RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Welcome progress on Galilee rail-port project

An agreement between Aurizon and GVK Coal Infrastructure on a proposed rail linkage between Galilee Basin coal projects and Abbot Point Port will help to boost the economy and see major resource projects become a reality.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney welcomed the announcement and said the transport infrastructure is required to unlock the Galilee Basin's massive coal reserves.

"The Newman Government promised it would support growth in the resource pillar of the Queensland economy and that we would deliver better infrastructure and planning, particularly in regional Queensland," Mr Seeney said.

"Today's announcement demonstrates that commercial operators have confidence in our achievements in these critical areas.

"News of this important milestone is warmly welcomed by the Newman Government and we congratulate both companies on their coordinated approach to solving infrastructure challenges.

"The Galilee Basin and the projects within it represent great opportunities for Queensland, as we work to supercharge the economy that stalled under Labor.

"They are worth billions of dollars and will create thousands of jobs.

"Our government is committed to working with proponents to make these projects a reality.

"This is why our government recently released the Galilee Basin Development Strategy which maps out a series of initiatives the Newman Government will consider to facilitate the first movers in this area of the state. 

"These initiatives are designed to significantly lower start-up costs and fast-track development.

"We look forward to working together with Aurizon and GVK to bring these important projects to fruition."

[ENDS] 25 November 2013

Sounds like a deal has been struck between Aurizon and Hancock-GVK

QuoteGVK and Hancock Prospecting have scaled down plans for a Queensland rail line
Date
November 26, 2013
5 reading nowRead later


The weak coal market has forced promoters of a multibillion-dollar rail project in Queensland to adopt a more limited plan, with common user access, to get it off the ground.

The Hancock Prospecting-GVK partnership wants to link several coal projects it hopes to develop in the Galilee Basin in central Queensland to the Abbot Point coal port. But the downturn in steaming coal prices and demand has forced it to scale back plans amid widespread caution prices and volumes might remain subdued for some time.

As a result, initial plans to develop a dedicated rail line have shifted to establishing an open-access link that will also use an existing rail line along a large part of its route to further lower costs.

From an initial $10 billion project to ship an estimated 60 million tonnes of coal annually, the cost of the more limited plan has been put at $6 billion, with the intention of lifting line capacity and potential volumes, if and when needed.

Even with the reduced scope there is ongoing doubt when the project will get off the ground, although developing a more muted start-up option gives the project a greater chance.

Open access also means that the promoters of other coalmines in the region, such as Clive Palmer's China First project, could use the link if it goes ahead.

On Monday, Aurizon and GVK Hancock agreed initially to build only 300 kilometres of the 500 kilometres of a rail corridor the promoters sought originally.

The agreement also sees GVK Hancock abandon plans for a greenfield link from Collinsville to Abbot Point, instead using Aurizon's link between these two.

GVK and Hancock are expected to be cornerstone investors in the rail link, but with the finer points of their proposal yet to be fleshed out.

''This will also allow a phased development at the Abbot Point T3 terminal to match volumes and ramp-up, thereby materially reducing the initial cost of infrastructure,'' the two groups said in a joint statement on Monday.

Initially, the new line will be built to narrow-gauge specification to carry trains of up to 25,000 tonnes, with the option to consider an expansion to a full greenfield line (narrow or standard gauge) if tonnages increase sufficiently to justify the extra investment.

The link is aimed at a ''staged consolidation of tonnes from multiple miners in the Galilee and the Bowen Basins'', the two groups said.

Earlier this year Aurizon said it would acquire 51 per cent of Hancock Coal Infrastructure, the entity that owns GVK Hancock's rail and port projects, committing an unspecified amount of funds upfront, along with paying a deferred consideration at financial close of each phase of the projects.


Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/gvk-and-hancock-prospecting-have-scaled-down-plans-for-a-queensland-rail-line-20131125-2y63a.html#ixzz2lhOXszEC

Spells goodbye for the standard gauge line with higher tonnages per train.

