RAIL - Back On Track Forum

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Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/78-2022.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 78

Asked on 23 February 2022

MR R KATTER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise whether Queensland Rail/Aurizon has sold any disused cattle wagons to
private rail operators in the last five years and, if so (a) who were the buyers, (b) what were the
details of the sale and (c) why had the cattle wagons been disused?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Traeger for the question.

Queensland Rail has advised that it has not sold any disused cattle wagons to private rail
operators in the last five years. The State does not monitor or record the sale of disused cattle
wagons between private rail operators.

Quote from: ozbob on March 28, 2022, 09:13:56 AMQueensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/78-2022.pdf

Question on Notice

No. 78

Asked on 23 February 2022

MR R KATTER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise whether Queensland Rail/Aurizon has sold any disused cattle wagons to
private rail operators in the last five years and, if so (a) who were the buyers, (b) what were the
details of the sale and (c) why had the cattle wagons been disused?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Traeger for the question.

Queensland Rail has advised that it has not sold any disused cattle wagons to private rail
operators in the last five years. The State does not monitor or record the sale of disused cattle
wagons between private rail operators.

       Be funny if Queensland Rail had sold some?  Doomben shuttle using them?      

I can't recall if QR actually own cattle wagons anymore. Aurizon scrapped/stowed the cattle wagons they owned. TMR owned the crates that had self opening doors in the BSA that luckily didn't kill anyone as the train went past at 80kph but they were bolted onto previous Aurizon rollingstock. Who knows, maybe TMR have bought the wagons from Aurizon.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1525229471418449920

Government urged to focus on intermodal hub locations

QuotePacific National has welcomed the new Federal Government's pledge to examine major infrastructure projects, including the cost and scope of the $14.5 billion proposed Inland Rail line.

Pacific National chief executive officer Paul Scurrah said importance needed to be placed in relation to future intermodal terminals, which must be positioned in a location to secure a shift of freight from road to rail to deliver reduced emissions, traffic congestion and road accidents.

"I am confident the incoming Albanese Government gets this," he said.

"Shoring up investment confidence in the freight and logistics sector, particularly at a time when the national supply chain is under intense cost pressures and capacity constraints, is also imperative.

"Under an Albanese Government, Pacific National would like to see Infrastructure Australia – first established by Labor – play a greater role in helping to enhance the safety and productivity of the national supply chain, including track upgrades to build greater resilience in the interstate rail network. In a competitive global marketplace, Australian import and export businesses can ill afford to have major railways shutdown for extended periods of time due to sub-standard track infrastructure.

"Having spent six years as the federal minister responsible for infrastructure, transport and regional development, the new Prime Minister will bring experience and a deep of understanding of the rail industry's infrastructure needs."

#Anthony Albanese #Inland Rail #Intermodal

https://www.railexpress.com.au/government-urged-to-focus-on-intermodal-hub-locations/

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/518-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 518
Asked on 25 May 2022

MR P WEIR ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to Question on Notice No. 147 asked on Tuesday 26 February 2019—

Will the Minister advise when the Department of Transport and Main Roads will commence works
for the upgrading of the level crossing at Davidson Street Oakey given that the planning project
was expected to be completed in June 2019?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Condamine for the question.

I can advise the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) completed planning for this
project in 2019, however, there is currently no timeframe for construction to relocate the open
level crossing at Oakey. Funding for infrastructure upgrades on the state-controlled road network
is considered on a statewide priority basis.

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering its seventh record transport and roads infrastructure
program in a row, outlining $29.7 billion in investment over the next four years and estimated to
support an average of 25,200 direct jobs over the life of the program. Of this, $785.5 million is
committed across TMR's Darling Downs District, which is estimated to support an average of 870
direct jobs over the life of the program.

Scheduled website maintenance – Sunday 31 July

Please be advised Queensland Rail is conducting scheduled website maintenance this weekend across a number of different websites. Customers will be unable to view pages or make bookings during these brief outages, and we encourage you to plan to visit outside of the expected maintenance windows. The outage windows are listed below for the respective webpages.

Please note: the times listed below represent a maximum outage window for Sunday 31 July 2022 only.

