A FORUM aimed at exploring the best utilisation of existing rail infrastructure of Queensland’s South West Rail Network will be held in Goondiwindi on Friday.
The event – which has been jointly organised by the Goondiwindi Regional Council, the Balonne Shire Council, Port of Brisbane and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise – will start at noon with a lunch and run until about 4pm.
The South West Line runs from Toowoomba to Warwick and south west to Thallon. The line also extends from Warwick to Wallangarra, servicing some of Queensland’s most valuable agricultural export regions.
The forum kicks off at 12.30pm with an introduction from Goondiwindi Mayor Graeme Scheu and Balonne Mayor Donna Stewart. Glen Doyle will then outline Queensland Rail’s position on the network.
Peter Keyte from Port of Brisbane will present on the significance of the agricultural contribution and the requirements of the freight network into Queensland’s major port.
The potential for rail hubs will also be discussed with Cameron Jackson detailing how the from Ettamogah Rail Hub is functioning, Michelle Reynolds discussing freight terminals, and Chris Hood expanding on the east west road and rail.
The forum will also hear from potential rail users including Paul Brimblecombe from CS Agriculture (Cubbie), Queensland Cotton, Jock Benham from Graincorp, Andrew Earle from Thallon Grains, Bruce Woods from Woods Grains, and David Titterton from Namoi Cotton.
Other speakers include Aurizon’s David Wright, Freightliner Australia and Genesee & Wyoming’s John McArthur, Qube’s Jack Moore, and Pacific National’s Rob Mills.
Helen Stehbens of Deloittes will also present findings to support a business case instigated by Goondiwindi Regional Council and Balonne Shire Council.
Organisers say an RSVP is essential for catering and venue requirements. Contact Kim Parker at the Goondiwindi Regional Council by email: kparker@grc.qld.gov.au or telephone 07 4671 7400.