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/5/8/coordinatorgeneral-decides-on-galilee-mine

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney
Thursday, May 08, 2014

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

It will be interesting to see how ARTC management fits in with this, and what happens if ARTC only interested in Brisbane-Rocky on the north-south alignment, or Brisbane-Townsville, but not the Townsville-Cairns bit.

Sydney Morning Herald --> Korean company Posco to build Queensland railway for Indian coal miner Adani

ABC News --> Carmichael Coal and Rail Project: Queensland mine gets Federal Government approval

Brisbanetimes --> Giant Galilee coal mine gets Canberra nod

Don't worry, it's not going to happen. The financing will stop it. As for electricity for India, it would need the retail price to more than double, hardly likely. Were Adani's plan to happen, it would so increase supply of thermal coal that price would tumble even further than the 50% it's fallen since the peak a few years ago.

There's no dough in it for anyone. And that's not taking into account the doomsday CO2 aspect of it...

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Major Galilee Basin rail line receives state approval

Up to 2400 jobs could be created following the approval by Queensland's independent Coordinator General of a 300-kilometre rail line linking the proposed Carmichael coal mine west of Moranbah to the port of Abbot Point.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the approval of North Galilee Basin Rail Project is another key decision in unlocking the resource-rich Galilee Basin for the benefit of all Queenslanders.

"The multi-billion dollar coal projects proposed for the Galilee Basin have the potential to create the next wave of resource sector jobs in Queensland and dramatically boost our state's coal exports," Mr Seeney said.

"Our Government's strong plan to develop this region will set Queensland up for the next 60 to 70 years, allowing us to invest in the schools, hospitals, roads and services we will need for future generations."

It's estimated the rail line will take about two years to build and pump up to $790 million into the Mackay region and over $900 million into the state economy during its construction phase. The proposed standard gauge greenfield rail line will cost $2.2 billion and be able to transport 100 million tonnes of coal a year.

Mr Seeney said in approving the North Galilee Basin Rail project, the Coordinator General had imposed strict conditions on the construction and operation of the rail line to minimise potential impacts on landholders and the environment.

"These rigorous conditions protect flora and fauna and address surface water, air quality and noise emissions," he said.

"Proponents Adani must also develop an agreement with each affected landholder that stipulates how access will be maintained to homesteads, stock feeding areas and water supply."

"The company must also submit final rail design and revised flood modelling to the Coordinator-General for approval before construction commences."

Mr Seeney said the Coordinator General's consideration of the North Galilee Basin Rail Project demonstrates another major step forward in streamlining approvals.

"Previously, an environmental impact statement could take 3-4 years to complete, while this assessment took less than one year from the date the terms of reference were finalised to the Coordinator-General's report," he said.

"This shows that comprehensive, robust and timely assessments can be undertaken without lengthy delays."

The project now requires the Federal Government to make an approval decision under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act which is expected by 30 September 2014.

[ENDS] 14 August 2014

Adani Australia
6 hrs · Edited ·

Adani Australia welcomes today's approval of the North Galilee Basin Rail Project (NGBR) by Environment Minister Greg Hunt.

Read our full statement here: http://www.adaniaustralia.com.au/media_detail.php?mid=13

Brisbanetimes --> Adani coal project at heart of Galilee plans

Brisbanetimes --> Newman to back Galilee projects with infrastructure spending

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Historic agreements bring jobs to Queensland

Future generations of Queenslanders will benefit from more jobs, improved schools and better hospitals and roads as the result of an announcement that the Newman LNP Government will invest in infrastructure in the Galilee Basin.

Premier Campbell Newman said that the State Government would work with resource companies to make strategic investments that could create up to 28,000 new Queensland jobs.

"Our government is determined to support projects and industries that will grow Queensland jobs, and the Galilee Basin offers an enormous opportunity to do that," Mr Newman said.

"We have worked hard since we were elected just two and a half years ago to find the money needed to make these important investments.

"Today I announced that the State Government is prepared to take a short-term, financial stake in the rail, port or other infrastructure needed to open up this region to create the jobs Queenslanders need.

