Galilee Basin State Development Area Initiation of coal mining within the Galilee Basin requires substantial capital expenditure on rail and port expansion. The Queensland Government declared the Galilee Basin State Development Area (SDA) in June 2014, supporting the development of the Galilee Basin in providing a robust statutory framework for development of linear infrastructure to the Port of Abbot Point. The Galilee Basin SDA will enable a coordinated approach to developing a multi-user common rail corridor whilst minimising impacts on landholders and the environment. The SDA supports development both to the central and southern Galilee Basin. Abbot Point coal terminal Port facilities at Abbot Point are expected to be the export point for coal sourced from the Galilee Basin. The Abbot Point Port includes the North Queensland Export Terminal, the most northerly deep-water coal port of Australia, situated approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) north-west of the township of Bowen (Queensland). North Queensland Export Terminal has been operating for 35 years, safely, responsibly and efficiently exporting coal, however the port's location has been considered controversial as it is so close to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO world heritage site. Other infrastructure A proposal for a coal-fired power station in the area has been placed on hold. Water supply for mines in the basin was once provided as a reason supporting the development of the Bradfield Scheme. Paleontology In the south-east of the basin lies the Rewan Formation. Small assemblages of the tetrapod species, Lydekkerina from the Lootsbergian age, have been found. See also Geology of Queensland Mining in Australia Carmichael coal mine References Geology of Queensland Coal mining in Queensland Sedimentary basins of Australia Coal mining regions in Australia Central West Queensland North West Queensland South West Queensland Energy in Queensland