Freight fast track
THE Queensland Government has promised half a billion dollars for the development of a new freight terminal at the Port of Townsville and discounted freight charges to boost exports along the Mount Isa rail line. Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the funding would promote mining and exploration in the state’s North West, which contains about 75pc of Queensland’s base metal and minerals, including copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold and phosphate deposits. “Our state’s economy is stronger when we have a reliable supply of minerals for export,” Ms Trad said. “A number of mines are trucking minerals from the North West to the port, and the trains that are carrying minerals in shipping containers have to be unloaded at Stuart…