The State Government this week finally announced the long-awaited $116 million Stage 2 expansion at the Abbot Point coal-loading facility would go ahead.
Transport Minister Paul Lucas said an assessment of the environmental impact for the port’s expansion was now complete, clearing the way to lift capacity at the terminal by up to 40 per cent.
“This second stage involves the construction of two more stockpiles, a new stacker reclaimer, and faster conveyer systems to increase capacity from 15 million tonnes a year to 21 million tonnes a year,” he said.
“This expansion will allow additional exports valued through Abbot Point at about $500 million to be shipped annually.”
Work on installing the additional infrastructure is expected to start in the next two months, for completion by the middle of next year.
The works for Stage 2 is expected to require a camp for 100 workers for 12-15 months.
“Abbott Point is a key part of Queensland’s export coal infrastructure,” Mr Lucas said.
A $70 million dredging program at Hay Point, was also announced this week.
Local MPs Primary Industries Minister and Member for Mackay Time Mulherin and Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt welcomed the news.
“This keeps the region on the boil and means jobs, jobs and more jobs,” said Mr Mulherin.
Mrs Jarratt said the Abbott Point news kept the profile on the ‘go ahead’ region. “Its all about growth and continued development – bring it on,” she said.