"To build on our Galilee Basin Development Strategy, we are now prepared to sign agreements with Galilee Basin proponents who can demonstrate they will meet the majority of the cost of providing this common-user infrastructure."

The first Infrastructure Enabling Agreement would be signed with Indian company Adani to build the rail line needed to link the $16.5 billion Carmichael project to the Port of Abbot Point.

"The Carmichael project could create almost 6,500 jobs and this agreement will see the Queensland Government invest in the rail line needed to carry coal to port," Mr Newman said.

"The mine and rail project has received both State and Commonwealth environmental approval and will be subject to 226 environmental conditions."

Deputy Premier and the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney said today's announcement symbolises the State government's commitment to building a stronger future for Queensland.

"Agreements such as these are what sets us apart from Labor. Our government takes a long-term, strategic view of the roads, rail and community infrastructure needed to create a better Queensland, and we find innovative ways of making them happen," Mr Seeney said.

"Adani's Carmichael project is expected to inject $500 million into Queensland's economy during construction and $3 billion at full export capacity.

"This is the revenue that will build the schools, hospitals and roads our State needs in the future.

"Our decision to help build the rail link for this project will get it happening more quickly and ensure its benefits start to flow to the people of Queensland.

"Today we have signed the first of these agreements with Adani, but the State is open to negotiating similar agreements with all proposed Galilee Basin miners."

Adani Australia CEO, Jeyakumar Janakaraj said this agreement reflects the Queensland Government's clear focus on ensuring the state is a leading energy exporter and job creator for Australia into the future.

"Adani is well-established in building its long term future with Queensland, with several billion dollars in investments already made across the company's integrated mine, rail and port project," Mr Janakaraj said.

"The Queensland Government's announcement that it will pursue an infrastructure enabling investment strategy is a welcome one.

"It gives confidence to investors who considering their long term plans in the basin that the state is committed to the best possible infrastructure being in place to support the further development of the Galilee, and the jobs and exports that will provide."

It's estimated the proposed standard-gauge rail line subject to today's agreement will take approximately two years to build, be able to transport 100 million tonnes of coal a year and pump up to $790 million into regional Queensland's economy and over $900 million into the state economy during its construction phase.

[ENDS] 17 November, 2014

ABC News --> Queensland taxpayers to help fund Abbot Point coal rail line

QuoteQueensland taxpayers to help fund Abbot Point coal rail line
By Emily Gramenz

Queensland taxpayers will help fund a rail line from Abbot Point port to what will be Australia's largest coal mine.

Indian company Adani won federal approval earlier this year for the Carmichael mine, which will be unprecedented in scale and represents the opening up of Australia's coal-rich Galilee Basin.

Premier Campbell Newman will today sign the deal to invest taxpayer money in the rail line after a meeting with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the G20 leaders' summit.

"The overall message to the Indian prime minister is that there are great opportunities for investment in Queensland," Mr Newman said.

"The role of the Government, given the financial situation we face these days, would be to make targeted investments to help get something going.

"Then within a few years time, exit those investments so the private sector can then get on with it.

"But I stress, we are open to all comers. We just want a new coal resource basin to be opened up."

The $16.5 billion development will produce 60 million tonnes of coal a year, with an estimated lifespan of 60 years.

The mine will be 60 kilometres long, spanning an area seven times the size of Sydney harbour.

The 388-kilometre rail line will run to a new terminal at Abbot Point Port near Bowen in north Queensland.

The project is vehemently opposed by environmental group Coast and Country and Indian group Conservation Action Trust, who have launched a legal challenge in the Land Court.

They said the mine, which will export coal for use in Indian power stations, will increase pollution and harm the poorest Indian's standard-of-living.

Work is due to begin next year.

Standard gauge coal line. 

Funded by the Queensland Government in part  ... yes it's a bit of ...

Brisbanetimes --> Galilee Basin analysis

So much for a Government that allows the market to decide the right infrastructure to build. Private money won't touch this project!!

