Oakey Beef - rail infrastructure

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Railway upgrade failure a threat to new jobs at Oakey Beef

A REFUSAL by the State Government to improve railway facilities is threatening more than 500 badly-needed new jobs for a Queensland country town.

The Oakey Beef processing plant on the Darling Downs plans to double its production, taking the workforce from 750 to 1300.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said it would be "a very significant boost to the economy" in the 4000-population town and surrounding areas.

He's been joined in forming a lobby group by nine other mayors in south-western Queensland's cattle corridor, who believe their areas would also benefit.

Oakey Beef's Japanese owners are preparing to invest $60 million on the project.

But they want the State Government to stump up $2.5 million – with a request going to the Federal Government for a similar amount – to reopen the railways sidings at Oakey, to enable trains to deliver cattle there and load up with packaged meat to take to Brisbane for export ...

More > http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/railway-upgrade-failure-a-threat-to-new-jobs-at-oakey-beef/story-fnihsrf2-1227572801215

[ozbob]

It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Ideally rail transport should be done.  But, I guess we will probably end up with 100s of big truck combo's tearing roads and life to pieces ...

[colinw]

Oh good grief, this is a complete no-brainer, although if its commercially viable I don't see why the company can't stump up some cash for it.

Map of the location

See the spur line that takes off across Bridge St toward the south west?  That's the stub of the former Cecil Plains branch line.  Absolutely nothing to prevent building a cattle loading and unloading facility at this location.

[Stillwater]

So, we bring live cattle down the range to Dinmore to be slaughtered rather than have them killed at Oakey, thus adding to the production costs and the price you and I pay for a steak at the butcher's.  While we chew our steak, we are force-fed govt propaganda telling us that the state government is 'moving to plan' the infrastructure Queensland needs to create more jobs ... oh, and this is a government for 'all of Queensland', including Oakey.

Agree with you, Colin ... company should stump up part of the costs.

Meanwhile, government talks with Uncle Clive about re-training costs for employees should he put his Townsville nickel plant in mothballs.

[ozbob]

The Chronicle --> QR replaces old Oakey bridge

QUEENSLAND Rail is replacing the more than 100-year-old Oakey Creek Rail Bridge with a more durable, reliable and easy-to-maintain concrete structure.

A QR spokesman said the bridge was a key piece of infrastructure for the region, used by all coal traffic travelling from South West Queensland to the Port of Brisbane.

"The $3.4 million investment will ensure the western line continues to perform safely and reliably," the spokesman said.

"Geotechnical investigations, hydrology modelling and environmental and cultural heritage surveys were completed and, following a competitive tender process, the contract to replace the bridge was awarded to Davbridge Constructions in June 2015."

Work started on site in July and preparations are underway for the new structure's installation, including concreting, piling and delivering plant and equipment to site.

A new work site has also been established adjacent to the rail corridor in Kent St where the new bridge deck spans will be pre-assembled.

The removal of the old bridge and installation of the new structure took place over a 60-hour period at the long weekend within a scheduled closure of the western rail line.

The replacement bridge will be built on the existing alignment and the current rail height will be maintained.

The spokesman said QR continued to work closely with Toowoomba Regional Council to ensure the project aligned with council's strategic requirements and any disruptions to the local community would be kept to a minimum wherever possible.

"To ensure the safety of the local community a section of Kent St, which runs underneath the current bridge, is currently closed however traffic management measures are currently in place."

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Meatworks expansion reliant on funds for railway upgrade, beef processor says

Australia's third largest beef processor says its $60 million meatworks expansion will not go ahead unless the Queensland Government pays for a small railway upgrade.

Oakey Beef Exports on Queensland's Darling Downs wants to source more cattle from south-west Queensland to almost double the amount it processes to about 11,500 per week.

It could take its workforce from 750 to 1,300.

From January, the company will be able to access the western rail service, joining competitors JBS and Teys Australia.

However, without a $2 million upgrade to two sidings, graziers will not be able to load and unload cattle to Oaky Beef Exports.

General manager Pat Gleeson said it should not be up to Oakey Beef Exports parent company, Nippon Ham, to foot the bill.

"Their position is that they're happy to invest a lot of money here, which we've already got the plans for and we're ready to go," he said.

"Our position is we will not be funding a state-owned asset."

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the State Government would not pay.

"That really is up to a private sector proponent to provide so that's why we're talking about a business case for that actual piece of infrastructure," Ms Trad said.

Oakey Beef Exports has the support of a newly formed coalition of southern Queensland mayors.

