QR is continuing to expand the capacity of its coal rail network with the completion of initial works for the second rail balloon loop at the Abbot Point Coal Terminal in Central Queensland.
Initial works by QR’s infrastructure business, QR Network, are part of the Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion Project (GAP Project).
QR Network Executive General Manager Michael Carter said the works include laying track on the second balloon loop, which allows trains to return from the port without shunting.
“These works will contribute to a short-term increase in capacity at the port up to 25 million tonnes and are part of a larger program of works aimed at increasing capacity to as much as 100 million tonnes,” Carter said.
“QR Network and its Coal Stream Alliance have delivered the works in coordination with Port Corporation of Queensland’s (PCQ) capacity expansion at Abbot Point.
“When PCQ completes the second inloader at the port in early 2009, the rail will then be laid through the inloader and it will be open for use.”
QR Network is undertaking these and other works in the GAP Project to increase
Queensland’s coal export capacity, Mr Carter said.
“We are working with our supply chain partners to expand capacity through the port which is expected to ultimately increase coal exports five-fold through Abbot Point,” he said.
Early works are also progressing on the Northern Missing Link element of the GAP project, a greenfield rail project that will link the Goonyella Coal System to the Newlands System and provide Central Queensland coal mines with access to the port at Abbot Point.
“Our CoalConnect Alliance is undertaking clearing, fencing and earthworks along the Northern Missing Link and passing loop locations,” Mr Carter said.
“We are committed to continuing with early works as we consult with our supply chain partners to finalise commercial agreements for the GAP Project.”
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