Budget boosts QLD coal port and rail assets

The State Government will spend $862m on central Queensland coal rail infrastructure and another $305m for the further expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) welcomed the Budget commitments to the industry.

"In challenging times, this is a responsible budget which looks beyond immediate timeframes to an inevitable rebound in global demand for Queensland’s minerals and energy commodities," QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.

However, coal infrastructure spending was dwarfed by the $3bn for roads capital works plus $259m for a second Gateway Bridge in Brisbane.

Townsville will gain $36.5m over the next three years for building of the new marine precinct and assistance for industries affected by the building of the Eastern Port Access Bridge.

Funding for the Port Access Road will also continue.

Heavy vehicle rest areas will receive $5m this and next financial year through speed camera fines.

Cairns Ports will gain $11.2m in Queensland Future Growth Fund cash next financial year to redevelop the heritage-listed Wharf Shed 3 and associated wharf and landside facilities as a cruise terminal.

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry gains $30m for a 70km, 200 metre wide "gas super-highway" pipeline corridor between the Callide and Gladstone state development areas to support the start-up of Queensland’s gas export industry.