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Freight and long distance passenger rail items of interest

Started by ozbob, October 17, 2009, 19:33:24 PM

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verbatim9

UK taking the lead and negotiating with operators with last mile electrification to ports and interchanges. - https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/government-will-consider-rail-freight-operators-proposals-for-last-mile-electrification/65491.article

It would be good when TMR along with the Qld and Federal Government electrifies the rail from the proposed Wellcamp interchange to the Port of Brisbane. They could also add a mini interchange around Gatton to load fresh food and vegetables to head to the Rocklea markets and overseas. So many carbon reducing opportunities that could also take many trucks off the Se Qld Freeway network.

HappyTrainGuy

Please. Just please stop. You clearly have no idea about railway infrastructure and workings and are choosing to ignore what others here are saying along with other previous documented reports about electrification on the western line. Aurizon and watco don't have electric locos. Existing electric locos are all out of gauge. There are no electric locomotive mtce facilities south of Gladstone. All freight and coal comes from unelectrified areas. PN's contract is based on Inland rail going through so no inland rail no PN facility. Freight at wellcamp is also quite small and limited.

ozbob

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ozbob

This week, Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton and Head of Regional Scott Cornish joined a team of representatives to...

Posted by Queensland Rail on Wednesday, 3 January 2024
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ozbob

Government Statement: Captain Cook Highway reopens as Far North Queensland's road and rail recovery continues

For complete statement > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99525

Quote... Meanwhile, Queensland Rail crews are working tirelessly to bring back Far North Queensland's most iconic rail service, the Kuranda Scenic Rail to full timetable, following substantial damage caused by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper.

Despite the mammoth scope of recovery and ongoing rain in the tropical Far North Queensland region, major progress has been made thanks to the hard work of QR crews and contractors.

QR is working with the local community, tourism partners and all government agencies to potentially run a Kuranda Scenic Rail service on the weekends by late February, weather permitting. ...

Quote... Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton:

"Behind the scenes, we are investigating multiple ways to repair the range, working with key stakeholders and the community to find the best long-term sustainable solution.

"By late February, with the implementation of a track deviation, we hope to be able to run one return Kuranda Scenic Rail service on the weekends. This will allow our crews access to the track during the week to continue works to future-proof the rail corridor from extreme weather.

"We expect that our long-term works will be completed in late April to allow us to return to our full timetable, but we will continue to keep the community informed of any updates. Particularly, if recovery efforts are further hindered due to heavy rain or other severe weather events.

"I'd like to thank our Queensland Rail staff, contractors and emergency services who have helped to date, and who are continuing to help with the ongoing recovery." ...

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ozbob

Rail Express

https://www.railexpress.com.au/queensland-rail-release-statement-regarding-cyclone-kirrily/

Queensland Rail release statement regarding cyclone Kirrily

QuoteQueensland Rail's Head of Regional Scott Cornish spoke about the companies number one priority being the safety of its customers and staff, and as Cyclone Kirrily nears the coastline, it has been required to close sections of its regional rail network.

Currently, the North Coast line from Rockhampton to Cairns and the Mount Isa and Central West lines are closed.

Due to the impacts of the cyclone, where possible and where it is safe to do so, Spirit of Queensland, Tilt Train and freight services are continuing to operate between Brisbane and Rockhampton only.

"We will continue to keep the community updated on any further restrictions put in place," Cornish said.

"We know how important our rail network is to connecting communities, and ensuring people can receive the goods they need, so when we are required to shut sections of the network, our focus turns to recovering and reopening as safely and quickly as possible.

"As part of our normal operational planning, and to assist with recovery efforts, our crews have strategically placed ballast trains at secure locations across the network and ensured depots are stocked with all necessary rail supplies in Mackay, Proserpine and Townsville.

"We have been working closely with freight operators to ensure critical freight has already been moved, with remaining trains stowed at safe locations across the network," he said.

Following record volumes of rainfall in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper, Queensland Rail crews were able to reopen the North Coast line in less than a week with 3,000 cubic metres of ballast, tonnes of road base and flood rock materials used for the repairs.

"We remain ready for recovery once cyclone Kirrily passes," he said.

"We will continue to keep both our passengers and freight customers informed as the situation progresses, and we would like to thank them for their understanding."

Customers booked on a Queensland Rail service in the affected areas are encouraged to visit queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call Queensland Rail Travel on 1800 803 009.
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ozbob

LinkedIn Queensland Rail

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/queensland-rail_following-the-devastation-caused-by-ex-tropical-activity-7164035661824507904-KZIy

" Following the devastation caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, we're thrilled to announce the reopening of the Kuranda Range, thanks to the incredible efforts of our employees, contractors and the community.

Two Kuranda Scenic Railway services will operate every weekend from tomorrow, Saturday 17 February until Saturday 2 March, when the full timetable will return!

"The recovery of the range was no easy feat," says Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton. "With eight track machines used and more than 50 employees and contractors engaged in the recovery effort to remove 5400 cubic meters of spoil and more than 400 fallen trees."

