Jilalan Rail Yards transformed into a public open space

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Daily Mercury --> Jilalan Rail Yards transformed into a public open space

A HILLSIDE piece of land near the Jilalan Rail Yards has been transformed into a public open space where people can get an insight into the coal freight industry.

Council's Civil Projects crew completed the project thanks to a long standing partnership between Mackay Regional Council and Aurizon.

Mayor Deirdre Comerford is delighted with the finished product and encourages residents to take a drive to Sarina to inspect the new lookout.

"This provides a real benefit to the local community for generations to come and is another tangible example of council working with industry to deliver a community asset," she said.

"I commend Aurizon for its financial assistance and also congratulate council staff on the standard of work,"

The viewing structure, interpretive information sign and surrounding parkland forms a key part of the Mackay Region Coal Heritage Trail, showcasing the pit to port journey of coal in our area.

Aurizon's Vice President Program Delivery Paul Hoffmann said Aurizon was delighted to partner with council to offer residents and visitors the opportunity to utilise a new public space.

"The area adds a new dimension to our rail operations at Jilalan and helps give residents an understanding of the region's coal heritage story".

Cr Comerford said the Jilalan Rail Yards was a major economic contributor to the area, employing almost 500 locals and carrying an average of 216,000 tonnes of a coal a day.

Mr Hoffman said the outcome of this partnership is a gesture of thanks to the Mackay region and is a flagship project that will be remembered for years to come.

Aurizon operates and manages the Central Queensland Coal Network, comprising about 2,670 kilometres of heavy haul rail infrastructure.