Ann: Rocklands Process Plant Update, page-59

Interesting article regarding Carpentaria rail, touched on it some time ago, certainly would be significantly beneficial to the whole region. Bit of a dream at the moment, but with some commercial backing could be feasible. Karumba is much closer to Cloncurry and Asia.

Backing for rail proposal
By BRAD THOMPSON
Sept. 16, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
AN OPTIMISTIC outlook for minerals in Cloncurry and gas developments in the Gulf could be supported by a proposal for the Carpentaria Rail line.

The proposed $1.5 billion rail line and port running from Mount Isa to Karumba would provide a direct link with the Gulf of Carpentaria and Asia.
In the Development of Northern Australia report, Pivot North, Karumba was one of three ports recommended for upgrades by federal government funding.
“The upgrade of facilities at Karumba Port would support high volume trade between Queensland’s Gulf region and Asia. The upgrade of onshore refuelling, watering and loading facilities would also assist the development of the commercial fishing industry,” the report stated.
Carpentaria Rail chief executive David Fletcher says a line to Karumba for export from the North West was cost-effective.
“The cost of going out through the Gulf west of Karumba would be at least half the cost of going via Townsville and without the downside and risk,” he said.
“For projects closer to the Gulf it could be less than a quarter of the current cost.”
One of 40 recommendations in the Development of Northern Australia report also outlines what Mr Fletcher says is the “sad state of affairs” for rail infrastructure in the North.
“It highlights the importance of efficient cost-effective railways to our economy and the sad state of affairs here in the North West,” he said.
The report details four rail infrastructure proposals, the Darwin to Alice Springs upgrade, Mount Isa to Tennant Creek, Carpentaria Rail and the Iron Boomerang projects.
But the committee believed the construction of a rail line between Mount Isa and Tennant Creek, effectively making a direct rail link between Darwin and the east coast may be of “enormous benefit to the immediate region and the nation as a whole”
“It would facilitate the export of commodities through Darwin, promote the development of Mount Isa and Tennant Creek and the country in between, “ the report stated.
But Mr Fletcher says there isn’t anything in going in that direction of benefit for the North West in the short to medium term and such a connection would cost at least $2-3 billion.
“Operationally going from Mount Isa to the Port of Darwin is roughly the same distance as going from Mount Isa to the Port of Brisbane – I don’t hear anyone suggesting that,” he said.
“You would spend a billion dollars on the Townsville line and Port first. But as we are saying there is a much better option and the prospect of gas and other developments to the west and South of Century Mine make our western corridor look better and better as we do more work on it.”
“Growing prospects in the Cloncurry region make our central corridor viable now and a connection between the two seams the most likely as a staged development in achieving the overall goal.”
“Our long-term vision is for a viable port at Karumba and a viable port at Townsville and an efficient rail connection between the two giving the best possible support to all our exports from the region. Though starting from humble beginnings, in time, Port Carpentaria will grow to be the biggest port in Australia

http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/2563921/backing-for-rail-proposal/?cs=191