Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 11:10 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
PREMIER ANNOUNCES HEAD OF INDEPENDENT COAL REVIEW
Premier Peter Beattie announced today that Mr Stephen O’Donnell, in consultation with the Queensland Resources Council, had been appointed to undertake an independent review of the Goonyella Coal Chain.
“Our Government recognises the vital importance of coal to the Queensland economy,” Mr Beattie said.
“Last week, I announced the State Government and the Queensland Resources Council would appoint a third party to undertake an independent review of the coal freight network in Central Queensland.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that, in consultation with the Queensland Resources Council, Mr Stephen O’Donnell has been appointed to undertake an independent review of the Goonyella Coal Chain.
“The Queensland Government and the Resources Council have also agreed that Mr O’Donnell will work with a steering committee comprised of two representatives of Government and two representatives of the Resources Council.
“They will ensure a focus on the entirety of the coal supply chain – from the time it’s dug up to the time it leaves on a ship.”
Mr O’Donnell worked for DuPont for fifteen years, prior to taking up the position of Executive General Manager, MIM Mt Isa, from 1995 to 2000.
He also worked with Pasminco for two years and most recently, Mr O’Donnell spent four years as the CEO of rail freight operator, Pacific National.
“Mr O’Donnell’s background establishes him well to undertake this position, and I’m advised his appointment has the agreement of all the Goonyella coal chain participants,” Mr Beattie said.
“With major increments of port and rail capacity being brought on-stream in the next three years, it is essential that all users have a realistic expectation of what system capacity will be achievable, when this capacity will be available and how the system might best operate to realise this capacity.
“Mr O’Donnell will review the overall performance of the Goonyella system, which incorporates rail and port facilities in Central Queensland.
“His task will be to clarify the key determinants of system performance, provide realistic throughput targets that have been agreed by all parties; and map out future system improvements.
“He has been asked to make a series of recommendations focussed on improving transparency, system throughput and confidence in forecast capacity in the short, medium and long-term.”
Mr Lucas said reliability was paramount and Queensland recognised the importance of its international customers and the value they placed on Queensland’s reliability as a major coal supplier.
“Customers can be assured that Mr O’Donnell’s appointment reflects the weight the Government gives this matter,” he said.
“We want to ensure that we are at the forefront of efficiency at every level in terms of coal production and transport.
“Coal exports from Queensland are worth nearly $18 billion.
“New capital investments underway in GOC owned rail and port facilities are currently worth approximately $2.3 billion. In addition well over $1 billion is being spent on the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.”
5 June, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Ministers Office: 3237 1949
“Our Government recognises the vital importance of coal to the Queensland economy,” Mr Beattie said.
“Last week, I announced the State Government and the Queensland Resources Council would appoint a third party to undertake an independent review of the coal freight network in Central Queensland.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that, in consultation with the Queensland Resources Council, Mr Stephen O’Donnell has been appointed to undertake an independent review of the Goonyella Coal Chain.
“The Queensland Government and the Resources Council have also agreed that Mr O’Donnell will work with a steering committee comprised of two representatives of Government and two representatives of the Resources Council.
“They will ensure a focus on the entirety of the coal supply chain – from the time it’s dug up to the time it leaves on a ship.”
Mr O’Donnell worked for DuPont for fifteen years, prior to taking up the position of Executive General Manager, MIM Mt Isa, from 1995 to 2000.
He also worked with Pasminco for two years and most recently, Mr O’Donnell spent four years as the CEO of rail freight operator, Pacific National.
“Mr O’Donnell’s background establishes him well to undertake this position, and I’m advised his appointment has the agreement of all the Goonyella coal chain participants,” Mr Beattie said.
“With major increments of port and rail capacity being brought on-stream in the next three years, it is essential that all users have a realistic expectation of what system capacity will be achievable, when this capacity will be available and how the system might best operate to realise this capacity.
“Mr O’Donnell will review the overall performance of the Goonyella system, which incorporates rail and port facilities in Central Queensland.
“His task will be to clarify the key determinants of system performance, provide realistic throughput targets that have been agreed by all parties; and map out future system improvements.
“He has been asked to make a series of recommendations focussed on improving transparency, system throughput and confidence in forecast capacity in the short, medium and long-term.”
Mr Lucas said reliability was paramount and Queensland recognised the importance of its international customers and the value they placed on Queensland’s reliability as a major coal supplier.
“Customers can be assured that Mr O’Donnell’s appointment reflects the weight the Government gives this matter,” he said.
“We want to ensure that we are at the forefront of efficiency at every level in terms of coal production and transport.
“Coal exports from Queensland are worth nearly $18 billion.
“New capital investments underway in GOC owned rail and port facilities are currently worth approximately $2.3 billion. In addition well over $1 billion is being spent on the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.”
5 June, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Ministers Office: 3237 1949