Article: Aurizon puts freeze on Alpha freight decision

[ozbob]

ABC News click -->here!

Aurizon puts freeze on Alpha freight decision

Rail freight operator Aurizon has confirmed it has reversed a decision to stop a refrigerated freight service to a small central western Queensland community.

The service to Alpha was to cease this month but the company says it will now continue for another year, although it will not comment further due to commercial considerations.

Russ Glindeman is a Barcaldine regional councillor who owns a grocery store at Alpha and had been critical of the decision to cut refrigerated transport.

"It was to stop on last Monday actually, on the third of March," he said.

"Yes I am relieved and the big thing is for the Alpha area, so far as our produce and refrigerated goods, it is business as usual.

"This backflip, as you call it, I understand it is an interim measure."

He says he is relieved Aurizon has changed its mind but he is worried about the long-term.

[ozbob]

We need to be expanding all rural freight and passenger services!  Get as many trucks off the roads as practical.

[Stillwater]

You contrast what is happening in Qld rural areas with what is happening in rail sector across provincial and rural Victoria and you wonder what is going on!