ACCC authorises arrangements to close problem coal terminal at Gladstone Port

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it authorised arrangements to transfer specified amounts of coal handling capacity from the Barney Point coal terminal to the proposed Wiggins Island terminal at the Port of Gladstone in Queensland.

This is expected to facilitate the closure of Barney Point, which has raised pollution concerns amongst Gladstone residents for several years.

Authorisation has been granted to Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited and a consortium of coal producers which the Queensland Government has approved to construct the new Wiggins Island terminal at the port.

"The ACCC considers the proposed arrangements are likely to benefit the public by reducing the amount of coal dust pollution that will effect residential areas and avoiding possible delays to the development of additional coal export infrastructure and the benefits that come from coal exports, including investment and job growth in Queensland," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said.

22 April, 2010