RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Reply to Parliment Petition

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/apps/E-Petitions/Home/DownloadResponse/b9c7d10c-2855-4d87-b2c7-5e465b32419a

Have to love the "You asked for rail. We are studying that but look at all the road projects we delivered"!!!

QuoteMr Neil Laurie
The Clerk of the Parliament Parliament House
George Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000
Dear Mr Laurie
Queensland
 1 William Street Brisbane 4000
GPO Box 2644 Brisbane
Queensland 4001 Australia
Telephone +61 7 3719 7300
Email transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au Website www.tmr.q ld.gov.au
  I refer to petition 3893-23 lodged with the Legislative Assembly by Mr Nicholas Dametto MP, Member for Hinchinbrook on 13 June 2023, about urgent consideration of light rail between Ingham and Townsville.
Light rail is a mode of transport suited for commuter transport in higher density and high frequency travel corridors.
The Palaszczuk Government is undertaking planning to understand the long-term requirements of the state's long-distance rail network. This planning will focus on identifying key priorities from a whole-of-network perspective. It will consider key freight and passenger corridors, such as the North Coast Line between Cairns and South East Queensland. While long-term planning will not address all issues faced on the network or resolve all servicing requirements, it will help inform more detailed planning to address service requirements into the future.
In the interim, long distance passenger rail and coach services are available between Townsville and Ingham. Currently, Queensland Rail provides five return services per week on the Spirit of Queensland and daily long-distance coach services are provided by
two commercial operators.
The Palaszczuk Government is also committed to improving the road network, with planning underway for improvements to the northern approaches to Townsville. Projects with a focus on road safety and network efficiency improvements include sections of Woolcock Street – between Mount Low to Deeragun, Northshore Boulevard to Ingham Road and Weston Street to Pilkington Street. The planning projects will also include investigation of key intersections between Mount Low to Deeragun and at Woolcock Street/Dalrymple Road with consideration for safety and efficiency improvements.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has recently completed three projects on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham. These projects prioritised road safety and efficiency upgrades through the provision of pavement widening overtaking lanes and upgrades to roadside rest areas.
   
Further information about TMR's regional transport plans and current infrastructure projects can be found on TMR's website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au.
The Palaszczuk Government is delivering its eighth record transport and roads infrastructure program in a row, as detailed in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2023–24 to 2026–27, which outlines $32.1 billion in investment over the next four years and is estimated to support an average of 25,200 direct jobs over the life of the program. Of this, $994 million is committed across TMR's Northern District, which includes Townsville and Ingham.

Question on Notice
No. 811
Asked on 15 June 2023

MR J LISTER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER FOR
DIGITIAL SERVICES (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

Will the Minister provide the annual patronage and government subsidy per passenger trip for
direct operating costs for each of the following Queensland Rail services (reported separately for
each of the past three financial years (actuals) and the next three financial years (forecasts)) for
(a) Spirit of Queensland, (b) Spirit of the Outback, (c) Tilt Train, (d) Westlander and (e) Inlander?

ANSWER:

> https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/811-2023.pdf

The Westlander and Inlander figures are completely obscene.

Does subsidy per passenger trip mean per individual passenger or per passenger service?

Inlander has other problems that bumps its price up dramatically. Mainly outsourcing locomotives, mtce and stowing services. SOTO also runs on Aurizons network from Gladstone to Longreach. The westy... well, the death kneel for that was when it lost freight that helped keep the costs down. Even just Toowoomba-west freight.

Love to compare it to the subsidy per trip driven but that not going to happen in QLD.

I can tell you that the comparison to planes and coaches on these routes would not be favourable. 

Time to stop wasting money and put it where it can do some actual good.

I was just wandering the costs of running those Westlander services the other night while cycling past Roma Street and seeing the train on platform
10.

Saying that I am not opposed to a train service out that way, but it would be nice if train services made a profit and mostly paid for themselves, as well as being frequent, fast, modern and mostly electrified. In Malaysia they are doing just that.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 19, 2023, 11:06:05 AMI was just wandering the costs of running those Westlander services the other night while cycling past Roma Street and seeing the train on platform
10.

Saying that I am not opposed to a train service out that way, but it would be nice if train services made a profit and mostly paid for themselves, as well as being frequent, fast, modern and mostly electrified. In Malaysia they are doing just that.