Kuranda Scenic Railway: 4pm – 4.30pm

Queensland Rail Travel: 4.30pm – 5pm

Gulflander: 5pm – 5.30pm

If you are awaiting the arrival of a train service, the train arrival recorded information line
1800 803 009 remains active during this time.

We thank you for your patience as we conduct this maintenance to keep our websites updated and provide the best experience possible for customers.

Your Queensland Rail Travel team

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1558905032795656192

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1558905095219453952

Where would the best place for an intermodal terminal on Brisbane's outer Northside be? Probably Brendale, but  it's hard to say exactly it it'd be fit in without replacing a big chunk of existing warehouses. Looking at the one off the Tennyson line, that seems replicable between Johnstone and Kremzow roads. The entire area is a bit flood-prone of course, which makes life fun.

Would it be worth having an intermodal terminal at Caboolture / MBRC?

It is going to be increasingly difficult to secure freight paths to the north on the existing Northern line.  Will become even more constrained when Cross River Rail opens.

My foam thoughts are for a western rail bypass to join the inland freight line before Calvert. 

I was bubbling this in 2007, the time might be now right!   

Quote from: ozbob on December 17, 2007, 06:04:29 AMRecent events have highlighted the need for a western rail loop to skirt Brisbane.

A media release 12 Dec 2007 was the start point --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=341.0

A letter to the editor was published in the C-M

QuotePublished Courier Mail December 15

The derailment at Petrie has again highlighted the increasing congestion problems of mixing freight and suburban passenger rail services.  As Citytrain services are ramped up it will become very difficult to provide around the clock access for freight trains on the present railway network through Brisbane.

Consideration should be given to building a western rail loop which could be used for freight trains, essentially independent of the suburban network.

A possible general route would be Caboolture, Dayboro, Fernvale, Ipswich, Bromelton.  Bromelton is ideally situated for a major freight interchange distribution centre as it is on the standard gauge railway from the south.  It is interesting to note that both Dayboro and Fernvale were once serviced by Queensland Railway branch lines.

Now is the time for the real big rail decisions and investment.

The route suggested was merely a start point for discussion.  A letter to the editor has been published today in the C-M Dec 17 from Ray of Redbank.  Ray suggests a better route would Caboolture to Kilcoy and down the Brisbane valley to Ipswich.  A great suggestion too.

Please comment on your suggestions for a possible route.  A western rail loop will be needed to allow freight to bypass the CBD axis, this will be more critical as Citytrain services are increased.

Cheers
Ozbob

^

Quote from: ozbob on December 12, 2007, 11:19:51 AMMedia Release 12 December 2007

SEQ:  Western freight rail loop needed!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has called for some radical rethinking of our rail freight movements through Brisbane.  A western rail loop from roughly  Caboolture, Dayboro, Fernvale, Ipswich and then across to Bromelton would allow freight movements independent of the suburban rail network, and also provide additional opportunities for passenger movements.

Robert Dow said:

"The derailment at Petrie has again highlighted the increasing congestion problems of mixing freight and suburban passenger rail services.  As Citytrain services are ramped up it will become very difficult to provide around the clock access for freight trains on the present railway network through Brisbane.

"Consideration should be given to building a western rail loop which could be used for freight trains, essentially independent of the suburban network.

"A possible general route would be Caboolture, Dayboro, Fernvale, Ipswich, Bromelton.  Bromelton is ideally situated for a major freight interchange distribution centre as it is on the standard gauge railway from the south.  It is interesting to note that both Dayboro and Fernvale were once serviced by Queensland Railway branch lines.

"It is now the time for the real big rail decisions and investment," said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

Discussion on SEQ:  Western freight rail loop > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=261536

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1583607127020810240

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/96467

Queensland Rail launches First Nations Steering Group
2nd November 2022

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Customers travelling on Queensland Rail's long-distance and tourism services can expect more Indigenous cultural experiences onboard, with the establishment of a First Nations Steering Group.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey made the announcement at today's Destination IQ event.

"It's a pleasure to make this announcement today, which is a collaboration between Queensland Rail, Indigenous tourism leaders and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council," Minister Bailey said.

"This important partnership will work to incorporate more First Nations storytelling content on our much-loved long-distance travel and tourism trains.

"Queensland Rail previously introduced a Welcome to Country onboard the Spirit of Queensland, and have worked closely with Traditional Owners to share expertise and storytelling that can be shared with customers.

