The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has praised Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) for its response to the Pacific Adventurer oil and chemical spill off Australia's Gold Coast.

The spill occurred in March 2009 when the Pacific Adventurer was struck by gale-force winds and abnormally high tides created by Cyclone Hamish.

In its new incident report, the AMSA praises the MSQ for its clear-up operation in the wake of the spill, which covered a 5.5km area.

The group was also praised for the speed in which it established new oil spill response training programmes following the spill, helping to increase preparedness and preventative capacity through cooperation with local maritime transport gas firms and other public departments.

Minister for transport Rachel Nolan commented: "There was an extraordinary response to the oil spill, with over 2,500 people from 22 agencies assisting in the clean-up operation."

The findings of the report will now be incorporated into the national emergency readiness plan for 2010-11.

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