Goonyella to Abbot Point Rail Project

Project overview*

EIS status EIS active
Description A dedicated rail line, approximately 260 km in length, to transport up to 60 million tonnes per annum of coal. The line would service a number of potential new and expanded coal mines.
Proponent BHP Billiton MetCoal Holdings Pty Ltd, a member of the BHP Billiton Group.
Location/s The line would run from the Goonyella Riverside Mine in the Bowen Basin, approximately 24 kilometres north-west of Moranbah, to the Port of Abbot Point, near Bowen. Map
Local government/s
  • Isaac Regional Council
  • Whitsunday Regional Council
Key features
  • 60-metre-wide rail corridor
  • balloon loops at Goonyella Riverside Mine and Port of Abbot Point
  • associated infrastructure, including additional balloon loops, passing loops, bridges and culverts.
Investment Not available
Expected completion 2016 (first coal transport, with progressive ramp up to full capacity in 2020-2025)
Jobs
  • 2000 (construction)
  • 500 (operational)

Environmental impact statement (EIS) process

Date Activity
Pending Finalisation of EIS by project proponent.
9 May 2012 Terms of reference for EIS (PDF, 3.67 MB) released.
6 February 2012 to
5 March 2012		 Public consultation on draft terms of reference for EIS.
24 October 2011 Gazettal of 'significant project' declaration.
23 September 2011 Project deemed a 'controlled action' by federal environment minister.
25 August 2011 Application, including initial advice statement (PDF, 3.8 MB), submitted.
18 August 2011 Project referred to federal environment minister.

Read more about the EIS process.

Media releases

Further information

For more information, visit BHP Billiton's regulatory information web page.

* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.