http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/zone_files/QGMJ/qgmj_spring_2008_iron_o...

http://www.dme.qld.gov.au/zone_files/QGMJ/qgmj_spring_2008_iron_ore_in_queensland.pdf

From the last paragraph:

"The support of the Government for
the development of a Queenslandbased
iron and steel industry based
on supply of iron ore from Queensland
should result in a major new industry
for the State in the medium term.
This could potentially be based at
one or both of the two main industrial
centres of Gladstone and Townsville/
Bowen. Significant factors impacting
on development of the industry will be
transport and port infrastructure and
capacity, and the availability of water
for processing."

Anyone ever wonder why that Boulder spend much of their resources on study of ports/rails and private haul roads? In my view, the project has the QLD Government support as a way of helping to build the QLD iron mining and steel making industry.