$1.2b coal terminal given 'significant' status

Megan Hendry, On Tuesday 1 November 2011, 8:46

A major coal export project planned for central Queensland has been declared a 'significant' project by the State Government's coordinator-general.
The $1.2 billion Fitzroy Terminal, to be built just south of Rockhampton at Port Alma, plans to export 22 million tonnes of coal a year.
State Development Minister Andrew Fraser says the project has the potential to bring significant investment to the region.
"It will be assessed against the stringent rules and requirements if it's to proceed any further," he said.
"Being declared a project of state significance doesn't guarantee a rails run.
"It does say that this is a significant project but it will need to meet all the relevant environmental law." Mr Fraser says the project will now undergo a rigorous approval process before it can proceed.
"The EIS [environmental impact statement] will look at a full range of issues, not only on species and migratory species including birds that are around, but in particular in world heritage aspects, interaction with other projects that are currently on the books or planned into the future, to make sure that there's a full assessment made," he said.

Monday, 31 October 2011