Train services should not make a profit unless we expect highways to make a profit.

But roads are generally funded through fuel excise via the road users themselves. These regional train services are heavily subsidised by the majority who will never use them, because they are slow, uncomfortable and not modern.

Although, they can attract some tourism, it"s obviously not enough to pay for the services.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 19, 2023, 11:56:13 AMBut roads are generally funded through fuel excise via the road users themselves. These regional train services are heavily subsidised by the majority who will never use them, because they are slow, uncomfortable and not modern.

Although, they can attract some tourism, it"s obviously not enough to pay for the services.

Unfortunately, it requires investment to make the train a competitive mode to driving / coaches: investment which the government won't provide and would be considered a subsidy.

Quote from: verbatim9 on July 19, 2023, 11:56:13 AMBut roads are generally funded through fuel excise via the road users themselves.

Not really.  Fuel excise is collected by the Commonwealth, not the States, and the Commonwealth doesn't actually do anything except spread the money around on a limited number of major projects.  It also doesn't go anywhere near covering the capital and operational costs of the road system, which is overwhelmingly met by the States and local government through various other sources of revenue.

Trains don't have to be profitable, but that is not an excuse for us to p%ss money up the wall when we could just put people on a bus or plane (all of which can run more often).

The SOTO has an excuse in that it is a slightly more premium product, and the coastal services are fine.  It's the Westlander and the Inlander that are the big problem.

Transport is the product, mode is the vehicle and guideway chosen for that task.

Trains are not the only way of delivering transport. There needs to be justification for the mode selection.

Indeed.

The last time I checked, the number of people using State subsidised flights was comparable to the number of people using State subsidised trains, and it was a hell of a lot cheaper to subsidise the flights.  The number of train passengers off the NCL is negligible and not worth the expense when we can just get Greyhound or Murrays or Rex to handle the task. 

Quote from: SurfRail on July 19, 2023, 15:12:13 PMIndeed.

The last time I checked, the number of people using State subsidised flights was comparable to the number of people using State subsidised trains, and it was a hell of a lot cheaper to subsidise the flights.  The number of train passengers off the NCL is negligible and not worth the expense when we can just get Greyhound or Murrays or Rex to handle the task. 

Which requires subsidisation of airports and infrastructure for said airports. 

So what?

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/1696686778265325768

Rail Express --> Slope stabilisation works for Toowoomba range

QuoteA $15 million investment towards further Toowoomba Range Slope Stabilisation works will bolster the reliability and resilience of Queensland Rail's regional network, while supporting 30 jobs.

Building on Stage 1 works which were completed in 2021, Stage 2 works between Spring Bluff and Helidon stations will improve the strength of the line during heavy rainfall, through embankment remediation works and additional drainage enhancements. ...

I have heard there has been some maintenance activity on the standard gauge line between Dutton Park and Fisherman Islands. Might be a sign of some standard gauge freight running again from Acacia Ridge to FI?

Media Release

Head west for less with '2 for 1' train tickets

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

21st September 2023

Head west for less with '2 for 1' train tickets

. Queensland Rail Travel's Outback Sale is back, offering customers two for the price of one train tickets on all its long-distance western line services.

. Tickets are valid for travel from 31 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 on the Westlander, Spirit of the Outback and Inlander.

. The offer follows a record high year of patronage for some of Queensland Rail's most iconic travel and tourism services.

In a bid to boost Outback Queensland tourism during the off-peak season, travellers can now go west for less, with Queensland Rail Travel offering '2 for 1' tickets on all its long-distance western services, travelling to Longreach, Charleville and Mount Isa.

The sale follows a strong year of patronage on the Spirit of the Outback, Westlander and Inlander services, which recorded their highest patronage numbers since 2019-20.

In 2022-23, the Spirit of the Outback recorded more than 13,000 journeys, up from 9,242 in 2019-20, while the Westlander recorded more than 4,550 journeys up from 3,084 in 2019-20.

The Inlander also recorded more than 4,140 journeys up from 3,447 in 2019-20.

Out of all western line journeys taken in 2022-23, 1,853 were taken from '2 for 1' tickets.

Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"This promotion is a great opportunity to experience the heart of Queensland's outback from the comfort of an air-conditioned train carriage.

"By visiting our outback towns, people are helping keep local business doors open much longer than they normally would be during summer months.

