Some warn it will be the death knell for the Great Barrier Reef, others say it will bring a golden age of prosperity to Queensland.

Friday is D-day for the controversial Abbot Point coal port expansion near Bowen, south of Townsville.

The Abbot Point Coal Terminal. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The project involves the dumping of three million cubic metres of dredged spoil within the marine park area to expand the port.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt approved the project in December, subject to what he says are strict environmental conditions.