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Galilee Basin rail line taking coal to port receives Queensland Government approval

Carmichael Coal MineUp to 2400 jobs could be created following the Queensland government’s approval 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 was another step towards unlocking the resource-rich Galilee Basin.

“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.

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.”

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.

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