More than 7,000 heavy vehicle deliveries are estimated to be made during the construction of a $4.2 billion coal project in Queensland
October 17, 2012
More than 7,000 heavy vehicle deliveries are estimated to be made during the construction of a $4.2 billion coal project in Central Queensland, contributing to a 12.8 percent traffic increase on the Capricorn Highway in 2013 alone, according to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released today.
The EIS for the South Galilee thermal coal project – proposed by AMCI (Alpha) Pty Ltd (AMCI) and Alpha Coal Pty Ltd (Bandanna Energy) – estimates there will be about 7,300 heavy vehicle deliveries, excluding return trips, to the project during its construction phase.
The EIS estimates traffic on the Capricorn Highway near Alpha will increase 12.8 percent in 2013, with construction and operational inputs proposed to be sourced from Brisbane (50 percent), Gladstone (30 percent), and Mackay (20 percent).
The project’s construction is also expected to generate an average of 5 trains per week on the Central Line Railway currently operated by QR.
Once operational, the project is estimated to produce up to 20 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of high volatile, low sulphur thermal coal for export to international markets.
Infrastructure proposed for the project includes access and haul roads, a rail spur, and a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP).
The proposed rail spur will connect to common user rail and port infrastructure currently under consideration for environmental approval by Hancock Coal Pty Ltd, Waratah Coal Pty Ltd and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited.
The
project is
proposed for the south-west of the township of Alpha,
about 180 kilometres west of Emerald.
Construction is planned to start in 2013, with operation set to begin in 2015.
In a statement today, the Newman government welcomed the Co-ordinator General’s release of the project’s EIS.
“The EIS’s release recognises the extent and complexity of the project but also notes the benefits it may bring and the need to carefully assess all aspects of this proposed project,” Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says.
Public will be able to submit on the EIS until December 3, 2012.
Coordinator-General Barry Broe declared the project a significant project under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (Qld).
The EIS is available to view online at the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning website at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/sgcp