Rail is a leading sustainable industry because it moves people efficiently and reduces the amount of heavy vehicle traffic, thereby improving quality of life in terms of mobility, health and environmental impacts. 

To ensure that we provide a safe, reliable and environmentally sustainable network, we have established a number of policies relating to our operations, safety and community issues.

Coal dust

Short, medium and long-term mitigation methods have been identified for improved coal dust management.

QR Network has spent more than 12 months working with the coal industry and the community to monitor and evaluate coal dust emissions in central Queensland and develop the program. 

QR Network is acting as co-ordinator for the coal supply chain to facilitate a collaborative and consistent approach through a Coal Dust Management Plan (CDMP) due for completion in December 2009.

QR Network has also introduced a Community ConnectLine to capture and respond to concerns about coal dust from trains.  Central Queensland residents can phone 1800 050 480 to register a concern.

Noise 

QR Network has established a Code of Practice for Railway Noise Management to demonstrate how we are taking steps to minimise the impact of rail noise on the acoustic amenity of communities along our rail corridor.  The Noise Code outlines a number of self-imposed rules for railway activities and applies to all rail operators on our network.

Graffiti

Graffiti and vandalism of QR rail property costs both QR Network and the community millions of dollars every year. An extensive graffiti cleaning program is in place to keep the corridors clean and attractive for the use by our customers.  Art programs have been rolled out across the South East Queensland network that engage local communities and bring together creative minds and artistic ability of varying levels to actively improve station facilities and the appearance of stations and car parks.