The Queensland Government has announced Cocaktoo Coal has been given the go ahead to prepare an environmental impact statement for its North Surat-Taroom coal project.

 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Jeff Seeney, said 22 submissions had been received on the draft erms of reference for the statement for the 1.2 billion projects.

 

“This project has the potential to create up to 1000 construction and 550 operation jobs, with further regional jobs from flow-on economic development,” Mr Seeney said. 

 

“With the potential to operate for up to 20 years and export eight million tonnes of thermal coal a year, there’s no doubt it will provide major economic benefits to Queensland. 

“I welcome the Queensland Coordinator-General’s approval of the final terms of reference for the EIS for the proposed coal project, which means we are one step closer to knowing if the project is fit to be approved.” 

 

The project covers about 5800 hectares and in addition to mining infrastructure the proponent is seeking approval of a creek diversion, a rail spur to the proposed Surat Basin Railway and diversion of 9 kilometres of the Leichhardt Highway. 

 

The statement is likely to be released in late 2013 or early 2014.