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 framework

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

Every application for access to QR Network’s rail network is managed under a detailed process approved by competition regulator, the Queensland Competition Authority.

Rail operators who are accredited by Queensland Transport and have an access agreement with QR Network may access our rail network. Access seekers who have an access agreement with QR Network have access to QR Network’s rail network through the use of an accredited rail operator.

Applying for access

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

Every application for access is handled under a process set down in the Access Undertaking. The process is approved by competition regulator, the Queensland Competition Authority, and includes requirements and timeframes.

The process

Application for access to QR Network’s rail network must be submitted in the format of an Access Application. It is a ten part process, involving the four steps of application, review, negotiation and approval.

Tariffs

QR Network applies a reference tariff to coal carrying train services in the CQCR and Western System. This reference is updated quarterly.
More about the access framework process
Queensland Transport relationship (TSC)

Queensland Transport relationship (TSC)

Approximately seventy percent (70%) of QR Network’s rail corridor is supported under both the Transport Service Contract (Rail Infrastructure) and Non-Rail, Non-Operational Corridor Land contracts. The purpose of these service contracts is to provide funding support for infrastructure in areas that would otherwise not be commercially viable for QR Network. The principle aim of these service contracts between QR Network and Queensland Transport is to meet Government objectives to provide transport outcomes to Queensland.

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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?

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.

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).

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

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.

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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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