Dinner coverage ‘all at sea’

Feigned media indignation over a ‘secret luxury dinner’ involving senior Queensland politicians and the promoters of one of the largest industrial projects in the state’s history has been taken to task by the Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council.

‘I also attended the dinner hosted by Ms Gina Rinehart and senior executives from Hancock Coal aboard The World cruise ship while it was berthed on the Brisbane River,’ QRC Chief Executive Michael Roche confirmed today.

‘And I can report that far from being some clandestine gathering, it was a cordial get-together over dinner for some state ministers and industry representatives, focused on learning more about one of the most exciting resource projects Queensland has ever seen.

‘The Deputy Premier is correct in describing the gathering as ‘a Chinese meal in a Chinese restaurant’.

‘As someone who also sat at the table, I can confirm that there was absolutely nothing inappropriate discussed.

‘What we did learn over a meal is that QRC member company Hancock Coal is bullish about the global demand for thermal coal and that’s why they are proposing to build a complex of coal mines in the Galilee Basin that will eventually produce 60 million tonnes a year, as well as building a new rail line to new export facilities at Abbot Point Coal Terminal, near Bowen.’

Mr Roche said Hancock Coal, alongside another QRC member company – Waratah Coal – are proposing multi-billion dollar projects to open up a new coal basin for Queensland.

‘The progress made to date on the Hancock Coal project deserves to be celebrated on the front page of newspapers, not misrepresented,’ Mr Roche said.

Media contact: Jim Devine 3295 9560