The Queensland government continues to move ahead with plans to create a major new industrial hub at the emerging port of Abbot Point, north of Bowen in North Queensland, according to the latest report from ICHCA Australia.

The Northern Economic Triangle Strategic Plan 2007-2012 nominates Bowen, Townsville and Mount Isa as key players in future industrial development and mineral processing.

The most pronounced benefit for Bowen will be the Abbot Point State Development Area (SDA), with around 5,000 ha of greenfield industrial area situated between 10km and 25km from the Bowen township.

Up to 15,000 ha of land has been set aside as a buffer area between these large-scale industries and other land uses while infrastructure corridors between the SDA and the port are an essential part of the plan.

The project is strategically placed on the eastern coast, near a deep water port which can be expanded and close to transport links like the Bruce Highway and existing rail infrastructure. Other initiatives for Bowen to support the SDA and Northern Economic Triangle plans are upgraded gas and electricity supplies, the Water for Bowen project to pipe up to 60,000 megalitres a year from the Burdekin River to Bowen, and urban planning initiatives to make sure population growth is supported.