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.

We manage the largest export coal rail network in Australia transporting more than 160 million tonnes of coal from Central Queensland mines to six ports each year.

Coal Systems is a market focused business segment of QR Network, delivering rail infrastructure to support our customers in accessing the major mines in the Central Queensland coal regions. We operate four rail systems which are the Blackwater, Goonyellla, Moura and Newlands systems.

We are in regular consultation with mining companies about providing new rail infrastructure to support mining developments in the region. 

Market segmentation

The four Central Queensland coal systems cover more than 2300 kilometres of track on the QR network. Coal tonnages carried in the systems are anticipated to increase significantly in the next few years to meet the projected world demand for coal over the next five years. In 2007 97% of Queensland export coal tonnes were from Central Queensland, accounting for 10% of thermal world trade, and 50% of coking world trade. Coal Systems is working towards strategically positioning the coal business to deliver value-adding outcomes for QR Network, and our customers.  

Access to the network

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

For more information on gaining access to the network, please contact the QR Network Coal Systems Commercial Services team on (07) 3235 5128 or through this online form.

System Maps and Line Diagrams

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

  • Blackwater

    Network length: 994km Electrified Track: 823km Blackwater

    The Blackwater system is located in Central Queensland and services Stanwell Power Station, Gladstone Power Station, Fisherman’s Landing and the Port of Gladstone’s two terminals: the RG Tanna Coal Terminal and Barney Point Coal Terminal. It is the largest of the four coal systems and carries the second highest tonnages on the QR network, after the Goonyella system.

  • Goonyella

    Network length: 924km Electrified Track: 924km Goonyella

    The Goonyella system is located in Central Queensland and services the Bowen Basin, connecting mines west of Mackay to the world's largest coal export port, the Port of Hay Point. Coal is transported via rail to the two coal terminals at the port: the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and the Hay Point Services Coal Terminal.

  • Moura

    Network length: 301km Electrified Track: 0km Moura

    The Moura system is coupled with the Blackwater system to form the Capricornia Coal Chain. It services the industrial and rural communities of the Dawson and Callide Valleys in Central Queensland. The system’s coal is transported to Gladstone Power Station, Comalco Aluminium Refinery, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) and the Port of Gladstone.

  • Newlands

    Network length: 203 Electrified Track: 0km Newlands

    The Newlands system is located at the northern end of the Bowen Basin in North Queensland. It also incorporates part of the North Coast Line, as well as the rail line to the port at Abbot Point. Major expansion works are planned for extending the Newlands system under the Goonyella and Abbot Point Expansion Project.

Key contacts

For more information on gaining access to the network, please contact the QR Network Coal Systems Commercial Services team:

Enquiries: 07 3235 5128

Online email enquiry form

Section navigation: Coal

Did you know?

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).

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.

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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