Coal network continues to suffer

As floodwaters gradually recede, the impact on Queensland’s coal network customers and tonnages including the cost of recovery is yet to be fully assessed.

Managing Director of Freight Rail provider QR National, Lance Hockridge, says that they are still facing huge logistic problems across the state.

“We are unable to provide services to coal customers west of Brisbane and to grain and general freight customers in south-west Queensland,” Hockridge said.

“The flood impacts across the length and breadth of Queensland as they are unfolding are colossal,” he said. 

Some of the cut offs are due to the flooding and damage to the rail line on the Toowoomba Range following a landslide on 10 January.

“QR National is awaiting further advice from the network owner, Queensland Rail, on the extent of the damage to infrastructure and likely timeframe for restoration of the track," Hockridge said.

Additionally services along the North Coast Line to locations beyond Gladstone and Cairns are not able to operate because the line remains cut by floodwaters at Rockhampton.

Many areas of the coal network continue to be subject to speed restrictions, which is standard practice following a large flood event.

This allows QR National to monitor track condition as train services resume and increase and future repair requirements are assessed.

“QR National is working closely with all participants in the coal export supply chain to maximise throughput,” Hockridge said.

“We are liaising daily with coal mining customers to understand the coal available for railing, including that available on stockpiles and when coal production is re-commencing,” he said.

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