Climate Spectator --> Newman gambles taxpayers' money on coal

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland government quiet on how much it will invest in Galilee Basin

ABC News --> Adani group's Galilee Basin Carmichael mine project 'not viable', Indian opposition says

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/12/2/south-galilee-coal-project-approved-by-coordinatorgeneral?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Media Statements

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

South Galilee Coal Project approved by Coordinator-General

Queensland families could enjoy the economic benefits of a potential fifth mine in the Galilee Basin after approval was granted by Queensland's independent Coordinator-General.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney welcomed the project's approval and the rigorous conditions placed on it by the Coordinator-General.

"The Newman LNP Government has been working hard to facilitate the investment required to open up the Galilee Basin," Mr Seeney said.

"Labor ignored this important industry, but with our strong plan it is growing and providing jobs for Queenslanders.

"AMCI plans to build an open-cut and underground thermal coal mine which could produce up to 17 million tonnes of coal a year for export.

"The construction of the mine has the potential to create up to 1,600 jobs for Queenslanders and about 1,300 ongoing operational jobs.

"This is another step forward for the Galilee Basin and follows Alpha Coal, Kevin's Corner, Galilee Coal Project and Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project receiving both State and Federal Government approvals."

If the project proceeds, the South Galilee Coal Project will be located 12 kilometres south-west of Alpha and about 180 kilometres west of Emerald in Central Queensland. It is estimated to have a 33 year operational life.

AMCI is proposing the project will be delivered in three stages. Stage one is the open-cut Epsilon stage where coal will be transported on the Central Western Railway for export through the Port of Gladstone. For stages two and three, coal will be transported on a common user railway to the Port of Abbot Point.

Mr Seeney said should the project proceed, AMCI was committed to employing local people and was considering a bus in bus out option for employees from Emerald as well as fly in fly out options from other major regional centres.

Mr Seeney said the Environmental Impact Statement for the project was thoroughly assessed by the Coordinator-General and he placed 110 conditions to adequately avoid or mitigate potential impacts.

"If the mine proceeds, AMCI must enter into make-good agreements with landholders and undertake groundwater modelling and monitoring," he said.

"The mine itself will have to incorporate flood protection measures like levee banks and implement a strict mine water management system."

The Queensland Coordinator-General's evaluation report now goes to the Australian Environment Minister for a decision on issues pertaining to the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 under the assessment bilateral agreement.

Mr Seeney said the Coordinator-General's decision to approve this project's Environmental Impact Statement marks his 400th since his appointment in April 2012.

"With this decision, the Coordinator-General has approved 16 major projects to proceed in our State, worth more than $67 billion and able to create about 44,000 jobs for Queenslanders," Mr Seeney said.

"I'm pleased to say the Coordinator-General's decision rate is 2.3 times greater than under Labor, proving we have streamlined approvals processes to get the State's economy back on track."

The Coordinator-General's evaluation report on the South Galilee Coal Project Environmental Impact Statement will be available online shortly at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/south-galilee-coal

[ENDS] 2 December 2014

Media Statements
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Anthony Lynham

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Abbot Point coal port project takes a step forward

The development of the Galilee Basin advanced a step today with the release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Abbot Point coal port project.

Speaking in Bowen where he met with local stakeholders, including council, business, and community representatives, State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the draft EIS was now available for public comment until 18 September.

"This is a milestone for the sustainable development of the Galilee Basin and the jobs and economic development it could deliver for Queenslanders," he said.

"We've delivered on our election commitment to protect the Great Barrier Reef and the nationally-significant Caley Valley Wetlands.

"We are putting dredged material on port land next to the existing terminal, and we are minimising impacts to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by ruling out at-sea disposal.

"The community can now have its say on the draft EIS with around 2400 pages of detailed investigatory information and almost 150 commitments to protect the environment."

Dr Lynham said the draft EIS would be available for comment until close of business on 18 September, allowing more than 20 business days for public consultation.

The proposed expansion of Abbot Point will boost its capacity to meet anticipated export demand from proposed Galilee Basin mining projects.

Dr Lynham said the government was holding to its commitment that this infrastructure would not be funded by taxpayers, as was planned under the previous LNP Government.

