The Queensland Resources Council says an agreement to build new rail and port developments for Queensland's Galilee Basin is a “great step forward” for the state's industries.
ABC News reports QRC CEO Michael Roche said a recent agreement between Aurizon and GVK Hancock was vital to opening up the Galilee to mining development.
“Bringing in a partner like Aurizon is a great step forward and I think all is well now for some of the other projects in the Galilee Basin,” he said.
“There are literally tens of thousands of jobs hanging off the successful launch of the Galilee Basin as an export basin for Queensland and so having a rail and port solution is an essential part of that.”
The agreement between Aurizon and GVK will see the two companies build $6 billion worth of rail and port infrastructure to link prospective coal mines to the coast.
Under the agreement GVK is providing financial backing and Aurizon is providing railway logistics.