SEPTEMBER 13, 2018: A PLAN to essentially halve the length and capacity of rail line needed for the Carmichael Coal Project means we’ll see jobs flow and investment flow sooner to Mackay, Bowen and Townsville.What’s been announced today is that Carmichael Coal has changed tack on the rail line, and they will now link in with the existing narrow gauge existing Aurizon network.This means they only need to construct 200km of rail line rather than 388km.Essentially that adds up to a quicker and cheaper option.And I’ve been told that all approvals and land access agreements are already in place.I met with senior Carmichael Coal Projects representatives today and they’ve informed me they are close to getting finance and construction under way.Thousands of new jobs will open up in both the construction and operation phase of this mine, and benefits will flow directly to North and Central Queensland communities like Townsville, Bowen, Mackay and Rockhampton.Minister for Resources Matt Canavan has confirmed that coal is our top export commodity with thermal coal worth more than $23 billion over the past 12 months.So the time is right for the Carmichael Coal Project to kick off and I welcome today’s progress.