Coal infrastructure network

Built upon the state’s extensive coal resources, Queensland’s mining sector has seen sustained growth over the past decades. Recently, global economic trends including rapid growth in China and India have fuelled increased demand for Queensland's high-quality coal.

Mining activities across the state are expanding to take advantage of this demand, placing pressure on existing coal supply chains and other export infrastructure. Timely investment in coal infrastructure is essential to ensuring the industry is well positioned to capitalise on future demand for Queensland’s coal resources. In doing so, benefits to the state will be maximised.

Coal transport system map (PDF, 689 KB)

Queensland’s coal infrastructure

Major infrastructure enabling the operation and growth of the coal industry includes transport (rail and ports), water, energy and housing.

Queensland coal is transported through a series of supply chains. In Queensland, five dedicated rail networks link coal mines to major coal export terminals. These networks also provide transport of coal for domestic use, including electricity generation.

Key water projects supporting the coal industry:

  • the proposed Nathan Dam - if developed, will service mining and other interests in the Surat Dawson and Callide sub-regions of the Fitzroy Basin.
  • the proposed Connors River Dam and associated pipelines - which will supply water to coal mines and communities in the Northern Bowen Basin over the medium to long term.

The Queensland Government is working with private infrastructure providers and government-owned corporations to develop a number of key infrastructure projects that will significantly enhance the state’s coal export capacity. These are:

  • the proposed Surat Basin Railway to link Wandoan to Banana and the existing Moura System, providing for the production and export of thermal coal from the Surat Basin through the Port of Gladstone.
  • the Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion project - a 69 kilometre rail link between the Goonyella and Newlands rail systems allowing coal trains from Central Queensland to directly access the Port of Abbot Point or Port of Hay Point.
  • development of a new coal terminal at Wiggins Island, at the Port of Gladstone. The proposed terminal would be built in stages, with an ultimate export capacity of 80 million tonnes each year.

The role of the Queensland Government

Much of the existing and necessary future coal infrastructure is planned and provided for on a fully commercial basis by the private sector and government-owned corporate entities, such as QR National, the Gladstone Ports Corporation and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.

The department has a role in ensuring strategic coordination of planning and development activities for the coal industry. The department supports industry development through:

  • facilitation of complex approvals processes
  • coordination of activities across Government agencies
  • provision of advice on suitable investment directions
  • providing assistance in the acquisition of land required for major project delivery.

Clean coal

Coal-based energy sources will remain a significant part of Queensland and the world’s energy mix. The Queensland Government is investing in and working with the coal industry to research and develop clean coal technologies, which will enable the continued use of coal as a low-emission fuel source.

Further information

For further information on clean coal see the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (Energy Futures) website.