The Central Queensland coal industry is experiencing significant growth.   As a consequence, the rail capacity of the five central Queensland coal systems – Blackwater, Moura, Goonyella, Newlands and Western - requires expansion to meet the forecast increase in volumes over the coming five years and beyond.

As a responsible infrastructure owner, QR, through its dedicated rail manager Network Access (QRNA), developed the 2006 Coal Rail Infrastructure Master Plan to provide for future rail capacity in this growing market. The Master Plan provides a focused, phased pathway for expansion of the rail infrastructure for four of the systems in the Central Queensland Coal Region to meet future expected growth. 

QRNA’s Coal Rail Infrastructure Program Management Office (PMO) is responsible for delivering over $700m in coal rail infrastructure from this Master Plan, on behalf of customers, over the next two years. The program encompasses some 30 projects, all in varying stages of development, across four Central Queensland coal systems as follows*:

4             Blackwater: 15 projects valued at approx. $446.3m

4             Moura: 2 projects valued at approx. $35m

4             Goonyella: 12 projects valued at approx. $617.9m

4             Newlands: 2 projects value TBA.

As projects move from concept and feasibility phases to the approved phase - costs, budgets and deadlines will also change accordingly to ensure maximum throughput and minimal impact on the rail system at all times.

A full list of projects, geographic location, estimated value and stage of development is available on this site.

Values current as of June 2008.