Supply chain back on rails

THE Labor State Government has committed to developing a supply chain strategy for the North West Minerals Province to boost jobs and exports, including from the Port of Townsville.

But the announcement by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has received a mixed response with Katter’s Australian Party saying the region’s problems in rail, road, energy and water are already well known, while the proponent of the CopperString electricity transmission line project has welcomed the initiative.

Ms Palaszczuk told this week’s Queensland Resources Council luncheon that working with stakeholders on a supply chain strategy for the North West Minerals Province could help the region deliver the metals needed for the renewables boom.

She said the province carried significant potential as a source of rare earth minerals.

“Today I can announce that my Government will commit to developing a supply chain strategy for the entire North West Minerals Province, right through to the Port of Townsville,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It’s through this type of consultation, working with stakeholders, that we can plan for the inevitable changes, caused by both technology and climate change, that will affect the resources industry.”

Ms Palaszczuk also called on the Federal Government to help fund an upgrade of infrastructure like the Townsville to Mt Isa rail line.

But KAP State Member for Traeger Robbie Katter said the region had already endured three strategies.

“We don’t need another strategy. We need some decisions to fix the rail, fix the road, the water and the energy,” Mr Katter said.

“We don’t need money thrown into the rail line. What we need is a change in the guidelines for how it’s managed. The price keeps ratcheting up and it’s forcing a lot more ( freight) on to the road.”

CopperString project founder John O’Brien said a cohesive Townsville to Mt Isa economic strategy could supercharge the region.

“The announcement is a very positive step forward for the CopperString project and the northern Queensland economy,” Mr O’Brien said. “We have been advocating for a cohesive and ambitious strategy for the Townsville to Mt Isa corridor for over a decade.”

Mr O’Brien said the stars may be aligned for the CopperString project with resources companies expressing interest in the supply of 350 megawatts of electricity load.