<p>The first loaded train has left the new Rolleston mine in central Queensland, hauling 7,000 tonnes of coal to Gladstone.</p> <p>The first train signals the completion of the 110-km Bauhinia regional rail link and the start of operations at the mine.</p> <p>QR chief executive Bob Scheuber said the first coal train, which left on October 3, had been operated more than two months ahead of schedule.</p> <p>"Once the mine is fully operational, there will be an average of 22 train services per week making the 422 km journey from the mine to Gladstone and back," Mr Scheuber said.</p> <p>The Bauhinia rail spur was the longest built in the state since 1983 and could bring other customers onto the rail network, QR said.</p> <p>"Grain growers have already expressed interest in using the new line," Mr Scheuber said.</p> <p>The line should handle up to 8m tonnes a year of domestic coal and coal for export from Gladstone. </p> <br />
