Skip navigation links
About Us
Our Business
Network Systems
Infrastructure Projects
Investors
Media Centre
Careers
Community

Blackwater System Overview

The Blackwater system is the largest of the four coal systems and carries the second highest tonnages on our network, after the Goonyella system. It is located in Central Queensland, and services the Bowen Basin coal region. This system links mines to the two export terminals at the Port of Gladstone; RG Tanna Coal Terminal, and Barney Point Coal Terminal. The Blackwater system also services a number of domestic users including Stanwell and Gladstone Power Station, Cement Australia and the Comalco Refinery (Rio Tinto Alcan).

Map 

The Blackwater system consists of 985 km of bi-directional track. 807 kms of track is electrified. Callemondah Yard is used to provision train services. The system is operated from the Rockhampton Control Centre utilising two safe working systems - Remote Control Signalling (RCS) and Direct Traffic Control (DTC).

 Blackwater System

System Quick Facts

  • FY 2010 system haulage: 58.3mt
  • Coal mines serviced: 14
  • Coal export terminals: 2

Request an Information Pack

The Blackwater system information pack contains a general overview of the system, including climate information, a description of the railway and track, as well as infrastructure and rollingstock operational constraints.  For a copy of the Blackwater system information pack, please contact the Network division.