"In addition to the incredible landscapes along the journey, there's so much to see and explore in the towns.

"From the underground rich mining history in Mount Isa to the skies with the iconic Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach and stargazing at the Charleville Cosmos Centre, Outback Queensland is home to some of the most unique tourism experiences our state has to offer."

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:

"What better way to experience Queensland's great Outback lifestyle and the romance of rail travel while drinking in some of the most beautiful and iconic parts of our State.

"Anytime is a good time to travel to Outback Queensland, which is flourishing after the big wet, and where friendly locals are waiting with open arms to greet visitors.

"Travellers to Outback Queensland bring enormous benefit to the regions visitor economy and support good local jobs, while getting to tick off a bucket list tourism experience."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:

"Queensland Rail is committed to supporting tourism in local communities by bringing visitors to regions across the state.

"Whether it's to visit family and friends or go on a holiday, this '2 for 1' offer presents the perfect opportunity to do just that.

"It's fantastic to welcome so many customers back onboard with our patronage numbers returning to pre COVID-19 levels.

"I encourage everyone to get onboard with tickets valid for travel from 31 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 on the Westlander, Spirit of the Outback and Inlander."

The fare is bookable via Queensland Rail Travel centres or through travel agents.

For more information visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 872 467 to speak to the reservations team.

You cannot view this attachment.

Quote from: ozbob on September 12, 2023, 02:31:26 AMI have heard there has been some maintenance activity on the standard gauge line between Dutton Park and Fisherman Islands. Might be a sign of some standard gauge freight running again from Acacia Ridge to FI?

Sources have confirmed an Aurizon standard gauge intermodal freight departed Melbourne on 27th September 2023 destination Fisherman Islands, Port of Brisbane. This is the first train to run to the Port using the standard gauge for a number of years.

====

Standard Gauge On The Cleveland Line!?

Aurizon's 3215 (formerly narrow gauge locomotive 2815). 3215 was the first locomotive to hit the standard gauge in many years on the line toward Port of Brisbane. This was done in preparation for Aurizon to be running standard gauge freight trains from interstate.  10 Sep 2023.

Aurizon Media Release

https://www.aurizon.com.au/news/2023/aurizon-launches-east-coast-container-services

28th September 2023

Aurizon launches east coast container services

Aurizon has continued the ramp-up of national interstate container services for customers, with the commencement this week of the first Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane service.

Aurizon will operate the weekly return service on the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane corridor, anchored by cornerstone customer Team Global Express (TGE). It will originate from Melbourne on Wednesday; connect through Glenlee terminal in Sydney's west near Campbelltown on Thursday; and continue through to the Brisbane Multimodal terminal at the Port of Brisbane for a Friday arrival.

The service caters to a range of containerised freight, including local manufactured goods and produce together with import and export traffic, in a co-ordinated port-rail-terminal-rail-port service.

To coincide with the new service, Aurizon has secured a long-term lease at the Glenlee Terminal  which has direct access to the north-south rail corridor and proximity to major arterial roads and Hume Highway.

The Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane linehaul service is the third linehaul interstate service implemented by Aurizon's Containerised Freight business, following the commencement of two Melbourne-Perth services in April and July.

Aurizon's Group Executive Containerised Freight, Gareth Long said he was delighted with growing customer interest and inquiries for the linehaul services.

"We've just completed a national round of business briefings (Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane) where our team shared with freight industry leaders details on Aurizon's service offering and the investment we're making in new wagons, rollingstock and portside services, he said.

"While our key focus has been on ensuring we deliver the capacity and reliability for TGE on these new services, we will continue to onboard additional customers as our capacity ramps up into the New Year.

"By growing capacity on these linehaul routes, Aurizon is able to offer customers more options and flexibility for their inter-city transport requirements.

"We are looking forward to increased activity for our business, as investments that we are making in new rollingstock, terminal and port equipment are progressively commissioned to support existing and new customers," Gareth said.

In February 2023, Aurizon was awarded an Australia-wide 11-year contract with TGE, for rail linehaul services connecting Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane.



This week's first service, arriving today (28 Sept) into Glenlee terminal, Sydney.

This is great to see the standard gauge line to the POB back in use.  As far as I can ascertain the last trains to use it were c. 2005.  Ballast trains from Bromelton way. Possibly of some freighters a few years later.  To be confirmed.  In any case it has been a while!