"We also designed brand-new menus for Gold Class Kuranda Scenic Railway customers which acknowledge Traditional Owners, Kuku Yalanji and Djabugay.

"The Steering Group had its first official meeting in October and already we're seeing brochures and imagery featured onboard the Spirit of the Outback to include elements of Country as customers travel through them.

"I'm proud we can show and share the story of Traditional Owners and pay respect to Queensland's rich Indigenous history."

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said many tourists on the Kuranda scenic rail journey were interested to know the dreamtime story of Buda-dji.

"Djabugay people believe Buda-dji is the giant Carpet Snake who, in the dreamtime, carved out the Barron River, from the Tablelands to the coast,'' Mr Crawford said.

"The Kuranda train follows the Barron Gorge and along the way tourists hear about notable places like Barron Falls "Din-Din" and Kuranda "Ngunbay".

"This is an important part of truth-telling on the Path to Treaty, and Queensland Rail are leading the way with these cultural connections.''

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism experiences were highly sought-after by visitors to Queensland.

"It's terrific to see Queensland Rail sharing our State's unique Indigenous culture with passengers onboard the regional Queensland network," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"We know supporting Queensland's genuine First Nations tourism experiences and stories are important for reshaping our visitor economy to welcome the world toward 2032."

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Jim Benstead said the rail operator's focus on First Nations content meant improvements were on the cards for stations too.

"With some of our regional stations welcoming up to 80,000 customers each year prior to COVID, the First Nations Steering Group will be key to ensuring Indigenous content is kept front of mind in Queensland Rail's planning process for the Regional Station Upgrade Program," Mr Benstead said.

"The group will support consultation with Traditional Owners on upgrades at Maryborough West, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Townsville and Cairns stations to identify design elements at each station to ensure the cultural experience continues when customers disembark the train.

"These are important improvements to the regional rail network and just the beginning of what will be an ongoing collaboration into the future to deliver an inclusive rail network," he said.

ENDS

https://twitter.com/atsbgovau/status/1594920332712116225

^ https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-rail-system-failed-to-alert-operational-staff-floodwater-detected-overtop-tracks-80-minutes-prior-to-derailment/news-story/e680e212cfd35422fe9451d8f8cccf02

Quote...The driver of a train that derailed north of the Sunshine Coast during February's big wet was not warned about water over the tracks even though a monitoring station sent an alert to Queensland Rail.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's interim report into the February 23 derailment at Traveston found a weather station 200m from the site detected the floodwaters about 80 minutes before the train arrived in the area, with the information sent to Queensland Rail.

ATSB Director Transport Safety Dr Michael Walker said that the Queensland Rail asset management protection system then failed to warn operational staff before the Aurizon freight train derailed.

"This meant the network control officer and train driver were not alerted that floodwater had overtopped the track ahead of the train." ...

ABC News --> ATSB finds Queensland Rail missed flood warnings for 80 minutes before freight train derailed by rising water

Rail Express --> Regional Queensland level crossings upgraded

QuoteThree level crossings have been upgraded in regional Queensland as part of an $18 million program to improve safety where rail and roads meet.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said far too many near misses took place at level crossings.

"While there are far fewer trains moving through level crossings in the regions, they are still a dangerous conflict point between vehicles and trains," he said.

"Because local drivers become so accustomed to the infrequency of train crossings, we often see warning signs go unnoticed – a situation that can have serious consequences.

"Now, through this $18 million investment, we have seen flashing lights installed at crossings in Farleigh, Toobanna and Aloomba which will alert drivers to oncoming trains. ...

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/1388-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1388
Asked on 29 November 2022

MR A POWELL ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the South East Queensland Regional Transport Plan 2021 and Action A2.20
'SEQ North intermodal freight terminal planning'—
Will the Minister provide details around (a) what planning has been undertaken, (b) what
consultation has occurred with landholders and interested stakeholders (e.g., Moreton Bay
Regional Council) and (c) whether any specific location has been identified and protected (or in
the process of being protected)?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Glass House for the question.

The South East Queensland Regional Transport Plans 2021 establishes regional transport
priorities over a fifteen year horizon.

A South East Queensland (SEQ) freight demand analysis and modelling study is being conducted
by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). This study is being undertaken to assess
current and future freight volumes in the SEQ network.

