Qld's $4b coal terminal gets go-ahead

A $4 billion coal terminal in central Queensland has been approved by the state
government.
The Wiggins Island Coal terminal at Gladstone will be built and owned by 18 coal
companies.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said in a statement the project would create up to 800
jobs in construction and 300 ongoing jobs.
"This news will be a magnificent Christmas present for the people of Gladstone, who
have faced the brunt of the global financial crisis in Queensland," Ms Bligh said.
Construction is due to start in mid-2010, with operations commencing in 2013.
Once up and running, the terminal will have the capacity to double coal exports out
of Gladstone to 150 million tonnes a year.