"There's no point having a rail unless you have the capacity to use it," Quilpie Mayor Stuart Mackenzie said.

They went to Canberra last week to lobby the Federal Government to chip in, meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.

A spokesman for Mr Truss said no funding commitment has been made but it will look at ways the project can be progressed.

[colinw]

They're not going to get anywhere talking to the minister.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Stakes are high for Queensland beef cattle export boon to Asia

The Queensland Government is being lobbied hard by Darling Downs mayors for $2 million to upgrade a rundown rail siding that would trigger a $60 million abattoir expansion, create an extra 700 jobs and a new beef export market in Asia.

Refrigerated beef from Darling Downs and western Queensland could be flown direct into Asian cities from Toowoomba's new Wellcamp Airport.

However it depends on the Queensland Government providing around $2 million to improve the rundown Queensland Rail siding at Oakey and assurances from beef producers for extra cattle.

If the rail siding upgrade – a few hundred metres from the Oakey Beef Exports abattoir - gets state government approval, it could open the door to a doubling of beef cattle through the abattoir.

Oakey Beef Exports general manager Pat Gleeson said the plant could double cattle handling from 270,000 head of cattle to 560,000 head each year, from west of Mitchell towards Quilpie.

Mr Gleeson said expanding the refrigerated beef exports through Toowoomba's Wellcamp was "absolutely realistic."

More > http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/stakes-are-high-for-queensland-beef-cattle-export-boon-to-asia-20160316-gnkum7.html

[nathandavid88]

It's such a nobrainer! A $2million spend to access an investment worth $60million that will create 700 jobs.

For anyone interested, here are some photos I took of the Oakey siding last year:

P4180331 by Nathan Murray, on Flickr

P4180334 by Nathan Murray, on Flickr

P4180341 by Nathan Murray, on Flickr

P4180340 by Nathan Murray, on Flickr

[SurfRail]

I'm struggling to work out why they can't undertake commercial lending to fund it themselves if the return is that good.

[red dragin]

I'm struggling to work out why they can't undertake commercial lending to fund it themselves if the return is that good.

That's the bit I am struggling with too. Aside from it being on QR land and it's already existing, what other reasons could there be behind demanding the government pay for a private siding?

[nathandavid88]

Maybe it's because it's a government asset, and the abattoir owners don't agree with the idea of spending their money to upgrade a government asset?

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/4/6/palaszczuk-government-delivers-25-million-to-upgrade-oakey-rail-facilities

JOINT STATEMENT

Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

Palaszczuk Government delivers $2.5 million to upgrade Oakey rail facilities

Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe today announced $2.5 million to upgrade rail sidings on the Western line and reopen part of an old branch line to support the expansion of Oakey Beef Exports.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the expansion of the Oakey facility was expected to support more than 4,300 jobs and deliver approximately $1.3 billion in economic activity within the region.

"The Queensland Government is committed to supporting projects which provide jobs for Queenslanders and generate economic prosperity," Mr Pitt said.

"Today's announcement will help facilitate rail cattle movements from South West Qld to Oakey which is critical to allow Oakey Beef Exports to undertake a multi-million dollar plant expansion and double its output.

"I am confident that this investment will generate significant economic benefits within Oakey and surrounding areas, delivering a major boost for regional jobs and bolster economic confidence in this region."

Minister Hinchliffe said the upgrading of rail infrastructure would allow the company to streamline its operations and move cattle by rail from Quilpie, Charleville, Morven, Roma and Mitchell, to Oakey.

"I have asked Queensland Rail to start planning activities immediately and begin work to upgrade the infrastructure within six months," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"The project will include upgrading two sidings and reopening part of the old Cecil Plains branch line which was closed in 1994, it runs directly adjacent to the Oakey Beef facility and will allow the company to reinstate rail freight movements and support more than 4,300 jobs in the region.

"This project reflects the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to invest in rail freight and support jobs growth for Queensland.

"We want to see more freight on our rail network, and will continue to support projects that deliver an economic benefit for our state. 

"The Palaszczuk Government has been working closely with the Murweh Council, the South West Regional Economic Development Association and Oakey Beef Exports to identify the opportunities that this project will bring to Queensland and our economy."

[mufreight]

A victory for commonsense, QR currently has a track crew working on the western line resleepering the line and some re railing so they will have recovered steel sleepers and if needed rail available so the costs should be less than what has been quoted.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Oakey Beef rail upgrade a boon for beef

[ozbob]

Toowoomba Chronicle --> 10,000 jobs on track for InterlinkSQ's rail upgrade

THE company behind a $235 million rail transfer station in the Toowoomba Enterprise Hub says an upgrade of rail infrastructure is the first step in creating 10,000 jobs.

