Queensland’s proposed Abbot Point coal loading expansion has moved into the next phase of planning, with the Government announcing a shortlist of companies to deliver the coal handling infrastructure piece of the project.

Deputy Premier, Jeff Seeney, announced mining group Anglo American and NorthHub – an Aurizon and Lend Lease joint venture – as the shortlist to deliver the project.

“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,” Mr Seeney said.

Mr Seeney said that the Government anticipated the need for further extensions to the coal handling facilities at Abbot Point as the coal rich Galilee Basin is further developed.

The coal handling facilities will be specifically constructed to encourage incremental terminal expansion and development over time.

“Further demand for terminal development may be considered beyond 2013 and once the capacity of current proposals was further understood,” Mr Seeney said.

“The government wants to ensure ‘open access’ arrangements are available to companies which are not able to fund terminal developments themselves and wish to access terminal capacity on commercial terms in the future.

“The government will facilitate the dialogue necessary for these companies to have the opportunity to negotiate suitable commercial arrangements with the preferred proponents.”