News

Aurizon has mobilised all available crews and resources, including contractors, to undertake repairs across the four coal systems (Newlands, Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura).

Further infrastructure assessments and confirmation of work programs have allowed Aurizon to firm up estimated recovery times. Re-opening times for each system listed below still remain subject to no deterioration in weather conditions and no unforeseen interruption to the recovery process.

Blackwater (connecting into the Port of Gladstone)

The Blackwater system was expected to re-open in the week ending Sunday, 9 April. Due to further impacts from the current Rockhampton region flood event, the Blackwater system will now re-open to coal traffic on Monday, 10 April. At this time, the network is expected to operate under restricted conditions with some reduced capacity. Recovery and repairs are being undertaken at multiple sites along the Blackwater corridor.

Newlands (connecting into Abbot Point Coal Terminal)

The Newlands system is expected to re-open on Friday, 14 April. This is ahead of the previous estimate of 17 – 24 April. Recovery and repairs are being undertaken at multiple sites along the Newlands corridor.

Goonyella (connecting into Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Hay Point Coal Terminal).

There is no change to the previous estimated re-opening of five weeks (from 3 April 2017). Recovery and repairs are being undertaken at multiple sites along the Goonyella corridor, including at Black Mountain which experienced significant landslides.

Moura (connecting into the Port of Gladstone)

The Moura system is now expected to re-open on Wednesday, 12 April, ahead of the previous estimate of 17 April. Recovery and repairs are being undertaken at multiple sites along the Moura corridor.

Alternative routing options

Due to the repairs required on the eastern section of the Goonyella corridor, Aurizon Network will work with customers and supply chain partners (subject to its Access Undertaking obligations) who are serviced by this line to offer alternative routing options. This may include railing from the western sections of the Goonyella system and north up the Newlands system to Abbot Point Coal Terminal, or south through the Blackwater system to the Port of Gladstone.

The repairs to large sections of infrastructure of the Goonyella system at Black Mountain are scheduled to be completed by 11 April and will allow the majority of Goonyella mines the opportunity to assess these re-routing opportunities, subject to its contractual arrangements and capacity constraints.

For more information, please contact: Brand & Communications at media@aurizon.com.au