Rail freight operator to transport 8.7 million tonnes per annum in the Hunter Valley till December 2025
Aurizon commenced its long-term rail haulage contract for AGL Macquarie in the Hunter Valley earlier today.
The contract includes coal rail haulage of 8.7 million tonnes per annum in the Hunter Valley through to December 2025.
It is part of the company’s expansion plans in the Hunter Valley region that has seen Aurizon invest up to $500 million in trains and facilities.
The contract with AGL Macquarie takes Aurizon’s contracted tonnages in New South Wales to approximately 55 million tonnes per annum.
New Group Executive of Aurizon Coal Division Ed McKeiver says the company is pleased to continue its growth in the region by becoming a supply chain partner with AGL Macquarie and helping to deliver around 30 per cent of New South Wales’ electricity needs.
“To support the new contract, we have a new team of 41 employees who are excited about not only running the rail services, but also managing the ancillary services associated with operating AGL Macquarie’s Antiene and Newdell coal unloading facilities,” McKeiver says.
“The team has been in training and have trialled a number of test trains for some time to prepare for the contract start today.
“Out of the 41 employees, 16 have come from other areas of Aurizon, transferring internally from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, and bringing their experience and Aurizon’s operating knowledge with them.
“We also recruited 16 trainee drivers, allowing us to attract local people to the rail industry and develop them in a trainee driver program to become qualified drivers.
“Each of the 16 are in final stages of their traineeships as we commence operations.”
“Across the team, 30 per cent of the workforce is female and 15 per cent identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
“Each team member will bring their unique perspective and experience to the workplace, and I am confident that they will deliver great results for AGL Macquarie.”
Aurizon says it is confident that the diversity of the new team will be a recipe for success.