Council has today approved the terms of an Infrastructure Access Agreement relating to the proposed Carmichael Mine and associated rail network to protect the long-term interests of Isaac region ratepayers.
The Infrastructure Access Agreement between Adani, the Carmichael Rail Network and Isaac Regional Council considered at a special meeting of Council in Moranbah.
Mayor Anne Baker said the proponents were required to establish an agreement with Council as a condition of the approval process set down by the Office of the Coordinator-General.
“This is a requirement of all major projects and ensures the ratepayers of Isaac region are not directly or indirectly burdened by the cost of improving or maintaining infrastructure required to develop or operate a resources project,” Mayor Baker said.
“The Infrastructure Access Agreement formalises the obligations of the proponents to fund the upgrade to existing infrastructure to an agreed standard, provide required new infrastructure and to equitably fund the maintenance of existing roads impacted by activity created by the project during construction and operation.
“For example, this agreement requires the proponent to carry out works in two stages to improve the Moray-Carmichael Road, which is the primary route to the mine site.
“The first stage will be undertaken immediately while the sealing of the road and the substantial upgrading of bridges will be undertaken in agreed timeframes over the next few years. If other roads are impacted by the mine and rail project over time, they too will be subject to improvements funded by the proponent.
“Council is satisfied that this agreement addresses issues relating to our local government area and acknowledges the work undertaken by all parties over many months to reach this outcome.”
Mayor Baker said the Carmichael mine and associated rail link were just two of several significant resources projects currently under development in the Isaac.
“Whilst there has been an unprecedented focus on this one development and one company, negotiation and formalisation of these agreements is business as usual for our organisation. We already have 26 active coal mines across the region, which collectively produce more than half of Queensland’s saleable coal,” she said.
Mayor Baker reiterated that Council’s involvement in the approval process for the Carmichael Mine, and similar resources projects, was limited to establishing infrastructure access agreements and other compensation arrangements with the developer as a condition of their approval.
“Responsibility for approving the mine itself, including operational and environmental conditioning, rests with the State and Federal Governments. What Council is responsible for is ensuring the interests of Isaac region ratepayers are represented and protected,” she said.
“Council is supportive of responsible development by the resources and mining sector within the region, but we are also committed to making sure big companies fairly pay their way.”
