Access & regulation

QR Network is responsible for providing, maintaining and managing access to, and operators on, its rail network and associated rail infrastructure. QR network’s rail network totals almost 10 000 kilometres.

Access Undertaking

QR Network’s access undertaking provides a framework for access to QR Network’s rail network for the purpose of operating train services.

Rail operators and other access seekers interested in using the QR Network must negotiate most aspects of their proposed operations through QR Network.

QR Network’s access undertaking sets out QR Network’s obligations in regards to:

  • Ringfencing arrangements
  • The framework for negotiations access
  • The development of access agreements
  • Pricing principles
  • The utilisation of network capacity
  • Interface arrangements between QR Network and train operators; and
  • Reporting requirements

While rail operators are not legally obliged to comply with the Access Undertaking, QR Network may refuse access to those who do not follow its processes. QR Network is bound by law to provide measures that ensure that access seekers are treated fairly and equitably.

The Queensland Competition Authority is currently considering QR Network's 2009 Draft Access Undertaking which was submitted in September 2008. For information concerning the process, or to view the original submission and additional information please see http://www.qca.org.au/rail/2009-DAU/.

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Infrastructure Programs

2009 Mount Isa Master Plan

The Mount Isa System Rail Infrastructure Master Plan, released in July 2009, presents a number of commercially based rail infrastructure options which highlight the ongoing potential for growth in the region.

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2008 COALRail Master Plan

The COALRail Master Plan provides transparency on future capital investment in the Central Queensland coal region and the Western System in Southern Queensland.

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Did you know?

Queensland’s vast rail network is owned by QR and supported by state of the art infrastructure and systems. The rail network is valued at some $AUD6 billion.

The Australian rail industry is open to competition and in Queensland, rail operators can apply to use QR Network’s 10,000km of narrow gauge, standard gauge and dual gauge track.

On 1 September 2008, QR Network Pty Ltd became a stand alone subsidiary company of QR Ltd.

Road produces approximately 4.5 times more CO2 equivalent (green house gas emissions) than rail.

Rail is a much safer form of transport than road (road has approximately 40 times the amount of transport fatalities than rail).

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Major Programs

  • COALRail

    The COALRail Program will increase capacity and improve performance of the coal supply chains in Queensland from mine by rail to ship.

  • SEQIP Rail

    The SEQIPRAIL program will create a more efficient, accessible and comprehensive transport system in South East Queensland.

Customer & stakeholder portals

QR Network’s portal environments are password protected and only available to existing customers and stakeholders.

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