QR National has suspended services on the Goonyella and Newlands coal rail networks following the closure of Abbot Point Coal Terminal near Bowen, and the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Hay Point Coal Terminal, south of Mackay.
The closures are a precautionary measure as Cyclone Yasi approaches the Queensland Coast. QR National unloaded a number of trains last night at Abbot Point and Dalrymple Bay before the closures. QR National is ensuring trains are stowed in safe locations and crews returned safely to home depots.
Coal train services in the Blackwater and Moura Coal systems into the Port of Gladstone continue to operate.
General freight services through north Queensland have also been revised today as a precaution to the approaching cyclone. Three southbound services scheduled along the north coast line today, two from Cairns and one from Townsville, have been terminated due to the cyclone and will resume when the track reopens.
All other rail operations along the north coast line north of Rockhampton have been cancelled from tomorrow, 2 February 2011, until further notice. Services will continue to run between Brisbane’s Fisherman Islands and Rockhampton. Freight services along the north-west line between Townsville and Mt Isa will be suspended from Wednesday 2 February 2011 until further notice.
QR National is making local arrangements with staff to close facilities and allow people to return safely to make their own preparations at home for the cyclone.
