Future of Clive Palmer’s Central Queensland Coal Mine in hands of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek

The future of billionaire Clive Palmer’s Central Queensland coal project is in the hands of the Environment Minister after public comment on the proposed refusal closed. Here’s what will happen next.

The future of Clive Palmer’s Central Queensland Coal Project is in the hands of the Federal Government with public comment on the proposed refusal of the project now closed.

Earlier this month, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek issued a preliminary refusal of the project.

The Central Queensland Coal Project was proposed to be built about 130km north west of Rockhampton within the Styx Basin.

Public comment on the proposed refusal of the project closed on Thursday, with the future of the project now in the hands of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

On Sunday, Mr Palmer finally broke his silence about the proposed refusal of the project calling the decision, accusing Labor of being “irrational” and “captured by The Greens”.

“To reject $80 billion shows economic irresponsibility,’’ he said.

“Especially so when the entire production was destined for export markets and the alternative is the replacement in the market of inferior Indonesian coal which will result in three times greater emissions than what would have been the case with our coal.

“It’s clear the Albanese Government is irrational and is captured by Adam Bant and The Greens.”

Speaking on ABC RN Breakfast on Tuesday morning Ms Plibersek said Mr Palmer’s company submitted some additional information about water on the proposed mine site and she legally had to consider that additional material before making a decision.

“At this stage I would have to say I’m clearly very concerned about the proposal for an open cut coal mine 9.7 kilometres from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” she said.

“It’s not a lot of additional information. I’m confident that I can make a final decision shortly.”

In a statement earlier this month, Ms Plibersek said her proposed decision was informed by things such as the recommendation of the Queensland State Assessment Report, the advice the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development, the proponent’s Environmental Impact Statement, and comments from the public.

“I will make a final decision on the matter after I have received comments from the proponent, relevant ministers and the public,” she said.

“While I am seeking comment on my proposed decision, and until I make my final decision on this project, I am unable to make any further statements on the matter.”

In March the Department of Defence raised concerns of the mining lease area overlapping the Shoalwater Bay Expansion Area.