No coal through Mackay: Bligh
Published Monday, 01 September, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Mackay: Premier Anna Bligh has today allayed Mackay residents fears by announcing the local port will not be used as an export corridor for the region’s coal resources.
Speaking as State Cabinet met in the city today, Ms Bligh and local MP Tim Mulherin said while Mackay’s port was vital and important infrastructure for the region’s future prosperity, it was inappropriate that it be used for coal.
“It’s imperative we achieve the right balance between industry and community,” Ms Bligh said.
“There is a proposal to shift coal through the city, but we are today – at this early stage – signalling a clear message that we do not want coal through the centre of this city.
“There does need to be a balance. We will not be shifting coal into and through Mackay’s growing residential areas,” she said
“This regional capital is already making a massive contribution to regional growth. It services major coal export facilities to the north and the south, but we don’t see it having coal transferred right through its middle.
“Even though there are claims of new technology overcoming associated issues this would be a 24-hour a day 7-day a week operation.
“Unlike Abbott Point and Dalrymple Bay Mackay’s port was not built for coal.
“Tim has brought the concerns of local residents to us and today I can announce that the export of coal through the Port of Mackay does not form part of my Government’s plan for future export infrastructure.
“The focus of export growth is best through expansions via Hay Point, Dalrymple Bay, and Abbott Point, especially when linked to the filling in of the Northern Missing Link.
‘It is hoped that coal on the Link (Newlands to North Goonyella) will be moving by 2010 and the State has recently announced an additional $250 million to increase its coal terminal capacity through Abbott Point to 50 million tonnes per annum.
“Mackay Port’s primary exports are sugar and grain and the dominant imports are fuel for the agriculture and coal mining industries and that’s the way it will remain.
Mr Mulherin said he shared the Mackay residents concerns over the proposal to develop a coal terminal at the port with an upper export capacity up 35 to 45 million tonnes.
“I’m committed – like the Premier – to planning and building the right infrastructure to cope with our rapidly expanding State and this rapidly growing region, but we’ve listened to locals and taken those concerns to my colleagues in government,” Mr Mulherin said.
“I’m delighted with this decision that has been made today – it’s the right thing to do for the environment of our city and for the future of our city,” he said.
Ms Bligh said Queensland remains well placed to maintain its position as a supplier to the world’s coal markets and to take advantage of its abundance of natural resources, with coal exports expected to grow by about 42% by 2010 and a further 40% by 2015.
“But that takes careful planning,” she said.
“For example the $400 million-plus upgrade to the coal train network near Sarina. Planning for the expansion of the coal supply chain is strategically managed by government to ensure the infrastructure requirements to support the industry are located in the right areas and developed with community and environmental concerns at the forefront.
“Today’s decision is the right one for Mackay and the right one for the planning of future infrastructure for this vital industry and it strikes the right balance between community and industry needs.
“It ensures the Port of Mackay develops and maintains a range of commercial operations which support the economic development of the region while at the same time have a minimal impact on the community,” she said.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Speaking as State Cabinet met in the city today, Ms Bligh and local MP Tim Mulherin said while Mackay’s port was vital and important infrastructure for the region’s future prosperity, it was inappropriate that it be used for coal.
“It’s imperative we achieve the right balance between industry and community,” Ms Bligh said.
“There is a proposal to shift coal through the city, but we are today – at this early stage – signalling a clear message that we do not want coal through the centre of this city.
“There does need to be a balance. We will not be shifting coal into and through Mackay’s growing residential areas,” she said
“This regional capital is already making a massive contribution to regional growth. It services major coal export facilities to the north and the south, but we don’t see it having coal transferred right through its middle.
“Even though there are claims of new technology overcoming associated issues this would be a 24-hour a day 7-day a week operation.
“Unlike Abbott Point and Dalrymple Bay Mackay’s port was not built for coal.
“Tim has brought the concerns of local residents to us and today I can announce that the export of coal through the Port of Mackay does not form part of my Government’s plan for future export infrastructure.
“The focus of export growth is best through expansions via Hay Point, Dalrymple Bay, and Abbott Point, especially when linked to the filling in of the Northern Missing Link.
‘It is hoped that coal on the Link (Newlands to North Goonyella) will be moving by 2010 and the State has recently announced an additional $250 million to increase its coal terminal capacity through Abbott Point to 50 million tonnes per annum.
“Mackay Port’s primary exports are sugar and grain and the dominant imports are fuel for the agriculture and coal mining industries and that’s the way it will remain.
Mr Mulherin said he shared the Mackay residents concerns over the proposal to develop a coal terminal at the port with an upper export capacity up 35 to 45 million tonnes.
“I’m committed – like the Premier – to planning and building the right infrastructure to cope with our rapidly expanding State and this rapidly growing region, but we’ve listened to locals and taken those concerns to my colleagues in government,” Mr Mulherin said.
“I’m delighted with this decision that has been made today – it’s the right thing to do for the environment of our city and for the future of our city,” he said.
Ms Bligh said Queensland remains well placed to maintain its position as a supplier to the world’s coal markets and to take advantage of its abundance of natural resources, with coal exports expected to grow by about 42% by 2010 and a further 40% by 2015.
“But that takes careful planning,” she said.
“For example the $400 million-plus upgrade to the coal train network near Sarina. Planning for the expansion of the coal supply chain is strategically managed by government to ensure the infrastructure requirements to support the industry are located in the right areas and developed with community and environmental concerns at the forefront.
“Today’s decision is the right one for Mackay and the right one for the planning of future infrastructure for this vital industry and it strikes the right balance between community and industry needs.
“It ensures the Port of Mackay develops and maintains a range of commercial operations which support the economic development of the region while at the same time have a minimal impact on the community,” she said.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500