State to undertake EIS on major coal project

The Newman Government today welcomed the Coordinator-General’s release of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the $4.2 billion South Galilee thermal coal project at Alpha in Central Queensland.

The Deputy Premier and the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said should the project, about 170 km west of Emerald, proceed it would be a create around 2,900 jobs during the construction and operation phases.

“The proposed project has an open cut and underground mining operation with an estimated mine life of 33 years and, if approved, could mine up to 17 million tonnes of coal a year for the global export market,” he said.

“The AMCI and Alpha Coal joint venture has advised that it will employ around 1,600 people during the two year construction phase of the project and up to 1,290 workers when the mine is operational.

“Add those jobs to the flow-on jobs that will be created in the regions to service this major project and it’s clear this project bring major employment and economic benefits to Queensland.”

Mr Seeney said the proposed project included coal handling infrastructure, a mine water management system, mine access roads, an on-site accommodation village and a rail spur to connect to a common user rail line.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe declared the project a ‘significant project’ under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (Qld).

Mr Seeney said the proponent had prepared the EIS in accordance with the terms of reference and he now called for submissions which he would consider in his evaluation of the project.

“The EIS’s release recognises the extent and complexity of the project but also notes the benefits it may bring and the need to carefully assess all aspects of this proposed project,” he said.

Mr Broe said Federal Environment Minister would also have a role in the project’s approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The South Galilee Coal project EIS will be available for public comment until 5pm Monday 3 December, 2012.

The EIS is available to view online at the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning website at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/sgcp and will be on public display (subject to local opening hours) at:

• Barcaldine Regional Council, 43 Dryden Street, Alpha
• Barcaldine Regional Council, 44 Pasteur Street, Jericho
• State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, Stanley Place, South Bank, Brisbane
• National Library of Australia – Parkes Place, Canberra ACT 2600.

[ENDS] 17 October 2012

Media Contact:  Kate Haddan – 0418 373 516