The State Government has welcomed today’s Commonwealth approval of a major Galilee Basin coal mine that has the potential to create almost 6,400 Queensland jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project north-west of Clermont would play a vital role in opening up the resource-rich Galilee Basin.
“More jobs are now being created in Queensland than in any other state, giving workers and their families a secure and bright future,” Mr Seeney said.
“Our strong plan is putting Queensland back on track to become the nation’s leading economy once again.
“This project has the potential to be the largest coal mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world.”
Today’s decision by Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt follows approval granted by Queensland’s independent Coordinator General in May this year, and is another significant step forward in the development of this $16.5 billion project.
The federal decision means construction and operation of the mine and rail project will be subject to 36 Commonwealth and 190 State Government environmental conditions that will protect water supplies in the Great Artesian Basin and local biodiversity.
“Should the mine proceed, Queenslanders can be assured its impact on the environment will be minimised,” Mr Seeney said.
The Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project has the potential to create up to 2,500 construction and 3,900 operational jobs, providing a major boost to the state’s economy.
Mr Seeney said today’s announcement showed the Can-Do LNP Government’s hard work in creating jobs by growing Queensland’s four-pillar economy was working.
“The project proposes a combination of open-cut and underground coal mining and is forecast to produce 60 million tonnes of thermal coal a year 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 almost $3 billion at full export capacity.
“The Queensland Government will continue to work with project proponents, the Adani Group, to ensure the project is given its best possible chance of proceeding.”
