JILALAN RAIL YARD PROJECT TO BRING ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO MACKAY/SARINA REGION
Published Monday, 14 May, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
13 May 2007
Joint statement
Acting Premier and the Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh, has announced the Coordinator-General’s declaration of the Jilalan Rail Yard Project as a ‘significant project’ for which an EIS is required under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.
Ms Bligh said an upgraded Jilalan Rail Yard will be a key piece of infrastructure that will bring significant economic benefits to the Mackay/Sarina region and help to ensure the efficiency of Queensland’s coal rail transport system.
The Jilalan Rail Yard, located just south-east of Sarina, is owned and operated by Queensland Rail. It is currently capable of handling approximately 92 million tonnes of coal per year.
Member for Mackay, Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said with the expansion of Dalrymple Bay/Hay Point ports to approximately 130 million tonnes per year by 2010, there is a need for rail upgrades to complement the port facilities.
“The Jilalan Rail Yard upgrade will be a key item in this strategy,” he said.
Ms Bligh said that the project, which is in the order of $350 million, will enhance the ability of the coal rail network and allow the further growth of coal exports from the Bowen Basin.
“Increased coal export capacity will ensure additional earnings for Australia and make a valuable contribution to the State’s economy.
“Employment for around 350 people will be generated during construction, with 100 jobs required once operational.”
The proposed expansion would incorporate two new bypass roads with provision for a third road, two provisioning tracks, a wagon maintenance facility, and modifications to the existing yard and maintenance tracks.
“The Coordinator-General is currently preparing the draft Terms of Reference for the EIS, which will be released for public comment shortly,” Ms Bligh said.
“Potential impacts on existing land users will be taken into account in the EIS, along with improvements to local roads and level crossings. A final decision to commence construction will not be undertaken by QR until after the EIS and detailed design is completed.”
“Anyone with an interest in this project can review information on the proposal, outlined in the Initial Advice Statement, at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au/eis.”
Media contact: Media contract 3224 4379
Joint statement
Acting Premier and the Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh, has announced the Coordinator-General’s declaration of the Jilalan Rail Yard Project as a ‘significant project’ for which an EIS is required under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.
Ms Bligh said an upgraded Jilalan Rail Yard will be a key piece of infrastructure that will bring significant economic benefits to the Mackay/Sarina region and help to ensure the efficiency of Queensland’s coal rail transport system.
The Jilalan Rail Yard, located just south-east of Sarina, is owned and operated by Queensland Rail. It is currently capable of handling approximately 92 million tonnes of coal per year.
Member for Mackay, Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin said with the expansion of Dalrymple Bay/Hay Point ports to approximately 130 million tonnes per year by 2010, there is a need for rail upgrades to complement the port facilities.
“The Jilalan Rail Yard upgrade will be a key item in this strategy,” he said.
Ms Bligh said that the project, which is in the order of $350 million, will enhance the ability of the coal rail network and allow the further growth of coal exports from the Bowen Basin.
“Increased coal export capacity will ensure additional earnings for Australia and make a valuable contribution to the State’s economy.
“Employment for around 350 people will be generated during construction, with 100 jobs required once operational.”
The proposed expansion would incorporate two new bypass roads with provision for a third road, two provisioning tracks, a wagon maintenance facility, and modifications to the existing yard and maintenance tracks.
“The Coordinator-General is currently preparing the draft Terms of Reference for the EIS, which will be released for public comment shortly,” Ms Bligh said.
“Potential impacts on existing land users will be taken into account in the EIS, along with improvements to local roads and level crossings. A final decision to commence construction will not be undertaken by QR until after the EIS and detailed design is completed.”
“Anyone with an interest in this project can review information on the proposal, outlined in the Initial Advice Statement, at www.infrastructure.qld.gov.au/eis.”
Media contact: Media contract 3224 4379