Need to make a pledge on jobs

tain Townsville and Rockhampton as the primary sources for workers, although plans for the two cities to be fly- in fly- out hubs have also been scrapped.

Adani released a statement on Thursday saying they were “ready to start”.

“Our work in recent months has culminated in Adani Group’s approval of the revised project that de- risks the initial stage of the Carmichael mine and rail project by adopting a narrow gauge rail solution combined with a reduced ramp up volume for the mine,” Mr Dow said.

“This means we’ve minimised our execution risk and initial capital outlay. The sharpening of the mine plan has kept operating costs to a minimum and ensures the project remains within the first quartile of the global cost curve.”

Adani’s investment is now being quoted at less than $ 2 billion, including $ 1.1 billion for the narrow gauge rail line.

Even so, analysts and green groups remain unconvinced.

Financial analyst IBISWorld says Adani’s investment decision is “surprising” and “risky”.

But thermal coal prices re- main above the US$ 100 per tonne threshold other analysts such as UBS say is needed for the project to be viable.

Meanwhile anti- Adani group Lock the Gate Alliance says the mining giant is yet to receive approval for its Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan and is still fighting a legal battle with the W& J Traditional Owners on native title. ADANI has been asked to guarantee Queenslanders get priority for jobs on its longawaited Carmichael mine.

After a lengthy bid to secure the development of its mine in the Galilee Basin, Adani Australia has been asked to renew its commitment Queenslanders will be the primary beneficiaries of any direct employment and contract opportunities on the project.

The mine, which will be 100 per cent financed by Adani Australia’s parent company Adani Group, is expected to produce between 10 and 15 million tonnes of coal per year.

Production will then ramp up to 27.5 million at its peak.

Adani has said the project would create about 1500 direct jobs and 8250 indirect jobs.

Yesterday, LNP leader Deb Frecklington sent a letter, seen by the Bulletin, to Adani Australia Mining chief executive Lucas Dow requesting an update on the jobs and opportunities promised to central and North Queensland residents.

“I write to seek your assurance that Queenslanders will be given priority for the 1500 direct jobs on the mine and rail projects,” she wrote.

“Additionally, that where ever possible local suppliers and contractors are also utilised. It is important this Queensland coal generates jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders first.”

Ms Frecklington said she appreciated Adani had made a number of announcements about local employment and local content but wanted clarity on how the changes to the first stage of the proposed mine would impact these commitments.

“Given the change in scope of the project and the passage of time since some of these commitments were made I request that a briefing be provided to Dale Last MP, my Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Shadow Minister for Northern Queensland,” she said.

Ms Frecklington said the LNP welcomed Adani’s announcement that construction would begin before Christmas.

“( It) could not come at a more important time, given Queensland has the highest unemployment rate in the nation,” she said.

“Many of these job seekers are from regional centres like Townsville which currently has an unacceptably high unemployment rate of 8.9 per cent and over 10,000 people actively looking for work.”

During the announcement Adani had secured finance for the mine Mr Dow said Townsville and Rockhampton would be the “primary” sources for work.

“That’s a reflection of the fact that both of those communities really stood by us in challenging times,” he said.

“We look forward to paying back ( Rockhampton and Townsville) with jobs.”