Published Friday, 16 November, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
$27m Boost for Northern Missing Link
The State Government will inject a further $27 million to accelerate development of the Northern Missing Link rail system, Premier Anna Bligh announced today.
Ms Bligh told the annual luncheon of the Queensland Resources Council that the new funding, on top of $19 million already committed to the project, would be used to undertake early works.
These include geotechnical investigations, detailed engineering design and track works, detailed design costs for the signalling component and pre-construction works, including line corridor fencing.
“The Northern Missing Link has been something of a holy grail for the Queensland coal industry,” Ms Bligh told the luncheon at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“Its construction will allow Central Queensland coal trains to be directed to the port of Abbot Point, north of Bowen. It will provide an alternative to the Goonyella rail system and the export terminals at Dalrymple Bay.
“We have previously allocated $19 million for this project, and are well on the way to acquiring the railway corridor, having reached agreement with all affected property owners.”
On Saturday, Queensland Rail will advertise for partners in a project alliance to design and construct the 69km rail link. The preferred builder will be selected by the end of the year.
Ms Bligh said the Government’s commitment was made on the assumption that the NML will be built and moving coal by 2010, with construction to commence early in 2008-09.
“When constructed, this will be one of the most significant rail infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Australia in the past decade,” she said.
“While seven coal companies have supported this investment, QR is beginning work without a single confirmed contract, as occurred with its recent $654 million rolling stock purchase. But the Government is taking a calculated risk. It demonstrates, again, my Government’s determination to get ahead of the game.
“It’s a green light for companies to invest in new and expanded mines. It’s a green light for Ports Corp Queensland to commit to the expansion of Abbot Point. It’s a green light for the exports of millions of extra tonnes of Queensland coal. And it’s a green light for a massive jobs boost in regional Queensland.
“My Government is absolutely committed to planning ahead, to seize the once in a generation opportunities that await in our region.”
November 15, 2007
More information: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Ms Bligh told the annual luncheon of the Queensland Resources Council that the new funding, on top of $19 million already committed to the project, would be used to undertake early works.
These include geotechnical investigations, detailed engineering design and track works, detailed design costs for the signalling component and pre-construction works, including line corridor fencing.
“The Northern Missing Link has been something of a holy grail for the Queensland coal industry,” Ms Bligh told the luncheon at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“Its construction will allow Central Queensland coal trains to be directed to the port of Abbot Point, north of Bowen. It will provide an alternative to the Goonyella rail system and the export terminals at Dalrymple Bay.
“We have previously allocated $19 million for this project, and are well on the way to acquiring the railway corridor, having reached agreement with all affected property owners.”
On Saturday, Queensland Rail will advertise for partners in a project alliance to design and construct the 69km rail link. The preferred builder will be selected by the end of the year.
Ms Bligh said the Government’s commitment was made on the assumption that the NML will be built and moving coal by 2010, with construction to commence early in 2008-09.
“When constructed, this will be one of the most significant rail infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Australia in the past decade,” she said.
“While seven coal companies have supported this investment, QR is beginning work without a single confirmed contract, as occurred with its recent $654 million rolling stock purchase. But the Government is taking a calculated risk. It demonstrates, again, my Government’s determination to get ahead of the game.
“It’s a green light for companies to invest in new and expanded mines. It’s a green light for Ports Corp Queensland to commit to the expansion of Abbot Point. It’s a green light for the exports of millions of extra tonnes of Queensland coal. And it’s a green light for a massive jobs boost in regional Queensland.
“My Government is absolutely committed to planning ahead, to seize the once in a generation opportunities that await in our region.”
November 15, 2007
More information: Premier’s Office 3224 4500