Queensland Rail has established a Regional Recovery Taskforce to repair cyclone and flood affected regional train lines as quickly as possible, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced yesterday.
Ms Nolan said the Regional Recovery Taskforce would ensure a coordinated approach by bringing together senior Queensland Rail leaders from a number of regions and divisions.
“This taskforce includes representatives with a range of knowledge and skills, including expertise in human resource management, communications, workplace health and safety, customer relations and law,” she said.
“It is the single point of contact co-ordinating with contractors, suppliers, employees, government and customers and will ensure services are restored as soon as possible.”
Ms Nolan said she was pleased to see the taskforce already delivering results.
Ms Nolan was in Tully this morning inspecting the state of the line and speaking to Queensland Rail gangs working hard on recovery.
“Between Cairns and Townsville the main damage seems to be to signs and level crossings,” Ms Nolan said.
“Queensland Rail hope to have the line operational in approximately two weeks but timing is largely dependent on power supply.
“Trees have generally been cleared from tracks and washouts are being repaired. The main focus now is on repairing level crossing infrastructure including flashing lights and boomgates so trains can safely run.”
Ms Nolan thanked trackworkers who were working in severe heat for their efforts in getting the line back up.
“Queensland Rail Travel train services on the North Coast line are operating between Brisbane and Mackay with passengers being transferred by road between Cairns and Mackay,” Ms Nolan said.
“The Kuranda Scenic Railway has also resumed its regular scheduled tourist train services.
“Due to track damage as a result of severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi, Queensland Rail has arranged road coaches to transport customers on The Inlander service between Townsville and Mt Isa while repairs are carried out.
“The Spirit of the Outback is operating to Emerald with coach replacement for customers between Emerald and Longreach.
“Queensland Rail staff continue to repair damage caused by flash flooding on the Toowoomba line which is expected to reopen in April.
“Police or traffic controllers managing level crossings mean we keep trains running and delivering critical supplies to Queensland, while work continues to restore the damaged infrastructure.”
Ms Nolan said it was important that motorists take extra care at level crossings through these special circumstances.
“I urge all motorists to be extra vigilant and obey the directions of police or traffic controllers at these crossings,” she said.
