Built upon the state’s extensive coal resources, Queensland’s mining sector has seen sustained growth over the past decades. Recently, global economic trends including rapid growth in China and India have fueled increased demand for Queensland's high-quality coal.

Mining activities across the state are expanding to take advantage of this demand, placing pressure on existing coal supply chains and other export infrastructure. Timely investment in coal infrastructure is essential to ensuring the industry is well positioned to capitalise on future demand for Queensland’s coal resources. In doing so, benefits to the state will be maximised.

Coal Transport System map ( 689 KB)

Queensland’s coal infrastructure

Major infrastructure enabling the operation and growth of the coal industry includes transport (rail and ports), water, energy and housing.

Queensland coal is transported through a series of supply chains. In Queensland, 5 dedicated rail networks link coal mines to major coal export terminals. These networks also provide transport of coal for domestic use, including electricity generation.

Water for mine operations is sourced from a number of storage facilities and pipelines throughout Queensland. Through the $300 million Moranbah Water Pipeline Projects and the Statewide Water Policy , the Government is supporting future growth of the mining industry by planning to secure the water supply required to meet current and future needs.

Key water projects supporting the coal industry:

• the Moranbah Water Pipeline Projects, which will supply mining interests in the Northern Bowen Basin with water from the Burdekin Falls Dam
• the proposed Nathan Dam development, which if developed, will service mining and other interests in the Surat Dawson and Callide sub-regions of the Fitzroy Basin
• the proposed Connors River Dam and associated pipelines, which will supply water to coal mines and communities in the Northern Bowen Basin over the medium to long term.

The Queensland Government is working with private infrastructure providers and government-owned corporations to develop a number of key infrastructure projects that will significantly enhance the state’s coal export capacity. These are:

• The proposed Surat Basin Railway to link Wandoan to Banana and the existing Moura System, providing for the production and export of thermal coal from the Surat Basin through the Port of Gladstone.
• The Northern Missing Link: a 69 kilometre rail link beween the Goonyella and Newlands rail systems allowing coal trains from Central Queensland to directly access the Port of Abbot Point or Port of Hay Point.
• Development of a new coal terminal at Wiggins Island, in the Port of Gladstone. The proposed terminal would be built in stages, with an ultimate export capacity of 85 million tonnes each year.

The role of the Queensland Government

Much of the existing and necessary future coal infrastructure is planned and provided for and on a fully commercial basis by the private sector and government owned corporate entities, such as Queensland Rail, the Gladstone Ports Corporation and the Ports Corporation of Queensland.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning has a role in ensuring strategic coordination of planning and development activities for the coal industry. The department supports industry development through:

• facilitation of complex approvals processes
• coordination of activities across Government agencies
• provision of advice on suitable investment directions
• providing assistance in the acquisition of land required for major project delivery.

Clean coal

Coal-based energy sources will remain a significant part of Queensland and the world’s energy mix. The Queensland Government is investing in and working with the coal industry to research and develop clean coal technologies, which will enable the continued use of coal as a low-emission fuel source.

Uranium and the Queensland Coal Industry

The Uranium and the Queensland Coal Industry Report ( 2.1 MB), commissioned by the Queensland Government found increased uranium mining would not threaten Queensland’s coal interests. The report provides a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of uranium mining on the coal industry in Queensland.

Further information

For further information on clean coal see the Department of Mines and Energy website.