Premier Opens Coal Terminal Expansion
Published Thursday, 08 November, 2007 at 04:37 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Premier Anna Bligh today officially opened the $116 million expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal near Bowen today.
Ms Bligh said the multi-million dollar expansion would boost export capacity from
15 million tonnes to 21 million tonnes annually at Australia’s most northerly coal port.
She said the expansion included faster stacking and reclaiming capacity, additional stockpiles and associated conveyor systems.
In addition the largest single component of the project has been the addition of another stacker/reclaimer at the terminal.
“The X21 Expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal marks the start of what we believe will be significant expansions at this port to meet the export needs of Bowen Basin coal companies,” Ms Bligh said.
“A few months ago the Coordinator-General gave approval for further expansion of the Coal Terminal.
“This Stage 3 expansion will double annual coal throughput at the port to 50 million tonnes.
“However it remains contingent on the construction of the $765 million Northern Missing Link Rail project by Queensland Rail – linking the Goonyella and Newlands rails systems – as well as appropriate approvals and contractual commitments by coal producers.”
Ms Bligh said her Government was investing record amounts to boost Queensland’s coal transport and port infrastructure.
“There is approximately $4.4 billion being currently invested to expand the State’s coal transport infrastructure with $2.9 billion being spent by QR and port Government Owned Corporations,” she said.
“We are planning for the future - determining what we need to do today so we are ready for tomorrow.”
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said coal remained Queensland’s single most important mineral export commodity.
“Coal exports last financial year were approximately 153 million tonnes – more than double (59 million tonnes) what was being exported less than twenty years ago,” Mr Fraser said.
“Forecasts for the next five years remain strong, particularly to markets in China, South-East Asia, India, Japan and Brazil.
“Through our Government Owned Corporations and investments such as the X21 expansion at Abbot Point, we are planning for the future to help ensure continued prosperity in our booming coal export industry.”
The Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the expansion at Abbot Point had a significant economic, employment and infrastructure benefit for the Bowen region.
“During the 18 month construction period, up to 150 people were on site at one time,” Ms Jarratt said.
“To ensure the Abbot Point expansion project delivered immediate and lasting benefits to Bowen, Ports Corporation Queensland worked closely with the Bowen Collinsville Enterprise and Bowen Shire Council.
“The feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive with many local businesses reporting extra business as a result of the expansion and short and long term benefits for contractors and service organisations.”
8 November, 2007
Media contact: Premier’s office – 3224 4500
Ms Bligh said the multi-million dollar expansion would boost export capacity from
15 million tonnes to 21 million tonnes annually at Australia’s most northerly coal port.
She said the expansion included faster stacking and reclaiming capacity, additional stockpiles and associated conveyor systems.
In addition the largest single component of the project has been the addition of another stacker/reclaimer at the terminal.
“The X21 Expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal marks the start of what we believe will be significant expansions at this port to meet the export needs of Bowen Basin coal companies,” Ms Bligh said.
“A few months ago the Coordinator-General gave approval for further expansion of the Coal Terminal.
“This Stage 3 expansion will double annual coal throughput at the port to 50 million tonnes.
“However it remains contingent on the construction of the $765 million Northern Missing Link Rail project by Queensland Rail – linking the Goonyella and Newlands rails systems – as well as appropriate approvals and contractual commitments by coal producers.”
Ms Bligh said her Government was investing record amounts to boost Queensland’s coal transport and port infrastructure.
“There is approximately $4.4 billion being currently invested to expand the State’s coal transport infrastructure with $2.9 billion being spent by QR and port Government Owned Corporations,” she said.
“We are planning for the future - determining what we need to do today so we are ready for tomorrow.”
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said coal remained Queensland’s single most important mineral export commodity.
“Coal exports last financial year were approximately 153 million tonnes – more than double (59 million tonnes) what was being exported less than twenty years ago,” Mr Fraser said.
“Forecasts for the next five years remain strong, particularly to markets in China, South-East Asia, India, Japan and Brazil.
“Through our Government Owned Corporations and investments such as the X21 expansion at Abbot Point, we are planning for the future to help ensure continued prosperity in our booming coal export industry.”
The Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the expansion at Abbot Point had a significant economic, employment and infrastructure benefit for the Bowen region.
“During the 18 month construction period, up to 150 people were on site at one time,” Ms Jarratt said.
“To ensure the Abbot Point expansion project delivered immediate and lasting benefits to Bowen, Ports Corporation Queensland worked closely with the Bowen Collinsville Enterprise and Bowen Shire Council.
“The feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive with many local businesses reporting extra business as a result of the expansion and short and long term benefits for contractors and service organisations.”
8 November, 2007
Media contact: Premier’s office – 3224 4500