With LAU investing in many more railable containers - a success...

With LAU investing in many more railable containers - a success to date, as seen in the 1H 21 net profit rise - the floods have created some problems for Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane intermodal freight trains operated by Pacific National and SCT.

LAU uses PN. It is operating trains ex Melbourne but looks to be offloading TEUs (containers) in Sydney, probably to be sent by road to Brisbane. This adds cost and time, and is not ideal, but can't be helped. An alternative would have been to send some intermodal trains from Melbourne via Cootamundra and Forbes to Parkes/Goobang Junction in midwestern NSW where PN has a new rail yard, but this is already busy with loading and unloading containers that are sent to or originate in Adelaide, Perth or Darwin.

Here is today's update from the Australian Rail Track Corporation, that is responsible for the track from Telerah just north of Maitland, NSW to Acacia Ridge, Brisbane:

(note that Sydney Trains' 'Short North' major rail line is closed between Fassifern and Broadmeadow NSW due to flooding at Cockle Creek. I've not been able to obtain details as to when that may reopen. Separately, there was also flooding on ARTC lines at Sandgate, between Broadmeadow and Maitland NSW, but limited coal and grain trains have recommenced, not helped by the shutdown of the second coal loader at one of the two Newcastle Port operators. Latter is irrelevant to LAU but FYI):

Interstate Network:

“The Interstate Network between Telarah and Grafton remains closed following inclement weather conditions across the region.

“High rainfall, strong winds, fallen trees and debris, power failures and fallen power lines and power poles are all concerns which led to operations being halted.

“Weather events such as these have the potential to damage to our network and increases risks to all those involved in the transport operations.

“We are currently undertaking a full assessment of rail operations where it is safe to do so. Initial observations show significant restoration works will be required at various points along the network where there was severe localised flooding.

“With a consistent supply of materials continuing, weather remaining cooperative and continued positive progress, ARTC’s initial target is to reopen the track for operations late next week.

“Ensuring the safety of the community, our customers and staff remains our highest priority."