Just out of curiosity, would there be any value in electrifying the third track on the Cleveland line? Either for passenger or electric freight?

Are double stacked containers likely to use the line? 

Double stacked no.  The OLE gear from Acacia Ridge to Park Road and other structures is far too low.

We have discussed the possibly of sparking the dual gauge line from Park Road to the POB before and I think the view was probably not.

Not worth the cost. To do it proper you'd need the ohle, signalling mods as the spacing is longer, station mods (track is higher than the qr track at some stations) along with widening sections (for instance Cannon Hill isn't a compliant platform as the track is up hard against the elevator shafts meaning a Narangba platform arrangement. For those that don't know the Narangba arrangement DAA works meant the island platform wasn't compliant with the elevator installed - a Goodna problem where the elevator placement means you can't get a wheelchair past without it falling onto the track - so instead of moving the track/crossovers/signalling/closures it was cheaper to build a new platform on the western side of the tracks and fence off one side of the island platform. Remove the fence and you got 4 platforms with 3 tracks), electrical sub station feeder supply increases to cope with the ohle and more crossovers which also means additional signalling work.

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98899

More cattle on the "moove" after major upgrade to Mount Isa rail line

11th October 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

More cattle on the "moove" after major upgrade to Mount Isa rail line

. An upgrade on a major freight route has been completed as part of a $4.26 million investment.

. The upgrade means more livestock can be transported by rail.

. Trains will also be able to be stored at Maxwelton, between Julia Creek and Richmond on the Mount Isa line, if needed.

More cattle will be transported along the Mount Isa line, with siding extension works at Maxwelton in Central North Queensland recently completed as part of a $4.26 million State Government investment. 

Queensland Rail's upgrade has extended the rail siding from 300 metres to approximately 1.4 kilometres in length, allowing more cattle to be transferred off trucks and onto full-length trains without interrupting the main rail line.

This has increased capacity of the siding by almost five times its previous level, improving the efficiency of freight services in the region.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"This new infrastructure will enable up to two cattle trains a week into the siding.

"It means it's now much easier for the cattle industry to make the most of our rail network.

"To support other long-term freight opportunities, the upgraded loop will also enable the temporary storage of rollingstock at Maxwelton if required.

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

"This news comes off the back of our recent announcement that the nearby town of Julia Creek will also benefit from a $3 million investment upgrade to its cattle rail siding.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:

"Construction crews have done an outstanding job to complete this challenging task, working through prolonged wet weather to install new track and signalling infrastructure at Maxwelton.

"In collaboration with Richmond Shire Council, Queensland Rail has helped relocate the cattle loading area approximately 600 metres east of the previous loading area.

"Our works have laid the groundwork for the establishment of new cattle yards which council will now focus on constructing.

"The full-length siding allows trains to stow and other traffic to pass, increasing the capacity of the rail line while also providing operational flexibility for other services in the area.

"This upgrade is a big win for freight operators and has helped secure the vital longevity of this line."

Quotes attributable to Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton:

"We're very excited about the new developments at Maxwelton.

"The loading facility will work for not only the cattle industry but for other freight industry too - we encourage them to come on board.

"The line has allowed for the construction of new, improved cattle loading yards which will be 600 metres east of the previous yards.

"In the meantime, temporary loading ramps have been constructed to allow us to make the most of this facility as soon as possible.

"Council is also looking at future development in the area including a feedlot to complement the new facilities.

"With the construction of Grain handling facilities at Maxwelton and the expansion of farming in the region, it is very possible that in the very near future, grain could be loaded on a train at Maxwelton for the Townsville Port.

"We're appreciative of the work Queensland Rail has done in the area, we have a good relationship with Queensland Rail, and we'll continue to work closely together as it's important for our community."

ENDS

https://x.com/QueenslandRail/status/1712266685397504510?s=20

FB post about Staff and Ticket working on the Gulf line.

https://www.facebook.com/100064423009995/posts/pfbid02u6YF5mGFMnKzSgWaLffhtDkMM5KwHQqM3wJeT2QBD3ziqYNMtH4h3Xtc9e7DMxo5l/

^ thanks ..

https://twitter.com/ONRSRAustralia/status/1719858968678506865?t=rBVtSvxfhkapZIZVVSNldQ&s=19

And people wonder why train crew don't want to post footage from cabs when ONRSR are responsible now... It violates company policy and you automatically get referred to ONRSR who love to hand out fines and railway accreditation suspensions.

