Toll’s Townsville terminal takes first train

<p>Toll Holdings has opened the new Townsville rail terminal that will handle cargo from Pacific National’s fledgling narrow gauge services into North Queensland.</p> <p>The $20m rail facility was completed in 12 months and welcomed its first train in May.</p> <p>Toll is now planning to start work on a new distribution warehouse for freight carrier QRX, train maintenance facilities and further improvements at the terminal to take the investment past $30m.</p> <p>Toll, in combination with its 50%-owned rail operator Pacific National, began its own narrow gauge services from Brisbane to Cairns in March this year, the company said.</p> <p>"Rail linehaul services were previously supplied by Queensland Rail, but escalating prices and the need to improve service levels for our customers, necessitated Toll’s decision to commence its own North Queensland service," Toll stated.</p> <p>The company also has plans to expand operations into other major north Queensland centres via its QRX division.</p> <p>Mr Little told the <em>Townsville Bulletin</em> the company had wider ambitions for the Townsville terminal. </p> <p> "Over time Toll would like to bring other parts of its business onto that site," Mr Little said. </p> <p>"Pacific National would like to offer freight services to other freight companies. </p> <p>"As we build up this business, you will see more and more development on this site." </p> <p>Pacific National is providing rail haulage services between Brisbane and Cairns and loading and unloading intermodal container freight services at Mackay, Merinda, Townsville and Innisfail, as well as Tennyson in Brisbane and Woree in Cairns. </p> <br />