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To: coal.comms.pol@merddyn.apana.org.au
From: transport@cabinet.qld.gov.au
Subject: Qld. Media statement - GOVERNMENT $20 MILLION RAIL CONTRACT BOOSTS TOWNSVILLE INDUSTRY
Errors-To: harrisa@citec.qld.gov.au
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 12:28:04 +1000
Message-ID: <19980216022804.AAA4980@inet6.citec.com.au>
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, HON. V. G. JOHNSON
6/2/98
GOVERNMENT $20 MILLION RAIL CONTRACT BOOSTS TOWNSVILLE INDUSTRY
Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson today announced that Queensland Rail is finalising a contract with Goninan North Queensland Pty Ltd for the construction of 220 coal wagons worth more than $20 million.
Mr Johnson said that the contract would see Goninan undertaking almost $200 million worth of contracts which are playing an important part in the powering ahead of Queensland Rail and its export coal network.
The latest contract for the 104-tonne coal wagons to be awarded to Goninan follows the two existing contracts for 50 new-generation diesel locomotives worth $145 million, and 320 high capacity coal wagons for almost $30 million.
Delivery of the 50 locomotives and 320 wagons will continue until August this year, with work on the 220 new coal wagons continuing through until late 1999.
"QR is midway through a 10-year $6 billion investment program which is not only creating a modern, competitive transport network for Queensland, but also business and employment opportunities throughout the State," Mr Johnson said.
"Coal is Queensland's largest export earner with $5 billion annual revenue, and QR is playing a key role in helping the industry to maintain its competitive edge on world markets.
"Queensland Rail's massive investment program in its heavy-haul network is helping Queensland's coal industry to remain internationally competitive," he said.
"The new 104-tonne coal wagons will replace older, lower-capacity wagons and will allow each Queensland Rail coal train to carry 9,600 tonnes of coal from mine to port," said Mr Johnson.
He said this would help Queensland Rail meet the growing needs of its export coal markets and achieve world's best practice for its heavy haulage operations.
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