FAQs
Q: What is the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) Project?
The Project involves the funding and construction of a new coal export facility which will be situated just west of the existing RG Tanna Coal Terminal in Gladstone Harbour. The terminal will be located at Golding Point on land leased from the Gladstone Ports Corporation in the Gladstone State Development Area. The site is accessed via Mt Larcom Road.
Q: Who will run the wharf when constructed?
Gladstone Ports Corporation will operate the facility.
Q: Where is the coal coming from?
There are a number of coal producers from the Surat and Bowen Basins that will use the Terminal to export their coal. These coal fields are situated to the west and south west of Gladstone.
Q: Is it going to be bigger than RG Tanna?
With an ultimate export capacity of over 80Mtpa when fully commissioned, WICET will duplicate the capacity of the RG Tanna Coal Terminal.
Q: Which coal companies are going to use it?
The WICET users group comprises of eight coal companies who are contracting the 27Mtpa capacity of Stage One of WICET. The companies are: Aquila Resources, Bandanna Energy, Caledon Resources, Cockatoo Coal, Northern Energy Corporation, Wesfarmers Curragh, Yancoal and Xstrata Coal.
Q: Where is the coal going?
The coal will be exported to customers around the world – particularly countries such as India, China and Japan.
Q: Why can’t the coal go through the terminal that already exists?
Expected future coal export growth has meant the existing facility will not be able to provide the level of throughput required to meet customer demand. WICET aims to meet coal export demands from 2015.
Q: How many people will be needed to construct the Terminal?
It is expected that the construction phase will require approximately 800 personnel.
Q: What are you going to do for the community to improve the liveability of our region?
WICET has provided a $35 million investment toward Gladstone’s Auckland East Shores Development along Flinders Parade, which will see delivery of a much-needed world-class waterfront redevelopment. The Project, being delivered by the Gladstone Port Corporation, will offer a family friendly destination.
Key elements include:
- New fishing facilities, extended jetty structure and additional pontoons
- A new ‘waterside’ cafe
- Additional car parking areas
- A Ports Interpretive Centre including interactive displays and the Maritime Museum
- Extensive parklands including public art elements and urban landscaping
- Water play facility
- Boardwalk
- Shaded BBQ areas and open lawns.
The development will enhance the social aspects of our much-loved harbour precinct, encouraging and opening its use by local residents and visitors to our regions. More information is available through Urbis on 1800 557 467 or by emailing Gladstone@urbis.com.au.
