An update from Queensland Rail’s Acting CEO, Kat Stapleton:

Repairs to the Charters Towers to Townsville section of the Mount Isa line have been completed on schedule following the derailment of an Aurizon freight train on Wednesday, 30 December 2020.

In collaboration with Aurizon, our taskforce of 50-people have worked as quickly and safely as possible to repair the line in less than a week, despite challenging wet weather conditions.  

We are extremely thankful for the hard work of all involved in the line’s recovery, especially during the holiday season.  

Over the past six days, crews have worked to repair the rail infrastructure, including the replacement of culvert piping, track, ballast and sleepers which were stored locally, fast-tracking the recovery efforts.

Queensland Rail is working towards the gradual resumption of freight and passenger services on the Mount Isa line as soon as it is safe to do so, however due to heavy rainfall in the region, services remain impacted.

Queensland Rail is working closely with freight partners to ensure the quick resumption of freight services along the line, restoring this critical link for regional communities and economies.

The Inlander passenger service, which operates two return trips per week, will be replaced by road coaches where conditions are safe to do so.

We would also like to thank neighbouring owners, customers, freight partners, contractors, and the community for their ongoing patience and assistance as we work to restore these services.

Customers booked on the Inlander service are encouraged to visit http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call Queensland Rail Travel on 1800 803 009.