Transport Minister Rachel Nolan has reassured the Winton and Longreach communities about the Queensland Government’s investment in the Winton to Longreach rail line.
“There is absolutely no proposal being considered by the department for the closure of the Winton to Longreach section of the Central-Western Rail system,” Ms Nolan said.
The Winton to Longreach line is funded under the current Transport Service Contract (Rail Infrastructure), in place until 2013.
“Significant funding has been allocated within the Queensland Rail Maintenance Plan for this track section until 2013, to pay for signalling, telecommunications, track work, structures and facilities.”
Ms Nolan said other works in the area included a planned rail balloon loop at the Winton Livestock Facility to improve the movement of livestock in the region.
“This project is at the concept stage, with $104,000 allocated as seed funding for preliminary planning work,” she said.
“It is expected to cost about $3 million and the project will start once detailed designs are completed.”
The Longreach livestock loading facility was completed in November 2007 at a cost of $337,000.
Ms Nolan said the government had also upgraded 13 out of 14 open level crossings in the Longreach Regional Council area to meet Australian standards, and five out of six open level crossings in the Winton Regional Council.
Discussions are currently underway to upgrade the remaining two crossings.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads is continuing to invest in regional Queensland, including improvements to transport services and infrastructure in Winton and Longreach,” Ms Nolan said.
Member for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan, said she had continued to work with government, QR and the Winton community to ensure rail services continued for the western region.
After a number of years, Mrs Kiernan facilitated the agreements between the Minister, QR and Main Roads for the upgrade of Winton-Hughenden Road and the establishment of the rail loop in Winton.
Mrs Kiernan said she was delighted Minister Nolan had taken such a personal interest in rail issues in her electorate.
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