The latest piece of Queensland’s Northern Economic Triangle has been unveiled with the State Government declaring land at Abbot Point, near Bowen, suitable for major industrial use.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas today announced the approval of 16,230 hectares as a new State Development Area (SDA).
“This area has the potential to become an industrial powerhouse to rival Gladstone, with huge economic benefits not just for Bowen but the whole of Queensland,” Mr Lucas said.
“Establishing the Bowen area as Queensland’s newest industrial powerhouse will foster the growth of industry across the northern half of the State over the next 50 years.
“This is the next step to securing Mount Isa, Townsville and Bowen as a triangle of mineral processing and industrial development for decades to come.
“The protection of strategic industrial land at Abbott Point and other SDAs near Gladstone and Townsville will ensure our economy continues to boom.
“Studies by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning identified Abbot Point for the strategic location of key industries including power stations, mineral processing – particularly involving the alumina and nickel industries – and associated waste management.
“Already discussions with potential users of the Abbot Point SDA are well underway.
“Only less than one-third of the land, which is largely used for pastoral grazing, has been allocated for heavy industry use.
“This allows for a substantial area, including Mt Roundback and Mt Little, to act as a natural barrier from neighbouring land.
“The area’s other advantages include ready access to the existing deep-water port and its distance from Bowen.”
The State Government has already made a significant investment into the Abbot Point area, recently announcing an additional $250 million to increase its coal terminal capacity to 50 million tonnes per annum.
“Work is already well underway to provide the water and electricity that will underpin this industrial growth,” said Mr Lucas.
“A business case is expected for Sunwater’s Water for Bowen project by the end of next year.
“It aims to supply up to 60,000 megalitres of water per annum from the Burdekin River to the Bowen, Abbott Point area via a new 130 kilometre channel and pipeline system.
“Powerlink is currently in the process of establishing a 132kV transmission line between its Strathmore Substation and a new substation at Merinda, near Abbott Point, to ensure continued reliability of electrical supply to the region.
“The Bowen community have been part of an extensive consultation process and discussions are on-going.
“Community feedback resulted in the eastern border of the SDA being pulled back, so it is further from Bowen.
“Now that the area has been declared, the Coordinator – General assumes planning responsibility and becomes assessment manager for land-use matters.”
The Northern Economic Triangle Infrastructure Plan 2007–2012 comprises 120 actions to advance critical infrastructure and planning to maximise the investment potential and to develop a new industrial precinct.
Click here to view Properties Available in the Bowen Area
