which is part of the Caley Valley would be ready to receive spoil when dredging began in March.