Premier Statement: Go Ahead for Northern Missing Link

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Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
15/11/2007

State Government Announces Go Ahead for Northern Missing Link

Premier Anna Bligh today announced a $27 Million funding package that marks the go ahead for one of the most significant rail infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Australia in the past decade - the Northern Missing Link.

Ms Bligh said it was a green light for the exports of millions of extra tonnes of Queensland coal.

"It is a green light for a massive jobs boost in regional Queensland and it is a green light for a huge investment in the economy of the Mackay/Whitsunday region," Ms Bligh said.

"It will run between North Goonyella and Newlands and will allow coal trains originating in Central Queensland to be directed to the port of Abbot Point, near Bowen.

"We have already made a commitment to fund $19 million for the project feasibility study and corridor land acquisition program. Agreement has now been reached with all affected property owners and sales are in the process of being finalised.

"Today we are announcing a further $27.12 million to undertake an early works package - including geotechnical investigations and detailed engineering design and track works, detailed design costs for the signalling component of the project and pre-construction works, including line corridor fencing."

On Saturday, Queensland Rail will advertise for participants in a project alliance to design and construct the 69km rail link.

The preferred constructor should be selected by the end of 2007 to allow early works to commence as soon as possible.

Subject to completion of all of the relevant approval processes and contractual arrangements, it is planned to commence construction of the Northern Missing Link next financial year, with completion scheduled for 2010.

The Member for Whitsunday, Ms Jan Jarratt welcomed the decision and said it would be a huge boost for the economy of the Mackay/Whitsunday region.

"This decision means jobs and opportunities for our region," Ms Jarratt said.

15 November, 2007

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See for map --->  http://www.railmaps.com.au/qldnth.htm