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Built upon the state's extensive coal resources, Queensland's mining sector has seen sustained growth over the past decades. Global economic trends including growth in China and India are continuing to fuel increased demand for Queensland's high-quality coal.
Timely investment in coal infrastructure is essential to ensuring the industry is well positioned to capitalise on future demand for Queensland's coal resources. In doing so, benefits to the state will be maximised.
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Queensland's coal infrastructure
Major infrastructure enabling the operation and growth of the coal industry includes rail and ports, water, roads, energy and community development.
Queensland coal is transported through a series of supply chains. In Queensland, five dedicated rail networks link coal mines to major coal export terminals. These networks also provide transport of coal for domestic use, including electricity generation.
The Queensland Government is working with private infrastructure providers and government-owned corporations to develop a number of key infrastructure projects that will significantly enhance the state's coal export capacity. These are:
- the proposed Surat Basin Railway to link Wandoan to Banana and the existing Moura System, providing for the production and export of thermal coal from the Surat Basin through the Port of Gladstone.
- development of a new coal terminal at Wiggins Island, at the Port of Gladstone. The proposed terminal would be built in stages, with an ultimate export capacity in excess of 80 million tonnes each year
- staged, incremental expansion of Abbot Point's coal handling facilities in line with emerging market demand.
The role of the Queensland Government
Much of the existing and necessary future coal infrastructure is planned and provided for on a fully commercial basis by the private sector and government-owned corporate entities, such as QR National, the Gladstone Ports Corporation and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.
The department has a role in ensuring strategic coordination of planning and development activities for the coal industry. The department supports industry development through:
- facilitation of complex approvals processes
- coordination of activities across Government agencies
- provision of advice on suitable investment directions
- providing assistance in the acquisition of land required for major project delivery.