The Guardian --->https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/02/dwindling-use-of-rail-freight-puts-australias-emissions-targets-at-risk-industry-warns

It's sad that only 2% of freight goes between Sydney and Melbourne by rail. It should be 30%-40% from the all East Coast ports to interchanges as well as between East Coast cities.

Quote from: verbatim9 on November 08, 2023, 10:57:31 AMThe Guardian --->https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/02/dwindling-use-of-rail-freight-puts-australias-emissions-targets-at-risk-industry-warns

It's sad that only 2% of freight goes between Sydney and Melbourne by rail. It should be 30%-40% from the all East Coast ports to interchanges as well as between East Coast cities.

See > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=276269

Queensland Rail celebrates 30 years of the Spirit of the Outback

20th November 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

. This month marks the 30th anniversary of Queensland Rail's iconic Spirit of the Outback long-distance train journey.
. The train connects communities from Brisbane to Longreach, distancing 1,325 kilometres of the western rail line.
. The anniversary also marks a major milestone in Queensland Rail's regional locomotive overhaul project, with the newly refurbished loco 2901 back on track for customer services.

30 years ago on 19 November 1993, travellers boarded the first ever Spirit of the Outback for an epic train journey to the heart of Queensland.

The Spirit of the Outback introduced a new era of rail travel compared to its predecessor, the Midlander, by delivering the onboard Tucker Box restaurant serving up Australian produce inspired by the journey, the Shearer's Lounge for onboard socialising and many other customer comforts.

Since entering service, the Spirit of the Outback has hosted more than 650,000 passengers to and from Queensland's outback.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Queensland Rail brought travelling customers together with a special cake-cutting ahead of the train's departure from Roma Street station on Saturday.

The anniversary also marked a major milestone in Queensland Rail's regional locomotive overhaul project, with one of the newly refurbished 2900 class locos hauling the Spirit of the Outback anniversary service.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services:

"The Spirit of the Outback journey offers a rail experience like no other with a front seat view of Queensland's rugged outback terrain."

"From Brisbane to Blackwater, Emerald, Barcaldine, Longreach, and everywhere in between, the Spirit of the Outback takes customers on a journey through Australian history and culture.

"It's great to see one of Queensland Rail's regional 2900 locomotives back on track to haul the anniversary service after being upgraded by Redbank-based Progress Rail.

"The 2900 class locomotives have successfully been re-powered and modernised with enhanced safety features, improved reliability and upgrades to driver amenities.

"The upgrade has proved to be a great win for onboard crew, customers and the environment with the new engine configuration expected to reduce fuel requirements by between 10 and 20 per cent.

"With the upgraded locomotive back on track and better than ever before, I look forward to seeing the service continue to convey customers for many more years to come."

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:

"We're proud to connect customers with some of Queensland's most iconic tourist destinations in Outback Queensland, and the Spirit of the Outback has allowed us to do so for 30 years."

"The ongoing success of the service is a testament to our hardworking teams that keep it running including our onboard staff, station staff, maintenance crews and everyone behind the scenes.

"We encourage everyone to get onboard, especially with our two for the price of one Outback fare sale still on.

"Tickets are valid for travel until 31 March 2024 on the Spirit of the Outback, Westlander and Inlander."

The fare is bookable via Queensland Rail Travel centres or through travel agents.

ENDS

Video: https://vimeo.com/617555067/ede6cc8de8

https://x.com/QueenslandRail/status/1726747985911107624?s=20

Cattle rail yards in North West Queensland receive vital investment boost

6th December 2023

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Mark Bailey

. A $3.3 million investment by the Queensland Government will improve cattle loading capabilities at yards at Cloncurry, Hughenden, and Maxwelton on the Mount Isa rail line.

. Funding agreements have been signed with Cloncurry Shire Council, Flinders Shire Council and Richmond Shire Council.

. The improvements will enhance the efficiency of loading cattle and support cattle trains running at full capacity for processing in the east coast.

The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $3 million to improve cattle loading yards for rail services at Cloncurry, Hughenden, and Maxwelton.

The improvement to the cattle loading yards means more cattle will be transported along the Mount Isa line at increased capacity and efficiency.

