A contract has been awarded to operate cattle rail transport services in North West Queensland from 2022 onwards.

Watco East West has been selected to run the services following a competitive procurement process.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the contract with Watco East West would support local jobs and employment.

“This contract will employ train drivers, maintenance and operational staff based in local communities in regional Queensland, supporting our COVID-19 economic recovery plan,” Mr Bailey said.

“Cattle rail services will support increased economic and employment opportunities in the North West region.

“As the only state in Australia that operates cattle trains, the Palaszczuk Government continues to play a key role in supporting our agricultural sector and managing freight transport demands.

“The new contract with Watco East West is another way our government is investing in jobs in our regions, while also making our roads safer and less congested.”

Watco East West Director, Chris Hood, said the contract would bring exciting new opportunities to the North West region, with local recruitment underway.

“We’ve identified we will need ten qualified drivers in 2022, and an additional 12 needed from 2023, in addition to maintenance and support staff,” Mr Hood said.

“New depots and infrastructure to support loading and unloading on the rail corridor are also being investigated, including a loading and spelling facility near Townsville. 

“We look forward to working with the beef industry to grow the number of cattle being transported by rail.”

Services in the North West will ramp up in 2022 as cattle herds rebuild and in line with Watco local recruitment.

The Queensland Government supports the delivery of cattle rail services through Transport Service Contracts, managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Rail services transport herds of cattle from regional hubs across the state to processing facilities on Queensland’s eastern coast.

Watco East West has also been selected to operate cattle rail services in the Central West and South West regions.

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