<p>A proposed rail line to link two important bulk rail systems, had moved a step closer, the Queensland Government said.</p> <p>The so-called "missing link" between the North Goonyella and Newlands rail systems has been declared a significant project under Queensland’s state development and public works organisation act.</p> <p>Queensland premier Peter Beattie said mining and resource industries were anticipating the $600m link and the declaration would underline the government’s commitment.</p> <p>"It will enable government and industry to be in a position by mid-2006 to move quickly to construction, should this line and the associated expansion of the Abbot Point Coal terminal prove to be the best option to provide new coal export capacity for the northern Bowen Basin," Mr Beattie said.</p> <p>The link will involve construction of 70 km of track in a new corridor and electrification of both new and old sections.</p> <p>This should create an uninterrupted supply chain for coal from the Bowen Basin to Abbot Point.</p> <p>It would also provide an alternative port should there be too much congestion at Dalrymple Bay and Hay Point, Mr Beattie said.</p> <p>If the project proceeds, it will be completed in 2009. </p> <br />
