Cattle rail yards in North West Queensland receive vital investment boost

• A $3.3 million investment by the Queensland Government will improve cattle loading capabilities at yards at Cloncurry, Hughenden, and Maxwelton on the Mount Isa rail line.
• Funding agreements have been signed with Cloncurry Shire Council, Flinders Shire Council and Richmond Shire Council.
• The improvements will enhance the efficiency of loading cattle and support cattle trains running at full capacity for processing in the east coast.

The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $3 million to improve cattle loading yards for rail services at Cloncurry, Hughenden, and Maxwelton.

The improvement to the cattle loading yards means more cattle will be transported along the Mount Isa line at increased capacity and efficiency.

The investment package follows more than $7 million commitments for rail siding upgrades at Maxwelton and Julia Creek.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey:

“We want more cattle on rail and are planning to have more capacity to load cattle onto trains moving into 2024 and beyond.

“These yards are a critical part of the supply chain for loading and transporting cattle by rail for processing on the east coast.

“We want cattle trains running out of these locations to be efficient and at maximum capacity so we can get the full benefits of running rail services.

“These investments in partnership with local governments in the region demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s continued commitment to improving rail services in our regions.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor Greg Campbell, Cloncurry Shire Council:

“The Cloncurry Saleyards have yet to realise their full potential, as the current condition of the rail load out poses challenges to efficient livestock handling.

“Purpose-built and serviceable infrastructure will be a draw card for pastoralists in North Australia, as they are looking for the most cost-effective way to deliver cattle to ports, meatworks, and saleyards.

“An efficient saleyard in Cloncurry will not only attract livestock from North West Queensland but the Northern Territory and Western Australia too.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor Jane McNamara, Flinders Shire Council:

“The Flinders Shire Council is very appreciative of the funding for the rehabilitation and extension of the Hughenden Saleyards in partnership with the State Government.

“This will give the ability for the Flinders Shire to extend the operations and capacity of this facility and assist with the economic diversification for our beef industry. The project will include new spelling yards and safety compliance for facilities such as loading ramps, lighting, gates and latches.

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the State Government, Industry, stakeholders and our primary producers to improve our facility and contribute to our cattle industry.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor John Wharton, Richmond Shire Council:

“I am expecting a significant increase in the cattle being loaded from Maxwelton in the coming years, due to a brand new loading facility that will be much quicker and provide far better animal welfare outcomes, as time on transport is an issue we need to all focus on.

“The new rail siding can have a benefit for other products also such as grain, critical minerals, and other commodities.

“With grain crops and farming already being successful at Maxwelton, Richmond Shire have plans to develop a feedlot and centre pivot on site also. This will allow Northern Gulf cattle to come down and spend 90 days in the feedlot, then be loaded on the train straight to the processor.

“This would create a cattle transport hub and farming depot for grain and silage to feed cattle. The whole complex will contribute to a great asset for Northern Australian cattle industry in the future.”

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Bailey's Office - 0466 620 176