Have a say on monster $8b coal project
THE public was invited today to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed $7.9 billion Alpha Coal project which will create one of the world’s biggest coal mines in Central Queensland.
The EIS considers the probable consequences of the project to establish a 30 million tonne open cut mine in Alpha and a 495 kilometre rail line to the Abbot Point coal terminal.
Opening the EIS to public comment today, Queensland Infrastructure and Planning Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the development of the Galilee Basin as a major centre for mining, processing and exporting was important to the future economic prosperity of the state.
“If the Alpha project proceeds it could generate about 3740 construction jobs and more than 2600 during the operational life of the mine, which is expected to continue for at least 30 years,” he said.,
The EIS is available to view online at www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects while hard copies can be seen at public libraries in Alpha, Barcaldine, Blackall, Bowen, Clermont, Collinsville, Emerald, Jericho and Moranbah.
The public consultation period ends on December 20.
