Development plans announced by Pacific National Coal could see more than 150 jobs being created.
The company is investing $20 million to expand its Nebo Train Maintenance facility, which may result in various opportunities for traineeships in Queensland.
Member for Mirani Ted Malone said the project was being fast tracked due to confidence in central Queensland’s coal export market.
He stated: “Pacific National Coal’s development will provide 50 to 100 jobs during construction and about 65 positions when completed next year.
“[The] multimillion dollar investment shows how a major corporation can work with the local community to drive growth.”
According to Scott Emerson, state minister for transport and main roads, the initiative will facilitate the extension of coal train links from mining fields to the port.
A new unit train maintenance road and storage road will also be constructed, he explained.
Earlier this week, director of Pacific National Coal David Irwin told Business Spectator that growth in the coal industry over the long term is “unquestionable”.
He argued that while there has been recent volatility in demand, this did not necessarily translate into a reduction in infrastructure upgrades.
The company is currently trying to develop modular trains, which can be removed from tracks in separate components to improve running times.