"Importantly, any expansion at the port will be at the cost of Galilee Basin developers, including Adani, not Queensland taxpayers," he said.

"The Queensland Government will deliver a robust final EIS, which will include feedback from consultation, to the Commonwealth Government in early October.

"It's then up to the Commonwealth Government, which has 40 business days to assess the EIS and deliver a final decision on the project.

"Work will only begin when environmental approvals have been received.

"We expect these works will create around 160 jobs for at peak construction."

Submissions are open until 5.00pm, 18 September 2015.


To view the draft EIS visit:

dsd.qld.gov.au/abbotpoint 
From Friday 21 August, State Library of Queensland and libraries in Bowen, Townsville (Flinders Street) and Mackay (Gordon Street).
To comment:

complete the survey www.dsd.qld.gov.au/abbotpoint
email abbotpoint@dsd.qld.gov.au
Write to:

Abbot Point Growth Gateway Project

Department of State Development

PO Box 15009

City East Qld 4002

Sydney Morning Herald --> Abbott government hints Adani could be considered for rail funding

Quote from: ozbob on August 25, 2015, 08:16:06 AM
Sydney Morning Herald --> Abbott government hints Adani could be considered for rail funding

A new low for this government. No money for urban PT, blank cheque for coal mines.

Brisbanetimes --> Adani loses Liberals but gaining Labor?

QuoteOnly two weeks ago, the new Resources and Energy Minister, Josh Frydenberg, was enthusing about Galilee coal and contending the government could tip in taxpayer funds to kick-start the project, even though its bankers have fled the scene.

Adani's Carmichael mine, he said, was "a very important project, which will see significant investment in Australia and provide electricity to millions of people in the developing world".

On Friday morning however, he told ABC radio Adani was "a commercial operation. It needs to stand on its own two feet. It (funding) won't be a priority for the Commonwealth".

Environmentalists will rejoice, as will taxpayers – anybody with common sense for that matter – as Adani's thermal coal project is a white elephant of Brobdingnagian magnitude ...

Sydney Morning Herald --> Adani Carmichael: Australia's largest coal mine to proceed after Greg Hunt gives approval

Media Release
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Anthony Lynham

Carmichael coal project takes a step forward

Thousands of jobs are one step closer after the Queensland Government lodged the final Environmental Impact Statement with the Commonwealth for dredging and construction works at Abbot Point coal port.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the final decision on the port's development now lay in the hands of the Commonwealth Government.

"Expansion at Abbot Point is a critical piece of the puzzle for development of the Galilee Basin," Dr Lynham said.

"The expanded port would export coal from Carmichael mine to international markets, creating significant jobs and investment opportunities for Queenslanders.

"This is significant progress for the Galilee Basin proponents and the regional communities looking forward to the job opportunities and economic development this project offers."

Dr Lynham said the port expansion plan agreed with the Galilee Basin proponents and would protect the Great Barrier Reef and the nationally-significant Caley Valley wetlands.

"The EIS findings show that we can expand this vital port while ensuring the Great Barrier Reef and the wetlands are protected," he said.

"This expansion option ensures that no dredging will occur in the Marine Park, no dredged material will be dumped at sea or in the Caley Valley Wetlands and dredged material will be beneficially reused on land."

Today's EIS handover follows the Commonwealth's re-approval of the EIS for the Carmichael mine and associated rail infrastructure earlier this month.

The port EIS process included a 21-business day public consultation phase, in which the project received more than 55,000 submissions.

Dr Lynham said the documents provided to the Commonwealth comprised a 2400-page EIS, plus almost 400 pages of supplementary reports.

"I encourage Queenslanders to find out the facts and take a look at the EIS findings for themselves," he said.

The Queensland Government is also progressing state approvals required for the port development.

The final EIS will be available online shortly at: dsd.qld.gov.au/abbotpoint

The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment has 40 business days to review the EIS volumes and decide whether the project should proceed, and if so, under what conditions.

