News from AFR this...

News from AFR this afternoon
http://www.afr.com/p/markets/market_wrap/cockatoo_coal_queensland_project_ysf8jIg1xt3ygAXXH9i4RP


A major coal project planned for central Queensland is a step closer to fruition after the Queensland government on Monday gave the green light for Cockatoo Coal to prepare an environmental impact statement for its North-Surat Taroom Coal Project.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the $1.12 billion project could create 1000 construction and 550 operation jobs.

"With the potential to operate for up to 20 years and export eight million tonnes of thermal coal a year, there's no doubt it will provide major economic benefits to Queensland," he said in a statement.

Mr Seeney said the environmental impact statement would consider the project's impact on water, threatened species, the community and housing availability.