Community invited to comment on Ambre Energy coal-to-liquids project

Published on 23/09/2010

Consultation on the proposed multi-billion dollar coal-to-liquids project near Pittsworth will gain momentum next month with a series of project information sessions.

Brisbane-based mining and technology company, Ambre Energy, is proposing Australia’s first commercial-scale coal-to-liquids project, which could supply more than 20% of Queensland’s unleaded petrol and LPG needs by 2014.

Ambre Energy’s General Manager Business Development and Marketing, Neil McGregor, said the project would bring major economic stimulus to the Darling Downs region and provide substantial economic spin-offs for the country.

“We are seeking input from local communities about the project – particularly the construction of an open-cut mine and gasification facility where local coal will be converted to high quality fuels.

“This project will generate around 1,880 jobs at the peak of its two-year construction period and sustain around 530 jobs in a range of disciplines when the mine and facility are operational.”

Mr McGregor said the potential impacts and benefits of the project would form part of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which was under development.

“The State Government is currently considering our application for this project to be declared a significant project due to the complexity of the approvals required from state and federal governments, its benefits and potential impacts.

“Regardless of this decision, we will still conduct a rigorous EIS process which will involve ongoing opportunities for those interested in or impacted by our operations to have a say.”

Mr McGregor said recent briefings for regional state and local government officers and businesspeople had demonstrated that interest in all aspects of the project was high, especially with respect to supplying goods and services and employment opportunities.

“Ambre Energy wants to work closely with stakeholders to ensure our studies and planning activities are comprehensive and adequately inform government decision-making processes.

“While we are formally required to identify and minimise any environmental or community impacts from ambreCTL, we intend to be part of this community for the next 35 to 40 years and firmly believe that stakeholder input is critical to shaping better outcomes.”

Mr McGregor encouraged interested stakeholders to attend an upcoming community information session and have their say on ambreCTL.

He said further community information sessions would be conducted throughout the EIS process and would be well advertised.

Community information sessions will be held at:

Felton
Tuesday 5 October 7.00 – 9.00pm Felton Hall

Clifton Wednesday 6 October 12.00 – 4.00pm Clifton Jam Factory, 61 King Street

Pittsworth
Wednesday 6 October 6.30 – 8.30pm Community Technology Centre, Hume Street

Toowoomba 
Thursday 7 October 12.00 – 2.00pm The Moat House, Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Street

Toowoomba 
Thursday 7 October
6.30 – 8.30pm The Moat House, Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Street

To RSVP or find out more, call 1800 262 285 (1800 AMB CTL), email info@ambreCTL.com, write to, Reply Paid 81 Hamilton Qld 4007 or visit www.ambreenergy.com

ENDS

Media contact:

Matt Adams, Manager Business Development - 0488 289 088

 

Ambre Energy’s General Manager Business Development and Marketing, Neil McGregor, said the project would bring major economic stimulus to the Darling Downs region and provide substantial economic spin-offs for the country.
“We are seeking input from local communities about the project – particularly the construction of an open-cut mine and gasification facility where local coal will be converted to high quality fuels.
“This project will generate around 1,880 jobs at the peak of its two-year construction period and sustain around 530 jobs in a range of disciplines when the mine and facility are operational.”
Mr McGregor said the potential impacts and benefits of the project would form part of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which was under development.
“The State Government is currently considering our application for this project to be declared a significant project due to the complexity of the approvals required from state and federal governments, its benefits and potential impacts.
“Regardless of this decision, we will still conduct a rigorous EIS process which will involve ongoing opportunities for those interested in or impacted by our operations to have a say.”
Mr McGregor said recent briefings for regional state and local government officers and businesspeople had demonstrated that interest in all aspects of the project was high, especially with respect to supplying goods and services and employment opportunities.
“Ambre Energy wants to work closely with stakeholders to ensure our studies and planning activities are comprehensive and adequately inform government decision-making processes.
“While we are formally required to identify and minimise any environmental or community impacts from ambreCTL, we intend to be part of this community for the next 35 to 40 years and firmly believe that stakeholder input is critical to shaping better outcomes.”
Mr McGregor encouraged interested stakeholders to attend an upcoming community information session and have their say on ambreCTL.
He said further community information sessions would be conducted throughout the EIS process and would be well advertised.

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