Palaszczuk Government welcomes Carmichael decision

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed the latest decision by the Commonwealth Government on the Carmichael project, State Development and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said today.

Dr Lynham said the announcement was a significant milestone for a project that offered Queensland jobs, economic development benefits and potential royalty income.

“North Queensland’s resource communities have been impacted by low commodity prices and this is welcome positive news for the resources sector,” he said.

“The delay has been unfortunate but in the interim, the State has continued to progress approval processes under its control in a timely way, including the environmental impact statement for dredging and containment ponds at the Port of Abbot Point. 

“Submissions to the draft EIS are currently being considered before the final EIS goes to the Federal Minister for consideration.

“The environmental authority and mining lease are currently before the Land Court and the Coordinator-General continues to progress development applications for rail construction in the Galilee Basin and Abbot Point State Development Areas. “ 

Dr Lynham said that ultimately commercial decisions to proceed were up to proponents, but the Palaszczuk Government shared the commitment of the Federal Government to developing the Galilee Basin.

[ENDS]              15 October 2015

Media Contact: Jan Martin 0439 341 314