Premier Peter Beattie said the evaluation would give the EPA a clear picture of the effects and risk of environmental harm that may be associated with Queensland Rail coal trains operating near communities.

“The evaluation will identify the causes of coal dust emissions from trains and propose ways to reduce the effects of those emissions," Beattie said.

The evaluation process will take several months and will include consultation with local community representatives, the Central Queensland Ports Authority, the Gladstone Council, local industrial enterprises and coal customers.

Queensland Rail has until the end of this year to produce an interim report and by the end of March 2008 must report back on ways to reduce the risk of environmental harm caused by coal dust emissions from its trains.

Beattie said the initiative was one of several currently underway to help monitor and improve dust control around the harbour city of Gladstone.

“Dust emissions in Gladstone come from a wide range of sources which can impact on air quality," Beattie said.

“The EPA is requiring the Central Queensland Port Authority to adhere to contemporary standards for dust emissions from its operations."

In response to changes to its development approval conditions, the CQPA is installing real-time dust monitoring equipment, and improving the management of dust suppression at its coal handling facilities.

The changes to the development approval conditions will give the EPA greater ability to regulate the performance of the CQPA in relation to dust emissions, the State Government said.