Our team's dedication and perseverance have ensured that communities remain connected. A huge thank you to everyone involved for going above and beyond to make this possible!"
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Rail Express --> Major maintenance on regional rail means short term closure

QuoteQueensland Rail crews are gearing up for maintenance projects during a temporary closure of the North Coast rail line on the Regional network from 9 to 17 April 2024.

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said the eight-day closure of the line, which runs the length of Queensland's coastline from Brisbane to Cairns, would allow for track upgrades at key locations, bolstering the safety and resilience of the vital freight and passenger network.

"Crews will be undertaking a wide range of upgrades in April, including replacing old track and sleepers, building new rail bridges, maintaining signals, and refuelling station works," Cornish said.

"We will also see the completion of our $77 million North Coast line passing loops project, which has enabled longer freight trains to travel between Rockhampton and Townsville, delivering more essential items to regional towns and cities faster. ...
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Queensland Rail Statement

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/Major-maintenance-on-regional-rail-means-short-term-closure.aspx

Major maintenance on regional rail means short term closure

27th March 2024

Queensland Rail crews are gearing up for mega maintenance projects during a temporary closure of the North Coast rail line on the Regional network from 9 to 17 April 2024.

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said the eight-day closure of the line, which runs the length of Queensland's coastline from Brisbane to Cairns, would allow for track upgrades at key locations, bolstering the safety and resilience of the vital freight and passenger network.

"Crews will be undertaking a wide range of upgrades in April, including replacing old track and sleepers, building new rail bridges, maintaining signals, and refuelling station works," Mr Cornish said.

"We will also see the completion of our $77 million North Coast line passing loops project, which has enabled longer freight trains to travel between Rockhampton and Townsville, delivering more essential items to regional towns and cities faster.

"Projects like this are vital to ensuring our rail network can continue to support Queensland's rapidly growing population."

Mr Cornish said to ensure the safety of all workers and provide them with undisrupted and continuous access to the rail corridor, the line was required to be closed to rail traffic while works were underway.

"Through consultation with freight partners and customers, we've aligned rail works with major maintenance closures across the Aurizon rail network through Rockhampton, and train-free periods at mine sites connected to the Port of Gladstone, to deliver the most efficient outcome while minimising impacts to supply chains.

"The closure also coincides with significant changes to South East Queensland train services on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines from 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024 to allow for crucial Cross River Rail works and Queensland Rail maintenance."

Mr Cornish thanked long distance travel train customers, freight partners and communities along the line for their patience to allow this work to be completed safely and efficiently in the rail corridor.

"Queensland Rail long-distance travel services will be replaced with road coaches or have altered operations during the planned closure."

ENDS

WORKS BEING COMPLETED

Completion of $77 million North Coast line passing loops project with commissioning works at Mount Ossa

Works on Berajondo timber bridge project with the demolition and replacement of three timber bridges with steel and concrete structures between Berajondo and Baffle

Rerailing works between Ilbilbie and Koumala, Bloomsbury and Thoopara, Storth to Nome, Partington and Oonoonba to Townsville

Resleepering works between Ayr and Home HillBridge repairs between Aminungo and Kuttabul

Signalling maintenance between Elalie and Ilbilbie

Track relaying at Tully

Painting works at Johnstone River Bridge

Timber bridge works between Bundaberg and Meadowvale

Track maintenance between Tamaree and Theebine

Track formation repairs at Yaamba

Video: https://vimeo.com/711031648/11af8313da
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ozbob

Facebook ...

Major maintenance on regional rail means short term closure 27th March 2024 Queensland Rail...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Wednesday 27 March 2024
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ozbob

Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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ozbob

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Jonno

Just a pity they don't run every hour and high average speeds!! But that would require a Government that gave a s&%t!!

ozbob

Queensland Parliament Questions on Notice

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2024/123-2024.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 123
Asked on 5 March 2024

MS A LEAHY ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER FOR
DIGITAL SERVICES (HON B MELLISH)


QUESTION:

Will the Minister advise how many rail operators approved under the Rail Safety National Law
(Queensland) are accredited to operate or move rolling stock on the Kuranda rail line?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Warrego for the question.

There are two accredited rollingstock operators who operate on the Kuranda Range line. This
includes Queensland Rail as the owner of the network, and Cairns Kuranda Steam Limited with
an approved access agreement from Queensland Rail to operate the Savannahlander.
Queensland Rail, as the owner of the Kuranda Range line, does not require an access agreement
to operate on the line.
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Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2024/2024_04_16_DAILY.pdf

Questions without Notice

Queensland Rail, Long Distance Train Services

Mr LISTER: My question is to the Minister for Transport. Has Queensland Rail stopped serving
Queensland made wines to long distance train passengers and is instead now using wine from other
states?

Mr MELLISH: I thank the member for the question.

I can advise the member that I have not had any wine on Queensland Rail trains since becoming the transport minister. I have been fairly busy with the job. I am happy to come back to the member on this question. Queensland's agricultural products are very important to our state's growth. That is very much an operational matter, but I will come back to the member on this matter. I am glad he is focused on the big issues in transport.

