The collapse of WICET member Bandanna Energy, which unexpectedly entered voluntary administration last month, plus some disputes with project contractors has led to speculation that the terminal’s completion could be delayed.
Yet this was challenged by key executives at the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Major Industry Conference this week.
"WICET will service its debt at much lower tonnage levels throughput than it currently is forecasting," Cockatoo Coal managing director Andrew Lawson told the Gladstone Observer.
"The port is virtually built. It's going to go ahead. WICET's going to happen."
WICET general manager of project delivery Malcom McPhann reportedly told the conference that the terminal will be ready for commercial operation in the March quarter.
"A gradual decline in construction workforce numbers will take effect from now until December," he said.
"We're running at 900 (workers). By Christmas it will be 250 and early next year a skeleton staff will prepare to hand over."
Rail operator Aurizon also confirmed that the terminal was on track at the conference with construction reported to be 96% complete.
WICET is expected to have 27 million tonnes per annum of throughput capacity by early 2015.
The initial WICET consortium comprised Xstrata (now Glencore), Bandanna, Caledon Coal, Cockatoo, Aquila Resources, Yancoal, Wesfarmers and New Hope Coal.