The investment package follows more than $7 million commitments for rail siding upgrades at Maxwelton and Julia Creek.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

"We want more cattle on rail and are planning to have more capacity to load cattle onto trains moving into 2024 and beyond.

"These yards are a critical part of the supply chain for loading and transporting cattle by rail for processing on the east coast.

"We want cattle trains running out of these locations to be efficient and at maximum capacity so we can get the full benefits of running rail services.

"These investments in partnership with local governments in the region demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government's continued commitment to improving rail services in our regions."

Quotes attributable to Mayor Greg Campbell, Cloncurry Shire Council:

"The Cloncurry Saleyards have yet to realise their full potential, as the current condition of the rail load out poses challenges to efficient livestock handling.

"Purpose-built and serviceable infrastructure will be a draw card for pastoralists in North Australia, as they are looking for the most cost-effective way to deliver cattle to ports, meatworks, and saleyards.

"An efficient saleyard in Cloncurry will not only attract livestock from North West Queensland but the Northern Territory and Western Australia too."

Quotes attributable to Mayor Jane McNamara, Flinders Shire Council:

"The Flinders Shire Council is very appreciative of the funding for the rehabilitation and extension of the Hughenden Saleyards in partnership with the State Government.

"This will give the ability for the Flinders Shire to extend the operations and capacity of this facility and assist with the economic diversification for our beef industry. The project will include new spelling yards and safety compliance for facilities such as loading ramps, lighting, gates and latches.

"We are looking forward to working in partnership with the State Government, Industry, stakeholders and our primary producers to improve our facility and contribute to our cattle industry."

Quotes attributable to Mayor John Wharton, Richmond Shire Council:

"I am expecting a significant increase in the cattle being loaded from Maxwelton in the coming years, due to a brand new loading facility that will be much quicker and provide far better animal welfare outcomes, as time on transport is an issue we need to all focus on.

"The new rail siding can have a benefit for other products also such as grain, critical minerals, and other commodities.

"With grain crops and farming already being successful at Maxwelton, Richmond Shire have plans to develop a feedlot and centre pivot on site also. This will allow Northern Gulf cattle to come down and spend 90 days in the feedlot, then be loaded on the train straight to the processor.

"This would create a cattle transport hub and farming depot for grain and silage to feed cattle. The whole complex will contribute to a great asset for Northern Australian cattle industry in the future."

ENDS

https://theconversation.com/australias-freight-used-to-go-by-train-not-truck-heres-how-we-can-bring-back-rail-and-cut-emissions-219332

QuoteAustralia's freight used to go by train, not truck. Here's how we can bring back rail – and cut emissions
Published: December 19, 2023 12.03pm AEDT

Philip Laird, University of Wollongong
Until the 1960s, railways dominated freight across every distance bar the shortest. Much freight went by sea, and some by truck.

But then trucking grew, and grew, and grew, while rail's share of freight outside mined ore has shrunk and domestic shipping freight is diminished. By the mid-70s, trains carried only about 23% of domestic non-bulk freight (such as consumer goods) and trucks took 65.5%.

By 2021–22, trains took just 16.7% and trucks took almost 80%. Just 2% of freight between Melbourne and Sydney now goes by rail, while road freight is projected to keep growing.

That's a problem, given heavy trucks are big emitters. Rail uses roughly a third of the diesel as a truck would to transport the same weight. Transport now accounts for 21% of Australia's emissions. While electric cars and the long-awaited fuel efficiency standards are projected to cut this by seven million tonnes, trucking emissions are expected to keep growing.

It won't be easy to change it. But if we improve sections of railway track on the east coast, we could at least make rail faster and more competitive.

How did road freight become dominant?

Since the 1970s, the volume of freight carried by Australia's rail and road have both grown. But rail's growth has largely been in bulk freight, such as the 895 million tonnes of iron ore and 338 million tonnes of coal exports in 2022–23.

Road freight has grown enormously due largely to non-bulk freight such as consumer goods. Freight carried by road has grown from about 29 billion tonne-kilometres in 1976–77 to 163 billion tonne-kilometres in 2021–22. (A tonne-kilometre measures the number of tonnes carried multiplied by distance). In that period, non-bulk freight carried by rail increased from about 10 to 34 billion tonne-kilometres.

Why? An official report gives key reasons such as expanding highway networks and higher capacity vehicles such as B-doubles.

