Networks

QR Network operates an open-access railway providing Queensland with rail and communications connections that link major metropolitan areas to remote regions, rich mining provinces to export markets and freight suppliers to customer markets.

Freight Systems is a market focused segment of QR Network. It is responsible for performance in the Mt Isa, North Coast, Western, Maryborough Area, South Western, Central West and Tablelands systems in Queensland.

Market segmentation

 Although freight is the main market of these systems, coal and passenger traffic is also present.

Access to the network

Rail operators and other access seekers interested in using the freight system of the rail network must negotiate most aspects of their proposed operations through QR Network Freight Systems. Every application for access is handled under a process set down in the QR Network Access Undertaking, which defines the regime for open access to our rail infrastructure. The process is approved by competition regulator, the Queensland Competition Authority and includes requirements and timeframes.

System Maps and Line Diagrams

System Maps and Line Diagrams can be viewed either on system pages, or on the Downloads page.

  • Mt Isa

    System length: 1000km Mt Isa

    The Mount Isa system services the North West Queensland Minerals Province, running from the Port of Townsville to Mount Isa. Goods transported on the line include general freight, minerals, fertilisers and iron ore.

  • North Coast Line

    System length: 1680km North Coast Line

    The North Coast Line system is the principal freight and passenger line within the Queensland rail network. It runs the length of Coastal Queensland between Brisbane in the south and Cairns in the north.

  • Western

    System length: 1240km Western

    The Western system is located in South/South Western Queensland, running from Quilpie in the west to Rosewood in the east. The system caters for all traffic types.

  • Maryborough Area

    System length: 550km Maryborough Area

    The Maryborough Area system is located in South East Queensland, stretching from Kingaroy in the south to Graham in the north, from Monto in the west to Hervey Bay in the east.

  • South Western

    System length: 610km South Western

    The South Western system runs from Toowoomba to Dirranbandi via Warwick (including the Wallangara and Millmerran branches).

  • Central West

    System length: 780km Central West

    The Central West system adjoins the Blackwater system at Emerald and runs from Emerald to Hughenden via Longreach and Winton.

  • Tablelands

    System length: 450km Tablelands

    Two railways make up the Tablelands system. The first runs from Cairns to Forsayth, and carries general freight and passenger services. The second railway runs from Normanton (on the Gulf of Carpentaria) inland Croydon and carries passengers.

Contact us

For more information on gaining access to the network, please contact Andrew Matthews, the Business Manager Freight Systems.  

Andrew Matthews
Business Manager Freight Systems
Level 20, 127 Creek Street
Brisbane QLD 4000

+61 7 3235 3609

Section navigation: Freight

Did you know?

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

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.

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

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

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.

Find out more