STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO COAL INFRASTRUCTURE CLEAR
Published Monday, 20 August, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
Redundancies at a Central Queensland mine were more to do with restructuring of the mining company’s workforce than infrastructure bottlenecks, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said today
Mr Lucas said reports today that workers at the Coppabella mine would be made redundant because of infrastructure bottlenecks were not the whole story.
“As we demonstrated by commissioning the O’Donnell Report, we’re keen to boost infrastructure in every way possible,” Mr Lucas said.
“That’s why the State Government is the biggest investor in coal infrastructure in Queensland.
“But our understanding is that Macarthur Coal is moving away from operating the mine under a contracting basis towards an owner operator status, and that this move is the major factor behind the redundancies.”
The company also told the Australian Stock Exchange in February that rain had impacted on coal production and that coal inventories were low.
“And QR has advised that its coal railings of 5.15mt for the Coppabella and Moorvale mines in 2006-07 substantially exceeded contract obligations.
“QR reports it moved 116% of its contractual obligation for Coppabella and 156% for Moorvale.”
Mr Lucas said the State Government’s commitment to coal infrastructure investment was clear.
“Current committed expenditure by port Government Owned Corporations and QR on coal transport infrastructure is around $2.9 billion.
“Further private sector investments of $1.5 billion is underway at the two privately owned coal terminals at Hay Point and DBCT.
“That’s $4.4 billion worth of current investment – with not one dollar coming from the Federal Government.”
Nearly 20 years ago in 1988-89, Queensland exported 59 million tonnes (Mt) of coal. In 2006-07, coal exports rose to approx 153 million tonnes.
“That’s an increase of almost 150% since 1988-89 and a 30% increase since 2001.”
“Queensland Rail has also become the world's largest coal export rail-transport provider. In 1990-91 it hauled 67Mt of coal. In 2006-07 that figure increased to 164Mt – a 144% increase.”
Mr Lucas also noted comments from Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche that port bottlenecks had occurred because of the unanticipated spike in demand for coal.
“I note Mr Roche is quoted as saying the issues go beyond who owns and operates the ports,” Mr Lucas said.
“I also note quotes from Mr Roche saying infrastructure projects could be achieved sooner if the Federal Government invested some money.”
Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942
Mr Lucas said reports today that workers at the Coppabella mine would be made redundant because of infrastructure bottlenecks were not the whole story.
“As we demonstrated by commissioning the O’Donnell Report, we’re keen to boost infrastructure in every way possible,” Mr Lucas said.
“That’s why the State Government is the biggest investor in coal infrastructure in Queensland.
“But our understanding is that Macarthur Coal is moving away from operating the mine under a contracting basis towards an owner operator status, and that this move is the major factor behind the redundancies.”
The company also told the Australian Stock Exchange in February that rain had impacted on coal production and that coal inventories were low.
“And QR has advised that its coal railings of 5.15mt for the Coppabella and Moorvale mines in 2006-07 substantially exceeded contract obligations.
“QR reports it moved 116% of its contractual obligation for Coppabella and 156% for Moorvale.”
Mr Lucas said the State Government’s commitment to coal infrastructure investment was clear.
“Current committed expenditure by port Government Owned Corporations and QR on coal transport infrastructure is around $2.9 billion.
“Further private sector investments of $1.5 billion is underway at the two privately owned coal terminals at Hay Point and DBCT.
“That’s $4.4 billion worth of current investment – with not one dollar coming from the Federal Government.”
Nearly 20 years ago in 1988-89, Queensland exported 59 million tonnes (Mt) of coal. In 2006-07, coal exports rose to approx 153 million tonnes.
“That’s an increase of almost 150% since 1988-89 and a 30% increase since 2001.”
“Queensland Rail has also become the world's largest coal export rail-transport provider. In 1990-91 it hauled 67Mt of coal. In 2006-07 that figure increased to 164Mt – a 144% increase.”
Mr Lucas also noted comments from Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche that port bottlenecks had occurred because of the unanticipated spike in demand for coal.
“I note Mr Roche is quoted as saying the issues go beyond who owns and operates the ports,” Mr Lucas said.
“I also note quotes from Mr Roche saying infrastructure projects could be achieved sooner if the Federal Government invested some money.”
Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942