http://aspirecq.com/?p=82
At school I was taught a developed nation exported value added products, a developing nation its raw resources. I wonder if they still teach that. Before Gina Rinehart there was Lang Hancock (her Dad) and he along with former Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen mooted a west east railway line transporting the iron ore to where the coal is then make steel for export. Now some 30 odd years later the idea is getting some traction, even a forecast completion date of 2018. Not one steel smelter plant, but two; Newman, Western Australian and Abbott Point, Queensland, connected by a 3300km rail line. Covered coal carriages travelling west returning east with iron ore, steel being produced at each end.
East West Line Parks is behind this touted nation building project appropriately named Project Iron Boomerang. Their web site suggests the steel produced will be globally cost competitive, plus ships required to transport it can be up to a third smaller than the latest super coal carriers. I assume making Friends of the Barrier Reef somewhat happier. Interesting in all the talk of new coal mines, ports and rail corridors this project seems off the media radar. Proponents of Project Iron Boomerang suggest it could lessen the number of rail lines proposed to transport coal across Central Queensland, by having spur lines from the Galilee Basin and Moranbah mines. While not the Capricorn Tropic Bullet Train running from Gladstone through Rockhampton, Alpha out to Uluru mentioned in previous AspireCQ columns, Project Iron Boomerang appears to provide vital infrastructure for the resources boom period and post boom as well. Hopefully the tourism potential of the infrastructure will be considered and the usability of the tracks for high speed trains.
Project Iron Boomerang will no doubt be seeking Government concessions. At least this project adds value to our natural resources and will leave more than just holes. Let’s hear from all levels of government their reaction to it. Especially Queensland Government as one third owners of QR National, who I understand have alternative plans. Be a shame to let another 30 odd years pass.