Queensland is the world's largest exporter of coal. According to the Queensland Resources Council, the coal industry provides a direct benefit of more than $11 billion a year to the Queensland economy and it is important that the whole supply chain - mines to rail to ports - works together to maximise the benefits. Coal exports have increased from 77.6 million tonnes in 1994-95 to 153.8 million tonnes in 2005-06. Queensland's coal exports are expected to rise to close to 210 million tonnes per annum by 2010. The recent boom in resources required a new way of looking at coal infrastructure investment across Queensland. As a result, QR undertook an extensive master planning exercise to cater for coal capacity in Central Queensland. The 2006 Coal Rail Infrastructure Master Plan covers capacity expansion for the Goonyella, Blackwater, Moura and Newlands systems in Central Queensland to meet the expected 40 per cent rise increase in coal exports. The capital investment to meet the required future capacity and performance of the Queensland coal rail network will be delivered through QR's $700 million COALRAIL Infrastructure Program. QR is committed to working in conjunction with the Queensland coal industry, the Queensland Government and the community in delivering the COALRAIL Infrastructure Program. This website provides detailed information on the COALRAIL Infrastructure Program and its specific projects to key stakeholders.
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