The Queensland Government announced in its state budget this month it had committed funds for a feasibility study looking at the "missing link" rail line between the Goonyella system and Newlands line.

Joining the 78km gap between the lines would mean mines on the Goonyella system could export out of Abbbot Point instead of the already overloaded Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

Minerals analysts Barlow Jonker executive director Stephen Gye said although Abbot Point was already at nominal capacity it had the ability to expand relatively easily and quickly, compared to other ports such as Dalrymple Bay.

Abbot Point capacity currently sits at 15 million tonnes per annum, but Lucas said earlier this year capacity at Abbot Point would be expanded to 25Mtpa by the second half of 2007.

Lucas also highlighted the potential of the Surat Basin, and the need to invest in infrastructure to export coal out of the basin from ports other than Brisbane. He said railing Surat Basin exports through Gladstone was the most attractive option to date. He did not view exporting out of Bundaberg as an option, when questioned by the summit audience.

The Government has also committed $A25 million on a study into the Peak Downs Highway. Peak Downs currently grants more wide load permits than any other highway in the state.

Lucas highlighted community displeasure at traffic inconvenience with wide loads being trucked up and down the highway.

“It is not unreasonable for the community to expect a viable industry to look at ways of minimising wide loads on the highway, such as looking at using closer services. The industry needs to engage in a discussion about what can be done about this,” Lucas said.