[ENDS]                       27 October, 2015

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2015/12/22/govt-welcomes-abbot-point-decision

Media Statements
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Anthony Lynham
Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Govt welcomes Abbot Point decision

The Palaszczuk Government welcomes the Commonwealth Government's decision to approve the final environmental impact statement for the Abbot Point Growth Gateway Project.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the decision meant that if one or more of the proposed Galilee Basin coal mine projects go ahead, the port could be developed to allow increased exports.

"The approval is another milestone towards realising the jobs and economic benefits that developing the Galilee Basin could bring to Queensland, while continuing to protect the Great Barrier Reef," he said.

"As I have said previously, there will be no dredging at the port until Adani demonstrates financial closure."

The EIS followed the Palaszczuk Government's move earlier this year to meets its election commitments to protect the nationally-significant Caley Valley wetlands and ban sea dumping of capital dredged material.

Dredge spoil is to be placed on land on the site known as T2, adjacent to the existing coal terminal, not on the Caley Valley wetlands or within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Dr Lynham said the EIS approved today found that there would be no significant residual impacts on matters of national environmental significance, including the Great Barrier Reef.

The EIS was open for public consultation for four weeks and more than 55 000 submissions were received.

This is the last Commonwealth approval under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for the proposed Carmichael coal mine and rail project in the Galilee Basin.

ENDS             22 December, 2015

Paris is two weeks ago....enough time passed for us to have forgotten already!!!

I suspect the business cases for all of these projects will fall over and the finance will not be forthcoming. The real issue over the next couple of decades will be the stranded assets of the existing coal infrastructure.

Media Release
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Anthony Lynham

Next steps for the Carmichael coal and rail project

A number of statutory obligations and outstanding legal issues remain to be addressed before I can consider granting the Carmichael coal project mining leases.

The Palaszczuk Government has consistently maintained its support for the sustainable development of the Galilee Basin for the jobs and economic development it can deliver.

For the proponent, and the people of regional Queensland looking for growth and jobs, the granting of an environmental authority by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection yesterday is a welcome sign of progress on a potential major project.

However, it is critical that any project be dealt with not just efficiently but robustly in accordance with statutory requirements.

Commonwealth parliamentarians would be very aware of this need after their colleague Environment Minister was forced to re-make his decision on the mine and rail environmental impact statement late last year.

Legislation requires that, before I can consider granting a lease, Adani must finalise compensation agreements with remaining landholders, and with local government for affected road reserves under the footprint of the leases.

In the meantime, I am taking detailed and careful advice on the next steps for the project.

To date this has included the advice that before I consider granting the lease, it would be appropriate for me to consider the certainty it would give government and Adani of having a High Court decision on a current application for judicial review of the key decision by the National Native Title Tribunal on the granting of the mining leases.

Although not related to the granting of the mining lease, a number of other matters are still ongoing with related parts of the proposed project. For example, Adani needs to negotiate one remaining Indigenous Land Use Agreement with native title holders. 

Other outstanding issues include approvals for power, water, roadworks and airport.

The independent Coordinator-General and my departments of State Development and Natural Resources and Mines continue to work with Adani, and the several other proponents in the Galilee Basin, to facilitate and help progress their projects.

ENDS                         3 February, 2016

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/4/3/carmichael-mine-approvals-put-thousands-of-new-jobs-step-closer

Media Statements
JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Anthony Lynham

Sunday, April 03, 2016

Carmichael mine approvals put thousands of new jobs step closer

Thousands of new jobs in regional Queensland have come a major step closer with approval of the mining leases for the $21.7 billion Carmichael coal mine and rail project in the State's Galilee Basin.

Premier Annastascia Palaszczuk said Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham had today approved the grant of three individual mining leases about 160km north-west of Clermont.

"This is a major step forward for this project after extensive government and community scrutiny," the Premier said.

"Some approvals are still required before construction can start, and ultimately committing to the project will be a decision for Adani.

"However, I know the people of north and central Queensland will welcome this latest progress for the potential jobs and economic development it brings closer for their communities.

