Construction could begin after 18 months on a new Queensland coal-fired power plant which has piqued the government's interest, the company's boss says.
Shine Energy, an indigenous traditional owner company, is hoping to build a coal-fired power plant in Collinsville at an expected cost of $2 billion.
CEO Ashley Dodd says financial close could occur in 18 months, paving the way for construction to begin.
Despite the prime minister and energy minister insisting the project was in its initial stages when they announced a $10 million feasibility study earlier this week, Mr Dodd says it's gone beyond that stage.
"This project's been two years in the making," he told Sky News on Thursday.
"We're actually on the fast-track towards bankable feasibility which will lead to financial close."
Energy prices from the power plant will be competitive, he said.
Mr Dodd says the company has already completed the necessary pre-lodgement and environmental work with the Queensland state government.
Shine Energy are not looking for taxpayer finance, but exemptions from possible laws.
"We need guarantees on giving us some protection around any future legislative changes, around carbon pricing," he said.
He wants the big four banks to cough up the funds, to show they're committed to closing the gap.
"Here's their chance to actually step up and work with Shine Energy, as a traditional owner company."
During the peak construction period 2000 jobs will be created, he added.
Meanwhile, homes and businesses in remote and regional Australia could be connected to reliable stand-alone power systems, known as microgrids, under a $50 million federal government plan.
A fund will be set up to support 50 communities across the country that are either off the main power grid or on the fringe, such as far north Queensland and South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.
