Queensland Rail to improve Blackwater reliability

<p>A third rail spur for the Callemondah yards near Gladstone would ensure greater reliability across Queensland’s Blackwater rail network, the State Government said yesterday (Sunday, April 20).</p> <p>Queensland transport minister John Mickel said the $40m upgrade was being planned in conjunction with the RG Tanna Coal Terminal expansion.</p> <p>"Queensland Rail continues to work with its supply chain partners to identify requirements, such as this project, that will help the Blackwater coal supply chain increase supply" Mr Mickel said. </p> <p>"Through supply chain meetings and the master-planning process, QR is participating with these partners to deliver increased capacity, and to improve reliability of the rail network. </p> <p>"The Callemondah Third Rail Spur project is one such project, which will minimise congestion around the unloading pits at the port by improving movement of the trains between Callemondah and the pits.&#8221</p> <p>Mr Mickel said a 6.14% increase in Queensland’s coal production last year was a sign the State Government’s infrastructure plans were keeping up with other expansion projects across Queensland’s coal supply chain.</p> <p>Port facilities in Queensland have been undergoing rapid expansion in a bid to keep up with the global demand for coal. </p> <p>Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal recently completed upgrades and has more to follow.</p> <p>QR chief executive Lance Hockridge said the upgrade would involve the construction of 4.1km of track and seven new locations to divert trains to different tracks for unloading and returning to mines.</p> <p>Mr Hockridge said the upgrades would greatly increase the flexibility of the network.</p> <br />