QLD:Govt considers coal offer: Bligh

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2010
QLD:Govt considers coal offer: Bligh

BRISBANE, Aug 10 AAP - Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says the government is carefully
considering an offer by a consortium of coal companies to buy the state's coal rail tracks.

The Australian Financial Review reported on Tuesday the consortium had upped its offer
for the rail lines by $200 million, to just over $5 billion.

The government is in the process of preparing for a float of QR National in the final
quarter of 2010, privatising the state's coal and bulk freight tracks and trains.

Ms Bligh on Tuesday declined to confirm details of the increased bid, but told reporters
the government was seriously discussing the offer with the consortium.

"We are in the middle of intense and complex commercial discussions with these coal
companies," she said.

"It's not helpful for me to be commenting on that on a daily basis and I don't intend
to. Other than to say, we are of course taking them seriously, respectfully and working
through issues with them."

Ms Bligh said her main aim with the sale was to do what was best for Queensland.

"We won't be rushing anything ... we will be making a decision in the interests of
Queensland taxpayers," she said.

AAP djb/pjo/jsh

KEYWORD: RAIL QLD UPDATE

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