ABBOT POINT STAGE 2 UPGRADE WORK UNDERWAY
Excavation and clearing work is in full swing at Abbot Point as the Stage 2 expansion of the coal terminal gets underway.
The Abbot Point Coal Terminal (APCT) Stage 2 expansion, being undertaken by PCQ, will double the size of the existing coal stockpile area and increase the terminal capacity from 15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 21mtpa.
PCQ Chief Executive Officer, Brad Fish, said the expansion would include construction of two new stockpile rows, installation of a new stacker reclaimer machine, a new yard conveyor and two new transfer stations. The stations would stack and reclaim coal from the two new stockpile rows.
Mr Fish said the civil and concrete work was being handled by Civdec/Civmec joint venture.
“The contractors have told us that they have been impressed by the quality of labour available locally and are keen to use local resources wherever possible.
“We are continuing to work with local businesses to maximise opportunities for local companies to get involved and provide services to the construction contractors,” Mr Fish said.
“In the past week, security fencing has been installed around the construction site and temporary buildings put on site to provide office accommodation and amenities.
“In the next few weeks earthworks will begin, involving excavation of the stockpile areas and establishment of a solid foundation for the new area,” Mr Fish said.
PCQ is also working with the local Juru Traditional Owners to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is preserved in the expansion area.
The development work area was surveyed by a team of seven Juru people late last year and two Juru Traditional Owners will be on site during the site clearing and excavation to monitor any items of cultural significance which might be unearthed.
Mr Fish said the expansion work would also include an upgrade at the Bruce Highway/Abbot Point Road intersection, with work already underway to increase the length of lanes exiting from the highway and installation of new lighting.
“The expansion will generate increased traffic near Abbot Point, so we need to ensure the surrounding access points are safe and can accommodate an increase in vehicular traffic.”
The expansion project was approved in March and is expected to cost about $116 million.
APCT is owned by PCQ and is operated under contract by Abbot Point BulkCoal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Xstrata Coal Pty Ltd.
ends
25 May 2006
For further information:
Gary Campbell
Corporate Relations Manager
Ports Corporation of Queensland
Ph: (07) 3224 4346
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