Spending on roads across all levels of government is now more than A$30 billion a year.

Federal grants enabled the $20 billion reconstruction of the entire Hume Highway (Melbourne to Sydney), bringing it up to modern engineering standards. A similar sum was spent on reconstructing most of the Pacific Highway (Sydney to Brisbane)

What do our trains get? In 2021–22, the Australian Rail Track Corporation had a meagre $153 million to maintain its existing 7,500 kilometre interstate network.

This is separate from the 1,600km Inland Rail project which will link Melbourne to Brisbane via Parkes when complete. If the massive Inland Rail project is completed in the 2030s, it could potentially cut Australia's freight emissions by 0.75 million tonnes a year by taking some freight off trucks. But this freight-only line is some way off – the first 770km between Beveridge in Victoria and Narromine in New South Wales is expected to be complete by 2027.

As a result, the authority maintaining Australia's interstate rail tracks is "really struggling with maintenance, investment and building resilience", according to federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.

This makes it harder for rail to compete, as Paul Scurrah, CEO of Pacific National, Australia's largest private rail freight firm has said:

Each year, billions in funding is hardcoded in federal and state government budgets to upgrade roads and highways, which then spurs on greater access for bigger and heavier trucks [...] Rail freight operators pay 'full freight' rates to run on tracks plagued by pinch points, speed restrictions, weight limits, sections susceptible to frequent flooding, and a lack of passing opportunities on networks shared with passenger services
What would it take to make rail more viable?

By 2030, road freight emissions are expected to increase from 37 to 42 million tonnes, while railway emissions stay steady at four million tonnes.

The need to cut freight emissions has been recognised by the Australian government, which has accelerated a review of the national freight and supply chain strategy.

To date, much attention in Australia and overseas has centred on finding ways to lower trucking emissions.

There are other ways. One is to shift some freight back to rail, which forms part of Victoria's recent green freight strategy. This will be assisted by new intermodal terminals allowing containers to be offloaded from long-distance trains to trucks for the last part of their journey.

The second way is to improve rail freight energy efficiency. Western Australia's long, heavy iron ore freight trains are already very energy efficient, and the introduction of battery electric locomotives will improve efficiency further. Our interstate rail freight on the eastern seaboard is much less efficient.

While the Inland Rail project is being built, we urgently need to upgrade the existing Melbourne–Sydney–Brisbane rail corridor, which has severe restrictions on speed.

To make this vital corridor better, there are three main sections of new track needed on the New South Wales line to replace winding or slow steam-age track. They're not new – my colleagues and I first identified them more than 20 years ago.

These new sections are:

• Wentworth – about 40km of track stretching from near Macarthur to Mittagong
• Centennial – about 70km of track from near Goulburn to Yass
• Hoare – about 80km of track from near Yass to Cootamundra.

If we replaced 260km of steam-age track with these three sections and another 10km elsewhere, we would cut two hours off the Melbourne–Sydney freight transit time. Energy use would fall at least 10%. Better still, faster tilt trains could then run, potentially halving the Sydney–Melbourne passenger trip to 5.5 hours.

Track straightening on the Brisbane–Rockhampton line in the 1990s made it possible to run faster tilt trains and heavier, faster freight trains.

One challenge is who would build this. This year's review of the Inland Rail project amid cost and time blowouts has raised questions over whether the ARTC is best placed to do so.

One thing is for sure: business as usual will mean more trucks carrying freight and more emissions. To actually tackle freight emissions will take policy reform on many fronts.

Problem is money isn't in general freight and goods. Gone are the days of fast freight in Queensland and the very questionable weight limits on QRX express trains And since privatisation it's become more of a problem as you have even more access fees. For example to freight something from Townsville to Brisbane you have QR and Aurizon access fees (aurizon has ownership of some sections of the ncl for another 80 something years). On top of that you also have rollingstock limitations. Some wagons only have a max of 80-100kph. You can easily dump 30 billion and still not have your desired outcome. And half the proposed terminals for freight are just poorly thought out because the land is cheap and nobody lives near by. There's a reason why AR is popular for freight as it's close by to industry but also the road truck network that supports it. Rail has been problematic there and that's because of the QR/QRN/Aurizon/Pacific National ownership legal battle. As soon as QR was privatised for cents on the dollar everyone instantly knew general freight haulage by rail in Queensland was dead in the water.