"At the same time, stringent conditions will continue to protect the environment, landholders' and traditional owners' interests, and our iconic Great Barrier Reef."

The leases --- 70441 Carmichael, 70505 Carmichael East and 70506 Carmichael North --- are estimated to contain 11 billion tonnes of thermal coal. They provide for mining and the development of infrastructure such as haul roads, buildings, workshops, power lines, workers' camp and pipelines.

Adani has estimated the mine, rail and port project will generate more than 5000 jobs at the peak of construction and more than 4500 jobs at the peak of operations.

Dr Lynham said the process to date included public objections in 2014, Land Court hearings in 2015, and a Land Court recommendation in December 2015 that the mining leases be granted.

"Many voices have been heard, and a lot of evidence considered," he said.

"The mine's environmental authority had about 140 conditions to protect local flora and fauna, groundwater and surface water resources, as well as controls on dust and noise.

"A further 99 stringent and wide-ranging conditions apply to the rail and port elements of the project.

"My decision to approve these leases is tangible evidence of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to the sustainable development of the Galilee Basin for the thousands of jobs and economic development it will create."

The Premier said the government had achieved progress while keeping all of its election commitments on the project.

"We have protected the Caley Valley wetlands and the Great Barrier Reef by not allowing dredge spoil to be dumped on the wetlands or in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area," she said.

Dr Lynham said there would be no dredging at Abbot Point until Adani demonstrates financial closure and Queensland taxpayers will not fund infrastructure for the project.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Member for Mirani Jim Pearce welcomed the positive progress on the project for their regions, hit hard by the commodity price downturn.

"Today's news will be a real boost in communities like Moranbah, where jobs and confidence are very much tied to the resources' sector's fortunes," Mr Pearce said.

Mrs Gilbert said the city of Mackay would welcome potential business for the city's mining engineering and services sector, hand-in-hand with the assurance of strict environmental conditions to protect the reef.

Dr Lynham said overall, the coal, rail and port project now had 19 permits and approvals at local, state and federal level, including nine primary approvals from the State and Commonwealth Government.

"A number of other steps have to be completed before mine construction can start," the Minister said.

"They include secondary approvals for rail, port facilities, power, water, roadworks and the airport and a financial assurance with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

"The independent Coordinator-General will continue to work with Adani to progress the project."

If we're lucky, the money will never be spent. If it is, it will be a wasted investment in a project that will never get up and the less than 2000 jobs that won't happen. Adani is on a hiding to nothing at coal prices into the future that won't cover their running costs, let alone their interest payments on the loans they still haven't secured, for very good reason – the numbers don't stack up. The Queensland govt is only after some royalties, that won't eventuate in any case. The only hope for good money to be tossed in after bad is for the Indian govt to waste its own money or for that Treasurer who never had to make a hard decision, Peter Costello, to toss federal public servants' super funds away on it via the so-called Future Fund, which could be renamed the 19th Century Fund in that case.

Brisbanetimes --> Adani approval turns friends into foes for government

Brisbanetimes --> Adani is just not going to happen

5th December 2016

Media Release
Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Anthony Lynham

Carmichael secures another major approval milestone

The $21.7 billion Carmichael coal and rail project has secured its final major State and Federal Government approval this week

With the Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani in North Queensland tomorrow, the Coordinator-General has approved an application for the project's rail line into Abbot Point as well as a temporary construction workers' camp.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the latest, and final, secondary approval this week was for about 31.5km of permanent rail line, as well as a temporary construction camp with up to 300 beds.

"This is another key milestone for the project, which Adani has confirmed it will start construction on next year," Dr Lynham said.

The project already has all primary approvals as well as prescribed project and critical infrastructure project status in place to reduce red tape.

The rail section approved this week will form part of the 389 kilometre standard gauge, heavy haul railway line from the mine in the Galilee Basin to the coal export Port of Abbot Point

Mr Adani will meet Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Dr Lynham in Townsville tomorrow. (EDS:Tuesday)

[ENDS]

Brisbanetimes --> Adani Carmichael coal mine rail line and camp approved