Adani’s decision to base its operational headquarters for the Carmichael mine project in Townsville is “a huge shot in the arm” for regional Queensland, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says.
‘This is going to be the economic boost that the people need and the families need before Christmas,’ she told Nine on Tuesday.
She said there would also be hubs in Rockhampton, Mackay and central Queensland which would provide a jobs boost in a region that has been doing tough following the closure of Queensland Nickel.
‘It’s just great news for the regions … honestly, you can’t get the smile off my face today.’
Ms Palaszczuk will join Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani in Townsville later on Tuesday to make the announcement.
The Indian multinational conglomerate is expected to begin construction on the $21.7 billion mine in the Galilee Basin in the middle of next year.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that it’s understood the city would be set up as a major FIFO hub housing about 1500 workers, plus as many as 500 white-collar jobs.
FIFO workers will make up most of the nearly 3800 operational staff at the peak of mine operations with more than 2000 jobs also created in construction of the mine and connecting railway.
The 45km open cut and underground coal mine in the Galilee Basin, including six open-cut pits and five underground mines, will be one of the biggest in the world and operate for up to 90 years.
Environmental groups are fighting the development, but Ms Palaszczuk said safeguards would be in place.
‘We will have officers on the ground to ensure that …. dredge spoil is not going into the Great Barrier Reef,’ she said.
‘We will be policing this.’
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