Published Wednesday, 05 September, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
GLADSTONE’S COAL EXPORTS ON TRACK FOR 150 MILLION TONNES
Premier Peter Beattie today announced over 1.4 million tonnes of coal was exported through the Port of Gladstone in the week ending August 25 following the docking of the first ship at the RG Tanna Coal Terminal's new fourth berth.
“By the end of 2007, upgrades to the Port of Gladstone are expected to result in 75 million tonnes of coal shipping capacity,” Mr Beattie said.
“This represents an increase since July 2005 of some 30 million tonnes – or more than 60%,” he said.
That’s great news for the thousands of Queensland families who depend upon the coal industry for their job security.
“To ensure the current prosperity continues, the Queensland Government is working closely with industry to significantly expand the Port of Gladstone facilities.
“We have already approved over $300 million of direct equity for the project and coal exports have signed up to use the new capacity,” Mr Beattie said.
The next major project is the development of the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and Mr Beattie said expressions of interest of in excess of 100 million tonnes have already been received from up to 20 coal companies.
“This goes to show the level of interest in taking the project to the next stage,” he said.
Over the coming year, with input and financial support from coal exporters, a full feasibility study into the project will be conducted.
“Once the study is complete and commits received from coal companies, construction is expected to start in 2009, with additional export capacity available in 2012,” said the Premier.
“The combined capacity for coal exports through the RG Tanna and Wiggins Island coal terminals, when all stages are completed, will be about 150 million tonnes per annum.
“My Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with the coal companies over the next few years, to facilitate the doubling of the Port of Gladstone's capacity, subject of course to the feasibility study.”
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“By the end of 2007, upgrades to the Port of Gladstone are expected to result in 75 million tonnes of coal shipping capacity,” Mr Beattie said.
“This represents an increase since July 2005 of some 30 million tonnes – or more than 60%,” he said.
That’s great news for the thousands of Queensland families who depend upon the coal industry for their job security.
“To ensure the current prosperity continues, the Queensland Government is working closely with industry to significantly expand the Port of Gladstone facilities.
“We have already approved over $300 million of direct equity for the project and coal exports have signed up to use the new capacity,” Mr Beattie said.
The next major project is the development of the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and Mr Beattie said expressions of interest of in excess of 100 million tonnes have already been received from up to 20 coal companies.
“This goes to show the level of interest in taking the project to the next stage,” he said.
Over the coming year, with input and financial support from coal exporters, a full feasibility study into the project will be conducted.
“Once the study is complete and commits received from coal companies, construction is expected to start in 2009, with additional export capacity available in 2012,” said the Premier.
“The combined capacity for coal exports through the RG Tanna and Wiggins Island coal terminals, when all stages are completed, will be about 150 million tonnes per annum.
“My Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with the coal companies over the next few years, to facilitate the doubling of the Port of Gladstone's capacity, subject of course to the feasibility study.”
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500