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Carmichael granted ‘critical’ status

Carmichael coal map. Photo: Shutterstock / Graphic: Adani

Queensland’s Palaszczuk Government has declared Adani’s proposed Carmichael mine and rail project as ‘critical infrastructure’, in an effort to reduce the red tape remaining for the $22 billion project to go ahead.

The state government announced on Sunday, October 9 the combined mine, rail and associated water infrastructure had all been declared critical.

“This step bundles together major elements of the project for the first time,” state development minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.

Together in the critical infrastructure package are the mine, the 389-kilometre rail line, and the water infrastructure which includes a pipeline, pumping stations and a dam upgrade.

Lynham said the move from the Government would make it easier for Adani to get approvals for the infrastructure.

The Indian coal miner and energy business has already won 22 Commonwealth, state and local government approvals for the Carmichael project since the Palaszczuk Government came into government in early 2015.

“At a state level, the only key approvals remaining are water licenses and Adani is actively working on those with my Department of Natural Resources and Mines,” Lynham said.

“I know that regional communities particularly will welcome the advice from Adani that construction of the project is set to begin in 2017.”