Mr Lister interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Member for Southern Downs, you will direct your comments through the chair.

====

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ozbob

Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...
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ozbob

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Queensland Rail Travel

Long-distance timetable will change from 2 September 2024

From 2 September 2024, there will be changes to timetables for Tilt Train, Spirit of Queensland, Spirit of the Outback and Westlander services and connecting RailBus services

There are no timetable changes for the Inlander service travelling between Townsville and Mount Isa.

> https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/Pages/TimetableFAQ.aspx
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ozbob

Paul Scurrah resigning from PN
 
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7199358749482889216-xLQm

QuoteIt is with mixed emotions today that I announce my resignation as the Managing Director and CEO of Pacific National, effective 31 December 2024.

On joining Pacific National in April 2021, I embraced the challenge of navigating the business through the COVID crisis, focusing on stabilising the company, restoring customer confidence, and establishing a culture reflective of a modern and progressive company. ...
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ozbob

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CQRail

All long distance services up the North Coast line are currently suspended until further notice due to the accident on the Bruce Highway near Bororen this morning. A B-Double carrying ammonium nitrate has since exploded.

This mornings southbound ETT terminated at Gladstone and the southbound SoQ at Babinda.

ozbob

^

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/emergency-services/truck-carrying-chemicals-explodes-into-flames-south-of-gladstone-on-bruce-highway/news-story/09f723c3bec5f20d72fddfde2757d001

QuoteTRAIN SERVICES CANCELLED

Train services south of Gladstone have been cancelled and lines suspended along a 30km stretch between Iveragh to Bororen.

According to the Queensland Rail website, trains including the Rockhampton tilt train service are not running.

Coach replacement services are running from Bundaberg to Brisbane.

"Due to a motor vehicle incident, (the Tilt train) that departed Rockhampton at 6.45am on Friday 30 August 2024 has terminated at Gladstone," the website states.

"Queensland Rail Travel has arranged road coaches for customers travelling from Bundaberg to Brisbane (Roma St)."

"This is impacting our Spirit of Queensland lines and our Bundaberg to Rockhampton tilt train," A QR spokesperson said.

"We currently have railway replacement buses in place between Bundaberg and Brisbane and we will have a tilt train running from Bundaberg to Brisbane tomorrow."

It's understood overhead powerlines are also impacted.

However, the extent of damage to the train track would not be known until the exclusion zone is lifted and a team is allowed in the area to inspect.
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Sent to all outlets:

Freight needs to get back on track!

14th September 2024

RAIL Back On Track says the lack of freight on the State's rail network is putting users of the Bruce Highway and other roads in danger, and more needs to be done.

The recent deadly collision between a utility and a truck that caused an ammonium nitrate explosion on the Bruce Highway south of Gladstone highlights the need to move the majority of freight up and down the coast of Queensland by rail rather than by road.

Every truck that rail takes off the road leads to better safety outcomes for the community and less damage to roads. Accident costs associated with road freight are 20 times higher than rail. In our cities, better freight rail connections not only relieves congestion on commuter roads but improves environmental outcomes too. One short haul port train takes 41 B-doubles of the roads (1) .

There is no doubt that the safest way to move freight is via rail, which has some of the highest safety laws and regulations of any industry.

These are significant savings for the Queensland Government  moving more freight to rail and would also reduce the costs of maintaining the Bruce Highway and other roads.

The North Coast Line north of Brisbane is presently a  basket case with commuter trains replaced by buses due to lack of network capacity and speeds up the coast just can't compete with road transport.   Freight rail has been thrown in the "too hard' basket and largely ignored by  Queensland Governments.

The current Queensland Freight Strategy needs to be thrown out as it does little to nothing to get freight off the State's roads (2).

A comprehensive plan needs to be urgently developed to get the State's freight back on rail.
We hope all political parties consider a policy for a Rail Freight Task Force to be set up to lay the framework for putting more freight on rail and back on track!

References:

1.  Rail freight
https://ara.net.au/about-rail/freight-rail/

2. Queensland Freight Strategy and Action Planā€”Advancing Freight
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Transport-sectors/Freight/Queensland-freight-strategy-advancing-freight

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

Freight needs to get back on track! 14th September 2024 RAIL Back On Track says the lack of freight on the State's...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Friday 13 September 2024
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ozbob

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Jonno

need one of these running on the network




ozbob

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Jonno


ozbob

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ABC News --> 20 years since Queensland tilt train derailment at Berajondo injured 120

QuoteAt 11:55pm on November 15, 2004 the north-bound Spirit of Townsville high-speed tilt train derailed at Berajondo near Rosedale, a small, rural community about 400 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Travelling at 112 kilometres per hour in a 60kph zone, eight of the train's nine cars hurtled off the tracks with 150 passengers and seven staff on board.

About 120 people were hurt, with a driver and 16 passengers suffering significant injuries. ...
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