Shortlist for Abbott Point coal port expansion plans announced ON TRACK: the Abbot Point coal port. TWO applicants have been short-listed to progress the Newman Government's plans for the Abbot Point coal port expansion. Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney announced the NorthHub joint venture between Aurizon and Lend Lease, and mining group Anglo American had been chosen out of 19 applicants to develop detailed proposals for another two coal terminals at the site. "The Port of Abbot Point is a strategic state asset and any expansion needs to be managed carefully," Mr Seeney said. Any future plans for the port at Abbott Point will need to take into consideration the short-term and long-term needs of industry. It comes just less than a year after the Newman Government put the brakes on the former Bligh Government's $9 billion plans for the port which included a multi-cargo facility and six extra terminals. Mr Seeney said the two short-listed applicants would have to come up with development plans over the next six months. "Those two proponents have demonstrated a financial capacity to undertake the development and an ability to deliver the product and export the coal," he said. Mr Seeney said small miners would also be able to access the terminals to export their product when they are finally constructed.