Both DBCTM and Adani are required to submit master plans for the next phase of approval.

The state government-owned ports corporation holds about 1400 hectares of land at Dudgeon Point for future terminal development.

“NQBP has held this land for development since 2000. Its close proximity to the two coal terminals at Hay Point will support the increasing demand for coal from new and existing industry,” NQBP chief executive Brad Fish said on Monday.

“Should the preferred proponents decide to proceed after the planning process, they will be required to fund their own construction and operations with the state government retaining ownership of the underlying land.”

The entry of Adani into Australia’s coal terminal scene was unexpected, but the company is the largest Indian coal importer and holds major contracts with power companies in the country.

All of its coal imports go through Adani’s Mundra port on the west coast, the largest privately owned port in India.

Prime Infrastructure owns 50.1% of DBCT.