<p>Queensland’s coal industry and employment in Maryborough will be boosted by a $61m Queensland Rail contract to buy 11 new 4000 class diesel locomotives.</p> <p>The first of the new locomotives is scheduled for delivery in mid-2004 and the final locomotive in mid-2005.</p> <p>The new locomotives will be in addition to the 38 4000 class units, which Walkers has delivered already to QR.</p> <p>Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer said the contract had been awarded to EDI Rail for the manufacture, testing and commissioning of the new locomotives at its Walkers plant in Maryborough.</p> <p>It will mean continuity of work for about 40 employees at Walkers and will supply opportunities for local manufacturers and suppliers.</p> <p>"This contract is great news for Walkers and for Maryborough," Mr Bredhauer said.</p> <p>"It will not only boost QR’s coal haulage capacity, but will provide employment and valuable spin-off benefits for the region."</p> <p>Major sub-contractor Siemens Ltd will supply a traction package to Walkers for the new locomotives. </p> <p>The new rollingstock will support QR’s burgeoning coal haulage business, which in the past decade has continually set Australian records. </p> <p>Total coal haulage in 2001቞ was 135m tonnes, up 7m tonnes or 6% on the previous year, and 50% higher than five years ago.</p> <br />