Rail works support export industries

Over $600 million earmarked for rail capital works in this year's State budget is an investment in Queensland's export industries, Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer said today.

Mr Bredhauer said rail capital works of almost $615 million would play a part in supporting the State's quest for export earnings, especially from coal.

Mr Bredhauer said: "Projects such as Hail Creek coal mine and expansion of other Queensland mines are crucial to Queensland's export earnings.

"Quality rail infrastructure is an essential component in the operational efficiency of mine operations," he said.

"More than $76 million has been allocated to infrastructure in the next 12 months for the North Bowen Basin Rail Link connecting Hail Creek with the South Walker Creek line near Nebo at the northern end of the Goonyella system.

"More than $87 million will be invested in rail transport for this link, including $16 million for electrification of the line.

"Overall, $257 million will be spent on infrastructure investment in the coal industry for rail transport during the next year," he said.

The program also includes $30 million for rollingstock, as part of a $69 million project to manufacture eleven 4000-class diesel locomotives, and a further $30 million to continue upgrading the electric locomotive fleet.

Across the rail coal and freight business, about $34 million is set aside for wagon upgrades, improvements to freight and rollingstock maintenance depots and environmental protection during the financial year.

Elsewhere in the rail capital works program, specific projects included $50 million for track renewal between Rockhampton and Cairns.

Other on-going projects in rural and regional Queensland include $10 million to replace timber rail bridges, $4 million for fencing and $3 million for level crossing upgrades.

"Rail commuters in south east Queensland will also find their ride smoother as a result of track upgrades worth $39 million during the next 12 months," Mr Bredhauer said.

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