A $2.2 billion rail line spanning 300km to link the proposed Carmichael coal mine to Abbot Point, could create up to 2400 jobs, according to Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney.
Queensland's Coordinator-General has approved the rail line, which would connect the emerging Galilee Basin coal-mining precinct to the coastline.
It still requires Federal approval, which is due on September 30.
The development has long been criticised by environmental groups that oppose sending more coal to the coastline for export.
Mr Seeney said during its two-year construction, $790 million would be pumped into the Mackay regional economy, with more than $900 million going into state coffers.
The rail line will be capable of handling 100 million tonnes of coal per year.
There would "strict conditions" on the developers of the line, Mr Seeney said.
"These rigorous conditions protect flora and fauna and address surface water, air quality and noise emissions," he said.
"Proponents Adani must also develop an agreement with each affected landholder that stipulates how access will be maintained to homesteads, stock feeding areas and water supply."
"The company must also submit final rail design and revised flood modelling to the Coordinator-General for approval before construction commences."
TOPICS:
ADANI,
COAL,
GALILEE BASIN,
GREAT BARRIER REEF,
JEFF SEENEY
Queensland election coming up in March 2015. It will be interesting to see what the opposition stance is on this development approval. While federal approval is due, I won't be surprised if it is stalled until post election.
Anyway...while all these approvals are nice, one would need big b...s to develop Galilee with the current Thermal coal price and 4x forecasts. It could well be another decade before any serious tonnages come out of the Galilee basin.
