Coordinator-General decides on Galilee Mine

Queensland’s Coordinator-General has approved the proposed $16.5 billion Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project north-west of Clermont, subject to an extensive set of environmental and social conditions. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said, should this mine proceed, it would play a vital role in opening up the resource-rich Galilee Basin.

“This project has the potential to be the largest coal mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world,” Mr Seeney said.

“Our government identified resources as one of the four key pillars of the state’s economy and promised at the election to grow the sector for the benefit of all Queenslanders.

“Our reforms to Labor’s onerous approvals system have transformed the business environment for the mining sector, without any lowering of environmental standards.

“Projects that have languished for years in approvals are now being efficiently, yet rigorously assessed, signalling that Queensland is open for business.”

Mr Seeney said the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project had the potential to create up to 2,500 construction and 3,900 operational jobs, providing a major boost to the local and state economy.

“The project proposes a combination of open-cut and underground coal mining and is forecast to produce 60 million tonnes of thermal coal per annum for export,” he said.

“It is expected to generate over $500 million annually in direct and indirect benefits to Queensland’s economy during construction and $3 billion at full export capacity.”

Mr Seeney said the Coordinator-General had set stringent and wide-ranging conditions to protect landholders, local flora, groundwater resources, surface water and air quality as well as controls on dust and noise.

“The 600-page Coordinator-General’s report sets 190 conditions for proponent Adani to meet during the construction and operational phase of the project,” he said.

“In relation to groundwater and water bores, Adani will be required to reach make-good agreements with all affected landholders including the identification and provision of alternative water supplies.

“Adani will also be required to contribute water monitoring data and funding to a Galilee region water resource model.”

The Queensland Coordinator-General’s report now goes to the Commonwealth Environment minister for a decision on issues pertaining to the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act under the assessment bilateral agreement.

[ENDS] 8 May 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744