Approval has just been given to build the Carmichael coal mine, north of Clermont, by the Queensland co-ordinator general.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney made the announcement in Parliament this morning saying approval for the Indian-backed project had been granted subject to a number of environmental and social conditions.
“If it proceeds, the Carmichael project would not only be the largest coal mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world, but a vital project in opening up the hugely significant Galilee Basin,’’ Mr Seeney said.
“The project has the potential to create up to 2500 construction and 3900 operational jobs … Jobs that would be significant to the future economic prosperity of that region and to all of Queensland.
“It also includes a 189-kilometre rail line, water supply infrastructure, coal handling and processing plant, and off-site infrastructure including workers’ accommodation village and airport.
“The construction of the mine and rail components is expected to generate in excess of $500 million annually in direct and indirect benefits to Queensland’s economy.
“At full export capacity, the annual contribution to regional GRP and the State is expected to expected to exceed $900 million and $3 billion respectively.’’
Before the project proceeds it must also gain Federal approval.
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