All for rail, no to coal power

Premier against new power station in north Queensland

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wants more gas pipelines. Picture: Liam Kidston

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk has confirmed a corridor of State land could be used for the Commonwealth's inland rail as speculation mounts that an announcement on the long-awaited project is imminent.

The Queensland Government is believed to be considering signing over the existing Goondiwindi to Toowoomba rail corridor to the Commonwealth in exchange for rail and road infrastructure funding.

Such a move could save the Federal Government from a fight with farmers who don't want land resumptions to build the Brisbane to Melbourne route.

Mr Palaszczuk did not give details yesterday but confirmed "conversations are happening” between the State and Commonwealth as proponents await next week's Federal Budget.

"There is some State land that we could look at utilising for a path for the inland way ... and perhaps that is a better solution,” she said.

"They're looking at it. They haven't said yes.”

Meanwhile, the Premier is against a new coal-fired power station for north Queensland that could be announced by the Turnbull Government to help reopen Clive Palmer's Yalumba nickel refinery in Townsville.

She labelled it another "thought bubble” from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who did not understand north Queensland.

"We have a very clear plan when it comes to a power solution and a water solution for the north of this state ... and that involves hydro, it involves raising the Burdekin Dam's wall, it also involves pipelines,” she said.

"We do not need a coal-fired power station in the north of this state.

"We should build more gas pipelines.”

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Originally published as All for rail, no to coal power