Mount Isa line reopens after North Queensland floods

Queensland’s Mount Isa rail line has reopened following the recent floods in the region.  

Repairs have been completed after flooding caused significant damage between Charters Towers and Cloncurry.  

Crews fixed more than 1.3 kilometres of washouts requiring 5,000 tonnes of ballast, allowing services to resume this week.  

The first train carrying containerised freight is scheduled to arrive at Mount Isa on Friday (21 February).

Across both the Mount Isa and North Coast lines, Queensland Rail employees and contractors have completed repairs to almost 100 sites. 

Inlander rail services, which operate from Townsville to Mount Isa, will recommence timetabled operations this weekend. 

Meanwhile the North Coast line remains closed from Townsville to Cairns, with recovery works continuing.

Spirit of Queensland services are operating between Brisbane and Townsville, with road coaches in place where possible between Townsville and Cairns.   

Customers are being informed directly of impacts, but can also check the Queensland Rail website.  

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said in a statement: “Following the major North Queensland weather event, we needed to wait for flood waters to recede to gain full visibility and safe access to the track. 

“Queensland Rail continues to invest heavily in our rail lines and when we undertake renewal and maintenance works, we are always focussed on increasing the resilience of the network. 

“We are also dedicated to improving our preparation and response times including investing in recovery equipment like bog mats.” 

Cornish said the bog mats – high quality and heavy-duty ground protection that form a temporary roadway for heavy vehicles – allowed Queensland Rail to get onsite during wet conditions and progress works safely and quickly. 

“Without them, the reopening of the Mount Isa line would have been delayed at least another week while waiting for the ground to dry out,” he added.   

Cornish thanked the hard-working crews for getting the North Coast line reopened as far north as Townsville.

“The North Coast line will remain closed between Townsville and Cairns this week with significant damage identified through the Ingham section,” he said.  

“Recovery works are continuing where possible with challenging wet weather and ground conditions continuing to be experienced.

“We look forward to opening the remainder of the North Coast line only when it is safe to do so. 

“We will continue to keep the community, customers and our freight operators informed of any updates.”