SCT to launch Parkes to Perth rail service

<p>SCT Logistics will begin its inaugural freight train service to Perth from its new $15m Parkes rail freight terminal on Friday, October 20. </p> <p>The Parkes facility &#8211 the company’s fourth &#8211 is situated on a 296 ha site and backs onto a 3km frontage of the interstate standard gauge railway line. </p> <p>SCT chief executive Geoff Smith said the company was looking for a location that intersected its north-south network, to broaden its freight delivery capabilities. The new Parkes terminal will facilitate the north-south linehaul rail service via Parkes to Queensland.</p> <p>The terminal and rail sidings occupy approximately 10 ha of the total site. The balance of the site will be developed into a multi-modal industrial park.</p> <p>The weekly rail service from Parkes to Perth, is expected to run 1.8 km in length, moving 5,700 tonne in freight.</p> <p>SCT has invested in rail interests in line with its terminal assets, with plans to use Downer EDI 4,500 AC traction locomotives throughout its interstate network. The company ordered 11 of these new locomotives in a $75m deal in November. The first of the locos is expected to come on line mid-2007.</p> <p>Pacific National will provide a hook and pull service from Parkes to Perth in the interim.</p> <p>The new facilty joins transport business FCL and potentially, Terminals Australia at Parkes, and puts it within overnight delivery reach of 80% of Australia’s population. Terminals Australia is waiting on planning approval for a major inland freight hub after lodging a development application with the NSW Department of Planning in June this year.</p> <p>Parkes is situated on the Transcontinental Railway linking Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The corridor provides 62-hour freight transit time to Perth. The location boasts readily accessible rail connections to Melbourne, Wollongong (Port Kembla), Sydney (Port of Botany), Newcastle (Port of Newcastle) and Brisbane, as well as regional branch lines. </p> <p>Additionally, Parkes is the easternmost point on the east-west rail corridor allowing for high stacking of rail wagons and the assembly of long trains. </p> <p>New South Wales premier Morris Iemma will perform the official opening on Friday.</p> <br />