Waratah Coal has released a proposal for a combined open cut and underground mining operation near Alpha, with supporting rail infrastructure to the Port of Abbot Point – a project that could signal more opportunities for labour hire in Queensland.
The supplementary environmental impact statement (SEIS) for the China First Galilee Coal project was released on April 8 by the coordinator-general Barry Broe.
Mr Broe said that the SEIS addressed issues raised in submissions received during the public consultation on the EIS in late 2011.
“Some of these key issues included the impact of subsidence from underground mining, impacts to flora and fauna, as well as impacts on water resources, communities and transport,” Mr Broe said.
“The supplementary information that is now available for consultation addresses these issues, and we encourage people wishing to make a submission to do so in writing.”
Deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said the release of the SEIS was ‘another step’ in the thorough assessment process for major projects.
Mr Seeney said it is “another of several opportunities” for individuals and communities to provide input to the assessment process.
The China First Galilee Coal Project SEIS is available for public comment from April 8 until 17:00 on May 6 2013.
