$2 billion rail project gathers pace
A $2 billion rail project has entered into the next stage of assessment, recent government announcements have confirmed.
The mining related infrastructure development, a Central Queensland Integrated Rail project, is now undergoing the next stage of environmental assessment, deputy premier and minister for state development, infrastructure and planning, Jeff Seeney, said.
"I am pleased that the Queensland Coordinator-General has finalised the terms of reference (ToR) for the project's environmental impact statement (EIS)," Mr Seeney said.
"The long-term success of our mining industry relies on the timely delivery of infrastructure to support international exports and jobs.
"This milestone brings us a step closer to determining how this rail proposal stacks up and how it may service the proposed mines in the Galilee Basin."
This rail system, which would be built by QR National, is a heavy haul system that would link mines in the Galilee and Bowen Basins to ports in Abbot Point and Hay Point locations.
One location could potentially be near mining hotspot Moranbah.
Two rail corridors have already been committed to the future of this project.
"The public will have another opportunity to provide further feedback on this rail project, once the EIS is released,” he said.