GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO CALLEMONDAH RAIL DEPOT

The State Government would invest more than $20 million over the next three years in upgrading the Callemondah depot and marshalling yard at Gladstone, Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson announced today.

Mr Johnson said the $20.3 million redevelopment project would include a number of significant improvements to the signalling system and track infrastructure, as well as additional facilities for staff.

"The main purpose of this redevelopment is to streamline operations and further improve the long-term efficiency of Callemondah depot for both Queensland Rail staff and their customers," Mr Johnson said.

"With these improvements and with Queensland Rail's substantial investment in additional rollingstock, increased tonnages of coal will be handled more efficiently and with greater speed through the yard and onto the Gladstone Port.

"This project will significantly increase the importance of Callemondah as an integral part of rail operations in central Queensland," he said.

Mr Johnson also said he had received representation from Independent MP Liz Cunningham, recommending an improvement to existing facilities at Callemondah yard.

"This major investment will also include the construction of provisioning sheds for locomotives and extra office facilities for station staff, the upgrade of marshalling facilities and general improvements in telecommunications.

"For example, a new computerised train planning and scheduling system will be introduced to provide coal train arrival times to the Gladstone Port Authority and other port service providers to ensure integration with other port operations," said Mr Johnson.

The first stage of the project, which involved minor signalling and track works, will be completed in coming weeks.

QR engineers are currently in the initial stages of design work for the second stage of the project, and work is expected to begin in earnest by the end of the year.