Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

As Senator Macdonald outlined, there are other opportunities here beyond just this particular proposal. There are six proposed mines at the moment in the Galilee Basin, delivering more than 15,000 jobs. This particular rail line would kickstart those opportunities. It would open up those opportunities through the basin. The important thing about today's announcement is that while Adani's proposed new line is shorter than their previous proposal—it will hook into the existing Aurizon rail network—it will still be able to take the proposed original 40 million tonnes per annum along that line. In Adani's first stage, they are proposing to use 27.5 million tonnes of that capacity. There is still capacity there for new projects. I'm advised that, with minimal upgrades, the capacity could be up to 100 million tonnes per annum. That means more revenue for our country, more royalties for the Queensland government, more tax revenue for Australia and better services for all Australians.