Ports delivering record coal haul

Published Wednesday, 27 November, 2013 at 04:45 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Queensland’s northern ports are continuing to experience strong growth as coal export volumes exceed pre-GFC levels.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the work of the Newman Government to focus on resources as part of the four-pillar economy was delivering record levels of coal exports.

“Compared to last year, we are seeing substantially increased exports at our two biggest coal terminals at Gladstone and Dalrymple Bay,” Mr Nicholls said.

“In October alone Gladstone recorded 5.98 million tonnes, up 17.4 per cent on the previous year while Dalrymple Bay recorded 5.79 million tonnes, up 19 per cent on October 2013.

“Importantly we are seeing coal prices also stabilise with the Hard Coking Coal Benchmark Price up five per cent – the first increase in more than two years.

“The Newman Government’s sound economic management and improving coal prices are returning confidence to the industry.

“The recent opening of the Kestrel South and Daunia mines is clear evidence coal companies believe they have a future in Queensland.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said Queensland’s ports were on target to top the 200 million tonne mark for 2013-14.

“Labor’s policies at the State and Federal level were affecting our important resources industry and I’m pleased we’ve been able to turn that around,” Mr Emerson said.

“There were 180.2 million tonnes in 2012-13, an increase of 9.8 per cent increase on 2011-12.

“This year we are on target to achieve a further 11.5 per cent increase, taking throughput to 200.5 million tonnes.

“Queensland’s ports are essential to the vitality and growth of the state’s four pillar economy, especially resources.”

[ENDS] 27 November 2013

Media contact:           Minister Emerson – Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637

Treasurer – Maree Lacey 0409 947 957