UPGRADED INLANDER PASSENGER TRAIN STARTS TODAY

The refurbished Inlander passenger train, which will run between Townsville and Mount Isa, was launched by Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson today.

Mr Johnson said the relaunch coincides with Mt Isa's 75th anniversary celebrations.

"Queensland Rail has spent $1million on upgrading the Inlander. The dining car has been rebuilt to allow for the preparation of a bigger variety of meals, plus some Club sitting has been provided," he said.

"As well, a roomette sleeping car has been added for passengers travelling alone, and the twin and sleeping cars have been refurbished.

"Sitting car passengers will enjoy the extra comfort of shower facilities in the roomette car."

Mr Johnson said the Inlander was the final train to be refurbished as part of the upgrade of QR's air-conditioned fleet.

"Queensland Rail is reducing the economy sitting fare between Townsville and Mount Isa from $95 to $75 from March 8 to mark the 75th anniversary of Mt Isa."

Mr Johnson said the Inlander entered service between Townsville and Mt Isa on February 12, 1953, and that it was the first of nine-airconditioned trains introduced as part of the "lander" series by Queensland Rail.

Rail passenger services began on the Townsville-Mt Isa line in 1929, six years after ore was discovered on the banks of the Leichhardt by John Campbell Miles.

The original train was known as the "Progress and Prosper".

Mr Johnson said Queensland Rail would have six special guests on this weekend's train. "They will be Les Miles, the nephew of John Campbell Miles who founded Mt Isa, and William Simpson, the nephew of Bill Simpson, who met John Campbell Miles on the Camooweal Road.

"As well, there will be six pioneers from Mt Isa," he said.

Mr Johnson said the Inlander travels twice-weekly in both directions between Townsville and Mount Isa.

It departs Townsville on Sundays and Wednesdays at 1pm, arriving in Mt Isa the following day at 9am.

The return journey from Mt Isa departs Mondays and Fridays at 1pm, and arrives in Townsville the following day at 8am.

"The upgrading of the Inlander is part of the State Government's commitment to the upgrading of rail services in North-West Queensland.

"The $200 million upgrade of the Townsville-Mt Isa line will be completed at the end of 1998.

"Last financial year, Queensland Rail carried 1.8 million tonnes of minerals on this line and this figure is set to increase substantially over the next few years with the development of the North-West mineral province," said Mr Johnson.