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Planned upgrades for the first stage of the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal at Gladstone will increase export capacity by 20 million tonnes to 70 million tonnes per annum.
The project will involve the construction of a 2.4km wharf approach and wharf structure, as well as electrified rail connections to the Queensland Rail network, rail receiving stations and ship loaders.
Half the funding for the new terminal will come from the Gladstone Port Authority and half from coal exporters.
The investment comes on top of the 25Mt expansion of the RG Tanna Coal Terminal, which is under way.
"Combined, these two projects, along with the Barney Point Coal Terminal, will result in coal export capacity at the Port of Gladstone reaching 140Mt – making the Port of Gladstone the largest coal exporting port in the world,” Queensland premier Peter Beattie said.
"The Wiggins Island Coal Terminal and associated rail and channel infrastructure will cost $1.8 billion, create 500 construction jobs and 125 new operational jobs when completed.
"The project will be jointly developed by the Central Queensland Ports Authority and Queensland Rail and will include an electrified rail connection to the main rail line, new rail loops, rail receival stations; stockpiles; ship loaders and 2.4 km of new wharf approach and wharf structure.”
About 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project and 125 permanent positions once the new terminal is operational.
