Adani expects to start early works on the company’s $16.5 billion Carmichael thermal coal project in October as it gears up to begin exports in 2020.

The start of work was announced overnight by Adani chairman, Gautam Adani (pictured).

Among the first regional contractors to benefit from the start of works is Charters Towers-based GA Services, which has been selected to refurbish the existing exploration camp accommodation.

The civil contracting, mining and earthworks company successfully tendered for the work package, meeting Indigenous employment targets and providing a market-competitive service offering, according to Adani.

The first rooms at the Carmichael mine camp have come back online in the past week, with recommissioning completed for accommodation and central facilities.

Sixteen refurbished rooms are now operational at the camp, with a working power generation system and sewage treatment plant installed.

Adani Australia country head and chief executive officer Jeyakumar Janakaraj said engaging with regional contractors had enabled the company to be flexible and quick to get some of the construction infrastructure operational.

“Adani Australia’s regional content initiatives will have long-term benefits for Queensland, particularly for contractors like GA Services who help us meet our Indigenous content targets,” Mr Janakaraj said.

A further 245 rooms at the Carmichael camp are expected to come online by early September, along with additional facilities, project offices, utilities and communications.