The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has proposed to authorize collective bargaining for coal producers in Central Queensland to access Adani’s coal terminal and Aurizon’s rail network for coal transport.
ACCC released a draft determination to approve Endocoal, Whitehaven Coal, Yancoal Australia, QC Resource Investments and Linc Energy to collectively bargain with Adani Mining and Aurizon Network.
Adani Mining operates a new coal terminal at Dudgeon Point, while the Aurizon Network owns the rail infrastructure that connects collieries with the terminal.
ACCC Commissioner Joe Dimasi said that this decision allows coal miners to accomplish more timely and efficient negotiations to secure terminal and rail capacity, possibly reducing the risk of avoidable delays in the construction of this terminal and coal export growth.
“The ACCC is satisfied that the voluntary nature of the arrangements, the limited composition of the collective bargaining group and the limited scope of the negotiations means there is little, if any, public detriment,” Dimasi added.
The ACCC plans to grant authorization for a period of 15 years, which includes initial contract negotiations and possible long term contracts.