It is reported that moves to close the Barney Point coal terminal in Queensland are another step closer after the competition watchdog approved a proposal to shift coal export services to Wiggins Island terminal at the port of Gladstone.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the Queensland Government has given the green light to a consortium of coal producers to build the proposed Wiggins Island terminal, which is expected to minimize pollution problems while doubling coal export capacity.

Barney Point would export other goods once the transfer to Wiggins Island, which is due to begin operating in 2012 has been completed.

Mr Graeme Samuel ACCC chairman said "The proposed arrangements are likely to benefit the public by reducing the amount of coal-dust pollution that will effect residential areas and avoiding possible delays to the development of additional coal export infrastructure and the benefits that come from coal exports, including investment and job growth in Queensland."

Coal dust and noise pollution have caused concern among Gladstone residents for years because of the terminal’s proximity to the township.

(Sourced from http://www.lloydslistdcn.com.au)