As mentioned previously, the Gladstone oil spill had economic, social and environmental consequences for public value. It had the potential to generate public and political controversy. A wide range of interests were affected, including local and State government, industry, environmental groups and the local community, among others.

Commercial fishermen, seafood processors and local seafood retailers were worried that their industry would be devastated, with potential long-term impacts on fishing stocks. Environmentalists worried about the impact on sensitive seagrasses and mangroves, as well as local dolphin and dugong populations. The wider Queensland community was concerned about health and safety issues in consuming seafood from the Gladstone area.

The Gladstone community was concerned about the impact on its seafood industry. The Queensland Seafood Industry Association was worried about the impact on consumer’s perceptions of wild caught product.

The public value lay outside the scope of one public organisation. It involved Queensland Transport who were responsible for cleaning up the oil spill; the Environmental Protection Agency who were responsible for managing the impact on wildlife and water quality; Queensland Health who administer ‘The Food Act’ and is responsible for ensuring the seafood is safe to eat; Primary Industries and Fisheries who is responsible for the local fishing industry; The Premier and Cabinet who is responsible for the government’s response to this incident and the local council.

DPI&F facilitated the co-ordination of these diverse interests and perspectives.