This analysis will provide an assessment of the future freight task, including the need and timing
for a future SEQ North intermodal terminal.

The analysis will also inform considerations of the scale and location of an intermodal terminal to
support Inland Rail.

TMR will continue to engage with Moreton Bay Regional Council so that the State and Council
have a shared understanding of the integrated freight network within SEQ and any associated
land use requirements.

The need for an SEQ North intermodal terminal is yet to be determined.

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/1615202080083574785

====

Note:
Editing error. QR have 6600km of track, NOT 66,000km.
This has NOW been corrected in the on-line PDF.
It will be acknowledged in the next issue of the Sunshine Valley Gazette.

There is an error of mine in this Op-Ed.
Pacific National should read QR National.
My apology to Pacific National for this error.
I have requested that this error of mine be corrected.

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1617053980928147457

Couriermail --> Freight train derails near Marmor between Rockhampton and Gladstone $

QuoteAn exclusion zone has been established off the Bruce Highway between Gladstone and Rockhampton after a train derailment on Sunday evening.

Emergency services, including Queensland Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services are on scene at the incident at Marmor.

"Police are currently responding to a rail incident near Toonda Road, Marmor," a police spokesman said.

"Initial information indicates a freight train has derailed around 7.20pm. ...

A train has derailed at Marmor south of Rockhampton.

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1619941241180782592

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1620306860321673217

Not online:

Media release

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

3rd February 2023

Upgrade to Mount Isa line rail siding a boost to the cattle industry

More cattle will soon be moved by rail along the Mount Isa line, with siding extension works at Maxwelton now underway.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade would increase capacity of the siding almost five times its current level.

"This upgrade will make it much easier for our cattle industry to make the most of the rail network," Mr Bailey said.

"As part of the upgrade, we're extending the current siding from 300 metres to around 1.4 kilometres, providing much more space to get cattle off trucks and onto trains.

"It means two cattle trains will be able to use the siding a week, and also create a space to store trains at Maxwelton temporarily if needed.

"The upgrade isn't just future-proofing the line – it's also supporting 60 good, secure jobs in the industry.

"The Palaszczuk Labor Government is continuing to deliver better services all over Queensland, and supporting industry across the state."

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Jim Benstead said he was pleased to see design works underway, starting with surveying and hydrology investigations.

"Once the design is complete, crews will commence civil construction works including installing the new track and signalling infrastructure," Mr Benstead said.

"In collaboration with the Richmond Shire Council, crews will relocate the cattle loading area approximately 600 metres east of the current loading area.

"During the construction period, residents near the siding may notice additional vehicle movements, lighting, and noise.

"Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on the local community.

Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton said the council was supportive of the upgrade.

"The Council has plans for further development around the sites with farming underway and grain silos being built and filled," Mr Wharton said.

"It's an excellent opportunity to have a feed lot near this facility with 90 per cent of cattle loaded out of Maxwelton going to a processor."

Construction works on the siding will kick-off from late February weather conditions permitting.

The Maxwelton rail siding extension is part of a $4.26 million investment by the State Government.

ENDS

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1624326504384729088

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/1646791943496794115

^ On-time running for Traveltrain is available here > https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/ourperformance/service-punctuality-and-reliability

Select On-time arrival - Traveltrain (adjusted for force majeure) or
Reliability - Traveltrain 24/7 (adjusted for force majeure) as desired.

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https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/1656099877812830208

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1656441234800676865

https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2023/07/12/fatal-traffic-crash-bowen-6/

Fatal traffic crash, Bowen
QPS Media on Jul 12, 2023 @ 3:58am

A 50 year-old man has died following a fatal traffic crash involving a coal train and a car last night, July 11.

Initial investigations indicate shortly after 9pm, a Toyota Landcruiser and a coal train collided at Peter Delemothe Road near Thurso Road.

A passenger of the Landcruiser, a 50-year-old Townsville man, sustained critical injuries and died at the scene.

The driver of the Landcruiser, a 40-year-old Townsville man, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Bowen Hospital and later airlifted to Mackay Base Hospital.

The two drivers of the coal train were not physically injured.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam vision from the surrounding area to come forward.

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.

^

https://twitter.com/couriermail/status/1678862399498256385