A foreign-owned resources project has been proposed for Queensland’s Banana Shire.
American Metals and Coal International (AMCI) recently revealed it is planning a new Baralaba South Coal Project, 149km southwest of Rockhampton.
The proposal involves constructing an open-cut mine capable of producing 2.5 million tonnes per annum for about 23 years. A new electricity transmission line from the Baralaba Substation will supply power to the site. About 4.5km of the council controlled Baralaba–Moura Road will be realigned. The existing train loadout facility near Moura will be used for coal haulage.
The Baralaba Workers Accommodation Village will also be expanded to add an extra 255 units for peak periods.
“The peak estimated workforce required for the project would be up to 521 workers … [and] it is anticipated that workforce transport to the project would be approximately 5 per cent fly-in fly-out, 70 per cent drive-in drive-out and 25 per cent local,” the initial advice statement said.
The State Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has invited public submissions and promised to consider all of them when assessing the project’s environmental impact statement.
The proponent has already reopened its community office in the town centre, held open sessions and met with affected individuals.
Submissions close on May 1.