InterLinkSQ welcomed the announcement that the State Government will spend $2.5 million to re-open the rail siding at Oakey, as well as the upgrade of two additional sidings at Morven and Mitchell.

It wants to transfer freight to the Port of Brisbane and has long been calling for upgrades to the rail line. InterlinkSQ is hoping to capitalise on the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail line and the fast-growing eastern seaboard.

InterLinkSQ chief exectuive officer Michelle Reynolds said in making the announcement Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe re-affirmed the Queensland Government's commitment to rail freight and in particular those projects that created jobs and supported economic growth.

"That's really pleasing to hear because it fits in with our goals," she said.

"Finally, the government is putting some action behind the rhetoric of 'freight on rail'.

"An independent assessment of job creation potential from our InterLinkSQ inter-modal transport development at Charlton puts the figure at as many as 10,000 jobs nationwide."

RELATED >> 4000 jobs coming to Toowoomba as rail line expands

Ms Reynolds said the planned hub would allow businesses to streamline their existing operations, as well as developing new product lines which could then be transported easily all over Australia, and to global markets.

"With access to the Port of Brisbane and potentially to the Port of Melbourne when the inland rail is built, InterLinkSQ will be a pivotal hub in transport along the fast growing Eastern Seaboard," she said.

Current economic predictions forecast population growth along the eastern seaboard to increase by 50% from today's base by 2030 and doubling by 2060 resulting in an exponential growth in the freight task.

Ms Reynolds said rail freight would have to play a key role in ensuring highways did not become overcrowded by semi-trailers at a cost to both road safety and the environment.

"This is not a fight between rail and road though," she said.

"InterLinkSQ sees rail working hand-in-glove with road freight, that is huge amounts of cargo being shifted by rail - it's amazing how much you can fit on a freight train - to inter-modal hubs and from there taken on shorter trips by road to their final destination.

"Tie in the link to the ports and through InterLinkSQ, Queensland and Australia will have one of the most efficient methods of distributing freight anywhere in the world.

"At InterLinkSQ we are about not just meeting existing world standards, but bettering them."

The next step will be upgrading 11 tunnels between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane.

InterLinkSQ has been involved in detailed discussions with the Queensland Government to make that a reality.

International container shipping companies are generally phasing out smaller containers in favour of larger ones.

The issue facing the producers on the Darling Downs is that Toowoomba Range rail tunnels can only fit the smaller containers.

Ms Reynolds said if the upgrades didn't take place it would become increasingly difficult for Darling Downs exporters to get access to old containers.

But she's hopeful the upgrades will take place soon.

"Once that is done InterLinkSQ is off and running in doing the very things that Minister Hinchliffe wants to see, the development of rail freight in Queensland, the creation of new jobs and ongoing economic growth," Ms Reynolds said. 

[ozbob]

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Treasurer, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Work commence on rail upgrades for Oakey Beef

Work has started on the $2.5 million project to upgrade rail infrastructure in South West Queensland to support the multi-million dollar expansion of Oakey Beef Exports.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told State Parliament today the expansion would unlock the potential for $1.3 billion in economic activity around the region and support more than 4,300 jobs.

"Over the coming months Queensland Rail crews will work to upgrade a rail siding at Mitchell and re-open a section of the old Cecil Plains branch line, which has been out of service for more than ten years," the Premier said.

"The upgrade will allow cattle services to operate from Quilpie, Charleville, Morven, Roma and Mitchell to Oakey, which is critical to allow Oakey Beef Exports to undertake a multi-million dollar plant expansion and double its output."

"The works to re-open the Cecil Plains branch line will first involve removing the old track and completing earthworks, before crews work to construct 1.3 kilometres of upgraded track, laying more than 1900 sleepers and about 2300 tonnes of ballast."

"This investment will generate significant economic benefits within Oakey and surrounding areas, delivering a major boost for regional jobs and bolster economic confidence in this region."

Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said Queensland Rail work had begun this week to upgrade a rail siding and re-open part of a disused branch line that runs adjacent to the Oakey Beef facility, allowing it to reinstate rail freight movements.

"Queensland Rail is also continuing to work with Oakey Beef Exports to look for further opportunities to upgrade rail infrastructure on the Western line, to facilitate further growth for freight in South West Queensland," Mr Pitt said

Mr Pitt said the project, including the upgrade of the Mitchell siding, is expected to be completed by early November, weather and constructions conditions permitting.

