Ministerial Statement: QR delivers on coal investment projects

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
17/12/2007

QR delivers on coal investment projects

QR has delivered a range of significant coal infrastructure projects as highlighted in a progress report released today for the 2006 COALRAIL Infrastructure Master Plan.

The Plan outlines a range of projects, approved by industry, that make up the $850 million capital investment QR is managing to meet the required future capacity and performance of the Queensland coal rail network.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said QR had achieved some major outcomes since the plan was launched in September 2006, including the completion of 102 kilometres of new track capacity.

"QR released the original Master Plan last year to improve the consultation process across the supply chain and re-shape the business to capitalise on surging infrastructure investment and the resources and export boom," Mr Mickel said.

"One of the most significant projects we have delivered is the completion and commissioning of the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal third rail loop on 8 November 2007.

"We have also made significant investments in the Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura systems that are adding to capacity on those networks.

"By the end of November 2007, we had commissioned five major track duplications on the Blackwater System which will help achieve a 30% increase in haulage by mid-2008.

"QR has also successfully delivered all infrastructure works in the Moura System before schedule and within budget.

"Overall, delivery of the COALRAIL Program is within budget and on time across all systems," he said.

QR's Executive General Manager Network Access Mike Carter said the 2006 COALRAIL Infrastructure Master Plan was an innovative agreement with industry to deliver a focused and phased pathway to expand rail infrastructure within the Central Queensland Coal Network.

"In delivering these projects, we have worked with our supply chain partners and other QR divisions to face the challenge of keeping pace with export demand and expansion in other parts of the coal supply chain," Mr Carter said.

"The successful delivery of these projects in 2006/07 is a credit to all involved and a great result for the coal industry and the Queensland economy as we continue to work together to increase coal transport capacity.

"We are now looking to the future with the second edition of the Coal Rail Infrastructure Master Plan. A draft version of this document is being distributed today, with the progress report, to industry for comment, with consultation meetings to be conducted through February 2008."

Mr Carter said QR had carried 165 million tonnes of coal in Central Queensland in 2006/07, a record level for the supply chains.

"The second edition of the Master Plan builds on that success and includes a number of improvements based on industry feedback," Mr Carter said.

"The new plan has a longer-term focus, identifying preferred expansion options to 2027 that have the potential to increase export coal capacity up to 450 mtpa, which is three times the 2006/07 export levels.

"Feedback and comments are being sought from members of the Central Queensland coal supply chains, and a final plan is expected to be released in April 2008.

"Key projects proposed in the draft second edition include new links, passing loops and duplications for the Goonyella and Newlands systems, early works and duplications for the Southern Bowen Basin and a coal loss management project for the entire coal supply chain.

"Communicating and building relationships with stakeholders will remain a key priority to ensure the timely delivery of these new projects.

"We are extremely excited about the new plan and the opportunities it will provide for further expansion of both the coal industry and Queensland communities.

"QR Network Access looks forward to working with all parties to deliver rail infrastructure that will provide and ensure a strong future for Queensland's economy."


December 17, 2007

==============================================================