“The scalability of the network allows for capacity of more than 200 million tonnes per annum. Part of our design of GAP was to accommodate flexibility for future growth and expandability in line with demand as the Queensland resource sector grows.
“As part of the initial expansion work QR National is committing to construction of a deviation around the township of Collinsville to minimise the impact on local residents.”
Hockridge also welcomed support for QR National’s proposed staged development of a west to east common corridor and supporting north-south connections.
“By leveraging the expandability of the existing rail network in this way, QR National will be able to efficiently match rail capacity upgrades with planned mine production ramp-ups,” he says.
“In line with this approach the State has asked QR National to also examine development of the Queensland Rail owned Emerald line, in order to service the southern Galilee both in terms of outgoing coal tonnages and incoming freight such as fuel.”
