Queensland Government rejects parliamentary committee recommendation for the state-owned operator to return to goods transport.
The Queensland Government has ruled out a return to the freight industry for Queensland Rail, even in a short term capacity.
A parliamentary committee had recommended the now passenger-only train operator be used to plug freight gaps in regional Queensland.
But transport minister Scott Emerson says the Government has other priorities for the state-owned business.
“Queensland Rail should concentrate on its core business of delivering passenger transport services,” a spokesperson says.
“[It] no longer has the assets or resources to re-establish a freight presence.”
Instead, the Government will continue to encourage private sector operators to fill demand for freight rail services in regional areas.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Owen Doogan says the switch from road to rail transport will take more than that encouragement, however.
“We believe there is a fundamental requirement for more freight to be put on rail,” he says.
“If that’s not going to be through QR, and I don’t think anyone really expected it would be, the Government needs to say who and how.”