Backing for Inland Rail link a win for coal

Bipartisan support for the extension of the Inland Rail from Toowoomba to Gladstone would effectively ensure new thermal coal mines are developed along the route.

Construction of the Inland Rail freight project between Parkes and Narromine. Picture: ARTC Media

Bipartisan support for the extension of the Inland Rail from Toowoomba to Gladstone would effectively ensure new thermal coalmines are developed along the route.

An economic analysis prepared for the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils says the feasibility of the rail line extension to the Gladstone port is contingent on increased coal demand and new mines.

The support of the extension by the LNP’s Colin Boyce and Labor’s Matt Burnett – both candidates for the marginal seat of Flynn – is a tacit endorsement of new thermal coalmines, despite the major parties’ promises of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who supports the 1700km rail line from Melbourne going to both Brisbane and Gladstone, has announced $10m for a business case to assess the Gladstone link.

CQROC’s economic analysis, prepared by consultancy AEC Group, said the Toowoomba to Gladstone line would be feasible if it factored in a likely increase in mines in the Surat Basin using the line to move coal to port.

AEC said previous analysis that found the line unfeasible did not factor in this increase and was based on the assumption that coal demand would cease by 2050, which was not consistent with the business case for the ­entire Inland Rail project.

“Further, the development of infrastructure for containerised freight can unlock additional ­resource development,” the AEC report says.

Mr Boyce is against the government’s net-zero emissions policy. He said he hoped a Gladstone extension of the rail line would open up the Surat Basin for coal projects, create jobs and lead to the expansion of the Port of Gladstone.