By Melissa Grant.
Coal ships at anchor off Hay Point. The proposed Hay Point Coal Terminal expansion project will result in the port’s capacity increasing from 44 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to about 75 Mtpa
Peter Holt
Three tugboats have pulled into Hay Point Coal Terminal to aid dredging activities ahead of a major expansion project.
Dredging at the terminal began last week after the staged arrival of tugboats Black Panther, Kythira and Acheron.
The dredging is being undertaken in preparation for the proposed Hay Point Coal Terminal Stage 3 Expansion (HPX3) project, which will result in the port’s capacity increasing from 44 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to about 55 Mtpa.
It is expected that the project will take five years to complete and require a construction workforce of 1000.
A potential further stage (HPX4) would increase capacity from 55 Mtpa to approximately 75 Mtpa.
While the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has given the dredging its tick of approval, the full expansion project remains subject to completion of a detailed feasibility study by the end of 2011.
Owner and regulatory approvals are also required for the project.
The Hay Point Coal Terminal expansion, if approved, will involve the construction of a new third berth.
The establishment of the proposed berth three pocket and apron area will result in the removal of up to 275,000 cubic metres of dredge material.
The project will also involve the replacement of existing trestle conveyors and surge bins. Furthermore, overland conveyors will be constructed to transfer coal from the stockpile to the jetty and a ship loader will be constructed on the new third berth.
Members of the community will be able to get a run-down of the major project during the week, with an information display to be placed at Mackay shopping centres.
They are invited to drop in to see a project information display and discuss the planned expansion with technical team representatives, who will be at Caneland Central Shopping Centre on Thursday, from 3pm to 7pm, and at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre on Friday, from 10am to 2pm.
HAY POINT
The expansion of the Hay Point Coal Terminal will almost double its coal capacity from 44 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 75 Mtpa.
The expansion will be staged over seven years. Preparations for the proposed Hay Point Coal Terminal Stage 3 Expansion (HPX3) project have begun.
Initial works include dredging activities, construction and the development of a quarry. Dredging started last week.
Taken from The Daily Mercury 1 June 2010