Carrying Coals in Queensland
There’s no doubt that coal is extremely important to the Queensland economy but unfortunately Queensland railways – who currently hold a monopoly on coal transportation in Queensland – isn’t doing such a good job of getting the coal from the mines to the coast. In fact the situation is so bad that at least one of the mines is now laying off workers because the above ground stockpiles at the mine have grown too big.
There have been some half-hearted comments from the State Government about finding extra locomotives and rolling stock but it seems that Pacific National are doing more that making half-hearted comments. According to this Reuters article Pacific National are already putting in orders for more locos and coal hoppers with a view to breaking into the coal carrying business in Queensland.
Actually, when you think about it doesn’t it make you wonder why Queensland National are working in the coal carrying business in NSW when they can’t meet the demand in their own backyard?
PN010 on a up container train at Maryborough West on 28.02.06