Mine, gas plant would create jobs
Bianca Clare | 14th July 2009
Two separate proposed projects, a new coal mine in the Bowen Basin and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Abbot Point, will create thousands of new jobs for the region if given approval.
AAPTWO separate proposed projects, a new coal mine in the Bowen Basin and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Abbot Point, will create thousands of new jobs for the region if given the go-ahead.
The LNG proposal also includes the construction of an 800km pipeline linking the gas fields in South Australia's Cooper/Eromanga basin to Abbot Point.
Premier Anna Bligh told yesterday's estimates hearing in State Parliament that seven of the current eight LNG proposals were based around Gladstone with one examining the potential of a medium-sized plant at Abbot Point, near Bowen.
“By our estimates the Mackay, Fitzroy and Central West regions are set to secure more than 14,100 jobs from this industry,” she said.
“The economic benefits from this new industry for this regional economy means it will grow by an estimated 8.3 per cent.”
The Daily Mercury understands the company behind the proposed LNG project is Energy World Corporation (EWC) in which billionaire and businessman James Packer owns large holdings.
EWC owns and operates power stations and oil and gas fields in Indonesia and Australia.
The proposed plant at Abbot Point would produce 0.5 million tonnes of LNG a year.
The proposed coal mine, known as the Caval Ridge project, would be a 50-50 joint venture between BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, managed by BMA.
A spokesperson for BHP Billiton said the Caval Ridge Project would employ 500 people during operation and up to 1200 during construction.
The first coal is expected to be produced from the Caval Ridge project - if the environmental impact statement is approved by the State Government - in 2013.
The proposed LNG project for Abbot Point and the 800km pipeline are in the early planning stages.
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?
