QR CEO Mr Lance Hockridge says QR will invest $A 100 million in new locomotives to support the contract.
The
Collinsville/Newlands network is the smallest of Queensland's three
coal networks and carried around 11 million tonnes of coal last year.
The Newlands - Abbot Point line is still diesel-worked, although QR has
plans to electrify and upgrade the line and construct a 69km connection
between Goonyella and Newlands, which would relieve pressure on the
export terminal at Hay Point/Dalrymple Bay. This project has been
deferred due to the economic crisis, although the alignment has been
secured and the state government has endorsed construction of the new
line.
Abbot Point terminal is now capable of handling 21 million
tonnes per annum following an expansion project completed in 2007, and
the state government wants to expand this to 50 million tonnes.
The Queensland government is planning to sell up to 75% of QR National next year, which could raise up to $A 7 billion.
 
Photo: John Hoyle

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