EIS for Bowen Basin coal rail link underway

<p>The Queensland Government has begun the environmental impact statement (EIS) process for its proposed $600m rail link to join Bowen Basin coalfields with the Abbot Point shiploading terminal.</p> <p>It has released the draft terms of reference of the EIS and is inviting public comment on the scope of environmental investigations into the project.</p> <p>Transport minister Paul Lucas said the EIS for the 70km link needed to be "thorough and transparent".</p> <p>"We will make sure all the environmental issues are ticked off, but I want to make it clear that this is a commercial project and the final go ahead for construction will depend upon committed contracts from our coal miners," Mr Lucas said.</p> <p>"It also depends on the expansion of Abbot Point port going ahead."</p> <p>If the rail link goes ahead, it will be built in 2007&#4708.</p> <p>See www.sd i .qld.gov.au&#47eis or www.thepremier.qld.gov.au for more information.</p> <br />