Northern Missing Link

Project overview*

EIS status: EIS complete

Queensland Rail is proposing to construct and operate a 69 kilometre rail link between the North Goonyella and Newlands rail systems in the northern Bowen Basin coalfields. The rail link, commonly referred to as the Northern Missing Link, will connect the existing mines of North Goonyella and Newlands and allow coal trains originating in Central Queensland to be directed to the port of Abbot Point, near Bowen.

Initially, the line would utilise diesel locomotives, however plans for subsequent electrification are being considered. The rail corridor would be 40m to 60 metre wide and include at least three passing loops. In addition, the project will require upgraded facilities along the Newlands to Abbot Point rail line. Including electrification, the total project cost is estimated to be $920 million in 2007 dollars.

Environmental Impact Statement process

The Northern Missing Link was declared a Significant Project by the Coordinator-General for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required.

Queensland Rail prepared an EIS which was released for public consultation between 15 February 2006 and 3 April 2006.

After evaluating the EIS, submissions and other material, the Coordinator-General prepared the Coordinator-General's Report. The report concluded that the project may proceed, subject to specific conditions to manage potential adverse environmental impacts, as set down in the report completed on 24 October 2006.

On 8 June 2007 the Queensland Government announced that it has reached agreement with property owners to acquire the land needed for the proposed Northern Missing Link rail corridor. Following this commitment to the corridor, Queensland coal companies have now underwritten the next $27 million detailing engineering design phase of the project. The Premier has announced that this $27 million Early Works package will now be commenced. Queensland Rail is advertising for an alliance contractor for the project.

Ultimately, the go-ahead for construction will depend on companies contracting with Queensland Rail to use the infrastructure.

Completing the rail link, in conjunction with a potential expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal to 50 million tonnes per annum capacity, would allow an additional 35 million tonnes per annum of coal to be exported through Abbot Point, beyond the current throughput.

Resources

The EIS and other project information is available from the Queensland Rail Network Access website.

The Coordinator-General's Report is available for viewing and download.

* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.