LUCAS: GALILEE BASIN STILL HOLDS ENORMOUS POTENTIAL

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas today said the Galilee Basin still holds enormous potential, after the Federal Government rejected a proposal by Waratah Coal to establish a rail line and coal port in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

"The State Government has made it clear all along that being declared a “significant project” is not an approval itself, rather the start of an approval process with very stringent State and Federal Government hurdles,” said Mr Lucas.

"The Galilee Basin has extraordinary potential for economic development, to provide jobs and income for Queensland and Australia.

"Minister Garrett has made it clear the decision is in relation to the port at Shoalwater Bay and rail access to it, NOT the enormous potential for coal mines in the Galilee Basin.

"The ball is now in the court of Waratah Coal and other proponents to come up with rail and port proposals that don’t involve Shoalwater Bay.

"We’ll assess any application in the appropriate manner when it is received."

Media contacts: Matthew Klar – 0437 435223