More consultation on Galilee coal project

The supplementary environmental impact statement (SEIS) for Waratah Coal’s China First Galilee Coal project was released today by the Coordinator-General.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said the SEIS addressed the issues raised in submissions received during the public consultation on the EIS in late 2011.

“Some of these key issues included the impact of subsidence from underground mining, impacts to flora and fauna, as well as impacts on water resources, communities and transport,” Mr Broe said.

“The supplementary information that is now available for consultation addresses these issues, and we encourage people wishing to make a submission to do so in writing.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the release of the SEIS was another step in the thorough assessment process for major projects.

“This is another of several opportunities for communities and individuals to have their say and provide input to the assessment process,” he said.

Waratah’s proposal is for a combined open cut and underground mining operation near Alpha with supporting rail infrastructure to the Port of Abbot Point.

The project is also being assessed in parallel under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, meaning the Commonwealth Environment Minister will need to approve impacts to matters of national environmental significance.

The China First Galilee Coal Project SEIS will be available for public comment from 8 April until 5pm on 6 May 2013.

To view the supplementary EIS and information on how to comment, visit http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/assessments-and-approvals/china-first-coal-project.html

[ENDS] 8 April 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman 0409 791 281 or Kate Haddan 0418 373 516