"Queensland Rail prides itself on being a good neighbour in the community and they have assured me all works will be completed during daylight hours only and any expected noise from construction will be communicated in advance to nearby landowners," he said.

Mr Hinchliffe said this rail infrastructure upgrade project reflected the Queensland Government's commitment to investing in rail freight to support the agricultural industry and jobs growth for Queensland.

"The Government is also investing $32.4 million for the Toowoomba Range Clearance Upgrade project, which will to help boost regional freight capacity between the Darling Downs and the Port of Brisbane," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"This project involves lowering tunnel floors to allow the clearance of 9'6" high freight shipping containers, which are increasingly used to export goods, across the range."

[Stillwater]

We should save this quote from Mr Hinchliffe for future reference: "Queensland Rail prides itself on being a good neighbour in the community.."

Okay, what about being a good neighbour re coal dust on coal trains, for example.  Any other examples of QR's need to be a "good neighbour"?

[nathandavid88]

We should save this quote from Mr Hinchliffe for future reference: "Queensland Rail prides itself on being a good neighbour in the community.."

Okay, what about being a good neighbour re coal dust on coal trains, for example. Any other examples of QR's need to be a "good neighbour"?

Queensland Rail doesn't haul the coal trains to the port. Not anymore.

[tazzer9]

QR are the ones that make the rules regarding covers over hoppers.   

[ozbob]

30th November 2016

JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Economic Development
The Honourable Bill Byrne

Oakey cattle train's jobs bonanza

A $2.5 million investment in regional rail by the Palaszczuk Government has seen the first cattle train in two decades roll into Oakey with potential for a rural jobs bonanza.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Minister for Agriculture and Rural Economic Development, Bill Byrne today joined with the Oakey Abattoir to celebrate the first rail shipment of beef livestock from Quilpie, more than 800 kilometres away.

"This is great example of the Palaszczuk Government partnering with local industry to invest in infrastructure that supports jobs in rural communities," Minister Hinchliffe said.

"Critical to the creation of a new western supply corridor for Oakey Beef Exports was the reopening of the part of the Cecil Plains line adjacent to the abattoir and an upgrade of the rail siding at Mitchell for easier loading and processing."

Minister Bill Byrne said most of the cattle had originated from Queensland's rich channel country.

"It's great to witness the first cattle train to arrive in Oakey for more than 20 years," the Minister said.

"The South West already has a great reputation as one of Queensland's leading producers of beef and can now reach national and international markets quickly and more efficiently," Minister Byrne said.

"One train load of livestock is the equivalent of up to 44 decks of cattle delivered by B Double trucks.

"The train saves haulage costs for producers and pressure on the Warrego Highway. Rail is an important part of boosting our rural economy."   

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government's $2.5 million rail transport initiative was expected to be the catalyst for a $60 million expansion of the Oakey Beef Exports abattoir.

"The Palaszczuk Government's investment is an enabler for a significant upgrade of the abattoir that's expected to return more than a billion dollars in extra economic activity across the region," the Treasurer said.

"It's a rail-led expansion that the abattoir predicts will support up to 4,300 jobs for the Darling Downs and South Western Queensland with beef processing already the state's largest agricultural export industry.

"We're also opening up easier access to export markets for rural communities with $32.4 million for the Toowoomba Range Clearance Upgrade project to boost freight capacity into the Port of Brisbane."

More than 1900 sleepers and 2,300 tonnes of ballast were used to rebuild a 1.3 kilometre section the Cecil Plains line for the delivery of cattle from Quilpie, Charleville, Morven, Roma and Mitchell direct to the abattoir at Oakey.

General Manager of abattoir owner NH Foods Australia, Pat Gleeson said the new supply corridor and expansion plans could potentially double abattoir production.

"For our business and regional communities, today's 800-kilometre delivery of fat cows and bullocks to Oakey is a triumph and demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government's understanding of the importance of rail freight infrastructure for economic growth," he said.

Mayor of Paroo Shire and South West RED Chair, Lindsay Godfrey described today's cattle delivery as historic.

"The rail line means Oakey Beef can move forward with its expansion plans to create better options for producers and new economic opportunities for our region.

"As a community, we support today's first delivery of cattle and every load to arrive in the future."

Oakey residents are also being urged to be aware of the activation of the level crossing in Bridge Street.

"The trains are back and it's up to motorists to observe the signs and look out for rail traffic," Mr Hinchliffe said.

In 2015/16 Queensland exported $4.7 Billion or 55.5% of Australia's beef exports to 73 counties.

Meat processing is estimated to employ 18,000 Queenslanders.

