Several regional Queensland communities are set to benefit from new rail and port infrastructure development created by Adani Group’s $15.5 billion Carmichael coal project in the Galilee Basin.
Adani propose to invest $16.5 billion in a 60-million tonnes per annum (mtpa) thermal coal mine, a 388km rail line to Abbot Point and a new 35-mtpa coal terminal at the port.
The Adani Group announced that Townsville would be the site of the regional headquarters for the project, while centres like Mackay, Bowen, Rockhampton, Emerald, Clermont, Moranbah, Collinsville and Charters Towers would also provide support services, creating significant employment opportunities.
Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Matt Canavan, said the project will help boost both the Queensland and Australian economies.
“Up to 600 jobs will be provided by the pre-construction stage that begins with this announcement by Adani and the project is expected to provide 10,000 direct and indirect jobs as it rolls out,” Mr Canavan said.
“I met with Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani yesterday and discussed his plans for the development of mining, rail and port infrastructure.
“This is a massive project with enormous potential to provide jobs and growth in regional Queensland at a time when most other major resource projects have moved from the construction phase to the less labour-intensive production phase.
“All that infrastructure has to be built and operated, and that means jobs and income for thousands of families, especially in regional centres in Central and North Queensland.”
