The final approval means Gladstone Ports Corporation can now proceed with a full feasibility study and detailed engineering for the terminal to meet its target to begin operations in 2012-13.
On completion the terminal will have the capacity to handle 75 million tonnes a year.
As part of the design it will also be able to be connected to the existing RG Tanna Coal Terminal, which will boost Gladstone’s throughput by an additional 15Mtpa.
The first stage of the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal, valued at about $1.3 billion, is expected to be completed by 2012 and has the potential to boost Gladstone's coal exports by up to a third, or 25Mtpa, while generating up to $1.8 billion in annual export earnings.
There are also plans for a $500 million rail upgrade, the Moura Link-Aldoga Rail Project, to transport coal to the new terminal.
GPC already has expressions of interest from 16 resource companies wanting to take up capacity at the terminal, according to the Queensland Government.
Premier Anna Bligh said the economic multiplier was important for both the region and the state as it would generate further development in support services and infrastructure for Gladstone.
“It is estimated that another 500 jobs will be created in the building stage with 130 jobs at the terminal when fully operational,” she said.
In another boon for Queensland's coal industry, the State Government announced yesterday that a third rail spur had been commissioned at Callemondah yards near Gladstone, to improve reliability across the Blackwater Rail System.
Minister for Transport John Mickel said the $40 million spur will minimise congestion around the unloading pits at the port by improving the movement of trains between Callemondah and the pits.
The project involves the construction of 4.1 kilometres of track and seven new locations to divert trains to different tracks for unloading and returning to mines.
In another boon for Queensland's coal industry, the State Government announced yesterday that a third rail spur has been commissioned at Callemondah yards near Gladstone, to improve reliability across the Blackwater Rail System.
Minister for Transport John Mickel said the $40 million spur will minimise congestion around the unloading pits at the port by improving the movement of trains between Callemondah and the pits.
The project involves the construction of 4.1km of track and seven new locations to divert trains to different tracks for unloading and returning to mines.
