Bligh sounds very positive re- potential EIS approval.Local...

Bligh sounds very positive re- potential EIS approval.

Local press:

"Ms Bligh, in Gladstone as part of her Building For Jobs tour with Treasurer Andrew Fraser, yesterday announced the “first big milestone” for the Boulder Steel Project, with the draft terms of reference for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released this weekend.

Construction on the $2.2 billion project, near Mt Larcom, could begin as soon as the end of next year (should the EIS be approved within the expected timeline), and could create more than 1100 long-term jobs for the region.

“This proposed Boulder Steel project heralds a new era for the region as the home of the only new steel mill in the country right now,” Ms Bligh said.

The project, the first major industry based in the Aldoga precinct of the State Development Area, will be an import/ export facility and is expected to draw on ore from Western Australian and local limestone and magnetite resources.

Gladstone Ports Corporation chief executive officer Leo Zussino said there would also be infrastructure upgrades to the Fisherman's Landing wharf. “Fisherman's Landing number three berth will have to be created for Boulder,” Mr Zussino said.

Ms Bligh is expected to make another announcement concerning the Gladstone region today."

http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2009/08/28/unions-protest-as-big-job-plans-made/