[ozbob]

Saying hello to first cattle train Oakey Beef rail siding @StirlHinchliffe @BillByrneMP #agchatoz @AgForceQLD @TSBEnterprise @abcrothers pic.twitter.com/igNEAV3I5K

— Anna Campbell (@annahaycampbell) November 30, 2016

[ozbob]

Transport Min Stirling Hinchliffe and Agriculture Min applaud first cattle train to Oakey in 23 years on $2.5m siding pic.twitter.com/cH96AWHio7

— Tony Moore (@eastTMoore) November 30, 2016

[ozbob]

The Chronicle --> Cattle to arrive by rail at Oakey Beef Exports

FOR 23 years, a dusty stretch of rail track snaked across western Queensland and past the Oakey beef abattoir without delivering cattle.

But tomorrow, carriages carrying 880 bullocks and cows from Quilpie will thunder directly into Oakey Beef Exports, after a breakthrough with the State Government earlier this year.

Taking cattle off the roads and onto rail is expected to open up the far western Queensland beef market - a win for graziers who can more easily and cheaply get their cattle to slaughter as well as for the Japanese owners of OBE who can process more animals for both the domestic and booming Asian market.

The expansion is expected to double the plant's workforce and almost triple its capacity to process cattle.

"We've got 750 (workers) on the books right now, but you can look at 1300 easily when the upgrade is complete," Mr Gleeson said yesterday.

Once the redevelopment is completed, more than 11,000 cattle could be processed each week, up from the current 4000 to 6500 head.

"At the moment, we're doing four days a week - (our production) is back by 35 per cent from this year due to supply," he said, referring to low stock numbers and high beef prices.

Mr Gleeson hopes the abattoir will operate seven days a week after the upgrade.

State Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne and NH Foods' CEO Takeo Kudo will join South-West mayors and Mr Gleeson for the arrival of the train.

Around 500 abattoir employees will also down tools to watch the cattle being unloaded.

State-government funding in April upgraded the rail sidings at Quilpie, Morven and Oakey so trains could dock.

"We were needing a plan to source cattle from the west and the railway line was the obvious answer, but we were excluded from an archaic freight contract which was geared to fail and helping no one," Mr Gleeson said.

"We met with mayors and South West RED, a network of regional local government communities, and started advocating for more common sense to be applied to the utilisation of the existing rail networks.

"We have been to more political meetings than I care to remember, but it will be worth it when the cattle get unloaded."

[ozbob]

This morning the first #CattleTrain arrived at #OakeyBeefExports in 23 years, transporting cattle from South West Queensland. #agriculture pic.twitter.com/cry4Zscqt7

— Aurizon (@Aurizon_) November 30, 2016

[petey3801]

A very good news story! Here's to there being more stories like it in the future!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th November 2016

More rail freight welcomed

Greetings,

Excellent  outcome that a cattle rail freight capability has been established between Quilpie and Oakey.

Far better that bulk freight be on rail rather than roads where possible.  This reduces road damage and helps to improve overall road safety.

In April 2016 it was announced that there would be an upgrade to Oakey rail facilities (1).  It is welcome news that this is now operational (2).

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

References:

1.  6 April 2016: Palaszczuk Government delivers $2.5 million to upgrade Oakey rail facilities
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/4/6/palaszczuk-government-delivers-25-million-to-upgrade-oakey-rail-facilities

2.  30 November 2016: Oakey cattle train's jobs bonanza
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/11/30/oakey-cattle-trains-jobs-bonanza

[ozbob]

Latest media: More rail freight welcomed (Oakey)
> https://t.co/DRyZcE3m7O#qldpol #auspol
Photograph @Aurizon_ pic.twitter.com/P0zXf5t3dg

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) November 30, 2016

[ozbob]

In Oakey with @BillByrneMP for the first train to deliver 800 cattle direct to Oakey abattoir for more rural jobs. pic.twitter.com/O8AzVUdjxc

— Stirling Hinchliffe (@StirlHinchliffe) November 30, 2016

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Oakey Abattoir primed for increased beef exports

[ozbob]

A train loaded with cattle arrived in Oakey this morning from out west, for the first time in more than 20 years. https://t.co/vJJdG4VVgO

— 7 News Toowoomba (@7NewsToowoomba) November 30, 2016

[ozbob]

The first cattle train in 23 years rolls into Oakey @ABCRural @lydsoutwest @abcsouthqld @QldCountryHour pic.twitter.com/vBpnoSrHmh

— Jodie Gunders (@JodieGunders) November 30, 2016

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 2nd December 2016 page 13

Time to fix state's public transport