Queensland’s Co-ordinator General has delivered the finalised terms of reference for the environmental impact statement (EIS) for QR National’s $2 billion Central Queensland Integrated Rail Project.

 

The rail project seeks to link mines in the Galilee and Bowen Basins to major ports in the Abbot Point and Hay Point areas.

 

State Minister for Infrastructure, Jeff Seeney, welcomed the announcement, saying it will help in secure the long-term success of the state’s mining industry.

 

The ToR  confirms QR National has removed a 160-kilometre section of the greenfields corridor that would have extended from south of the Galilee basin near Alpha, to the Galilee Junction west of Moranbah.  

 

Queensland Coordinator-General Barry Broe said 21 submissions were received from the public and advisory agencies on the draft terms of reference. 

 

“The submissions have been taken into account in finalising the terms of reference, so the way is now clear for the proponent to complete its EIS studies,” Mr Broe said. 

 

“When I am satisfied that the EIS addresses the terms of reference, the document will be circulated to key stakeholders, and advertised for public comment. 

 

“The public will have another opportunity to provide further feedback on this rail project, once the EIS is released.”