PREMIER Anna Bligh has visited the $350m Jilalan Rail Yard project which is expected to benefit the future coal industry.
The Jilalan Rail Yard, located just south-east of Sarina, is owned and operated by Queensland Rail. It is currently capable of handling approximately 92 million tonnes of coal per year.
Bligh says track work has been finished to allow two kilometre long coal trains to continue transporting coal from the Bowen Basin to the region's coal terminals.
The Queensland Government says with the expected expansion of Dalrymple Bay/Hay Point ports to approximately 130 million tonnes per year, there is a need for rail upgrades to complement the port facilities. The Jilalan Rail Yard project will be a key item in this strategy.
Bligh claims the upgrade will bring significant economic benefits to the Mackay/Sarina region and help to ensure the efficiency of Queensland’s coal rail transport system.
Industry officials believe it is very positive to see this sort of advancement taking place in these tough economic times.
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