The construction of the biggest coal port of the world was seeking the approval of the federal government in Queensland. But, according to a new report, the approval has been decided to be stalled.

The same would now likely be seen after the federal election. Mark Butler, Environment minister, said that the new reports related to the effect of searching for the Abbot Point coal terminal expansion would be out before any decision was reached.

Abbot Point, reportedly, is around 25 kilometres to Bowen's north on the Queensland coast.

The reports may include a first report on the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone's findings, the one on the World Heritage Area's ship anchorage management and that on Mr. Butler's the Great Barrier Reef Region's department named Research on Improving Dredge Material Management.

It might also include the report carried out into environmental best practice port developments.

It is being said that the dredging up and dumping of nearly three million tonnes of mud would be seen by the planned port expansion. The same would be done in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The development is being considered as a basis for permitting a huge expansion of coal exports from the Galilee Basin of Queensland. The basin could be releasing more than 100 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, destroying efforts to fight climate change.

"I am conscious of the balance between the economic benefits and environmental concerns associated with any decision on Abbot Point", said Mr. Butler.