Galilee basin coal jobs come one step closer

Thousands of potential jobs in Queensland’s Galilee coal projects have come one step closer with a major milestone for Carmichael mine.

The Queensland Government has referred the dredging of Abbot Point to the Federal Government for environmental assessment as the next step in the project’s development.

State Development Minister and Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the milestone was significant progress, with more approval stages ahead. 

“The referral is a significant milestone for the project and demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to supporting business and industry in creating jobs,” he said.

“At the same time, we are keeping our commitment to Queenslanders to not allow dredge spoil dumping on the Great Barrier Reef or in the Caley Valley Wetlands.

“The approval process for the Abbot Point port expansion will be a comprehensive and thorough process.

“I want to assure Queenslanders that we will always balance economic development, environmental protection and the public interest as we progress this, and any, project.”

Adani’s Carmichael Coal Project and related coal, rail and port projects in the Galilee Basin represent a $21.7 billion investment in Queensland and are expected to create about 9500 jobs.

Dr Lynham said mine proponents --- not taxpayers --- would meet dredging and approvals costs.

“Unlike the Newman government, we won’t be expecting taxpayers to pay for the environmental assessment,” he said.  

“We welcome Adani’s commitment to date to developing this valuable coal deposit and the related infrastructure.

“Expanding Abbot Point is an essential building block in Queensland’s economic development, allowing it to meet export requirements from Galilee Basin projects.”

ENDS 17 April, 2015

Media contact: Jan Martin     0439 341 314