Anglo American and North Hub – a joint venture with Aurizon and Lend Lease – have both been shortlisted for the potential staged expansion of coal handling infrastructure at Abbot Point, deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney announced today (April 10).
Mr Seeney said that the export coal sector is a critical part of the state’s economy and infrastructure needs, with the proposed new Abbot Point coal loading expansion moving to the ‘next critical phase’.
This potential mining project could also create opportunities for apprentices in Townsville.
Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens noted that it was an ‘exciting time’ for the region.
“Projects like these have the potential to create thousands of jobs and provide billions of dollars in export revenue and royalties which will flow on to our towns,” she said.
“Any future plans for the port at Abbot Point will need to take into consideration the short and long-term needs of industry,” said Mr Seeney.
“In the coming weeks, the government will enter into negotiations with these two groups around Preferred Proponent Agreements and we intend to work with each group to assist them in preparing terminal development proposals.
