GLADSTONE PORT EXPANSIONS CONTINUE: BLIGH

Gladstone: The importance of the Port of Gladstone as Queensland’s number one multi-cargo port is set to be substantially enhanced with the advancement of two key coal projects.

The Acting Premier Anna Bligh today released the Environmental Impact study (EIS) for the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal (WICT).

The development’s Stage 1 is estimated to cost about $1 billion.

Ms Bligh also announced the completion of the $92 million third rail unloading station at the Port’s primary coal handling facility, RG Tanna Coal Terminal.

These milestones, along with the recent announcement by the Premier on the Southern Missing Rail link, demonstrate clearly the Queensland Government's ability to efficiently plan for and provide timely infrastructure to facilitate the economic growth of Central Queensland.

Transport Minister Paul Lucas said that last financial year a record 67.2Mt of product was handled through the Port of Gladstone thanks to the growth in coal exports and major resource processing trade, particularly those associated with the growing alumina industry.

"The continued growth of these trades will see the port handling more than 100Mt of cargo by the end of this decade.

“The proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and the RG Tanna Expansion project will help ensure the export of coal from proposed new mines at Belvedere, Monto, Lake Vermont as well as major mine expansions at Ensham, Dawson and Curragh,’’ he said.

Ms Bligh said the first stage of the proposed Wiggins Island Coal terminal, set for completion in 2010-11, would have an initial throughput capacity of more than 25Mt of coal a year, with a projected end capacity of 60-70 million tonnes.

“On ultimate completion of Wiggins Island and the expansion of the RG Tanna facility, coal exports from Gladstone could hit 140Mt a year, making Gladstone one of the largest coal exporting port in the world.

Ms Bligh said the work being undertaken at Wiggins Island and RG Tanna will help ensure the massive coal deposits in the Surat Basin have an efficient export outlet.

During construction WICT is expected to create work for an about 500 workers and provide 125 jobs once it is operational.

Central Queensland Ports Authority Chairman Helen Gluer said the EIS for Wiggins Island would be available from Monday 13 November for public comment and submissions.

She said the proposed terminal configuration had resulted in a major environmental win for the Port of Gladstone with 39 hectares of seabed and mangroves now no longer needed for the development.

Ms Gluer also said a number of mitigation measures to cut down coal dust from the terminal had also been proposed including reduced dozer usage, stockpile sprays and mist curtains, and belt washing systems.

Ms Bligh said the third rail unloading station was now in the final stages of commissioning and would be operational by the end of the month.

This project was constructed by an alliance consisting of a local Gladstone firm Golding Contractors, Monadelphous Engineering and the Central Queensland Ports Authority.

Meanwhile in a separate development the Port has acquired a fifth tug to improve vessel movements and facilitate the growth of trade.

8 November 2006
Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s Office – 3224 4379