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Rail unions should immediately withdraw proposed industrial action as cyclone bears down on Queensland

Aurizon has urged rail unions to withdraw their proposed industrial action starting at midnight tonight, as Cyclone Marcia bears down on the Queensland coast.

The priority in coming days should be the safety of Aurizon staff in managing the potential impact of the weather, in stowing trains and securing facilities, and in assisting customers during this difficult period.

Late last night RTBU advised Aurizon they have withdrawn proposed industrial action scheduled for Callemondah, Stanwell and Bluff depots for Friday.

Now is the time for unions to act responsibly in face of some of the worst weather predicted for Queensland in recent years.

Both unions should withdraw all action immediately in the interests of safety and looking after customers on the ground. This is a developing weather situation and for unions to leave the proposed industrial actions in place is just unnecessary and irresponsible.

We will continue to work closely with potentially affected customers over coming days to mitigate any impacts if the proposed actions do proceed.

Pending a response from the Unions the following notifications remain current:

Friday, 20 February

The RTBU intend to undertake a 24 hour stoppage at Pring (Bowen) depot commencing at 0001 on 20 February and concluding at 0001 on 21 February.

Sunday, 22 February

The AFULE intend to undertake a 24 hour stoppage at the coal depots of Callemondah (Gladstone), Jilalan (Mackay), Coppabella (near Moranbah), Bluff, Stanwell and Pring. This stoppage will commence at 1200 hours on 22 February and conclude at 1200 hours on 23 February.

The AFULE intend to undertake an indefinite overtime ban at the Goondiwindi depot commencing at 1200 hours on 22 February
Monday, 23 February

The AFULE intend to undertake a 24 hour stoppage at the freight depots of Fishermans Island (Brisbane), Acacia Ridge (Brisbane), Townsville, Rockhampton, Emerald, Maryborough, Mackay, Longreach, Roma, Charleville, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi. This stoppage will commence at 1200 hours on 23 February and conclude at 1200 hours on 24 February.

The RTBU intend to undertake a 24 hour stoppage at Coppabella and Jilalan depots commencing at 0001 hours on 23 February and concluding at 0001 hours on 24 February.


Network and operational update (as at 2pm)

  • North Coast Line – Queensland Rail has advised this morning the closure of the freight line from Brisbane to Mackay, which means all Aurizon freight services will be suspended on this corridor. Aurizon is working closely with affected freight customers and Queensland Rail to safely stow services ready for resumption of operations post the weather event.
  • Blackwater and Moura Systems – Aurizon has commenced stowing trains on the corridor to ensure employees can safely return home. Gladstone Port has advised they have ceased berthing and outloading operations. The Aurizon rail lines for Blackwater and Moura system remain open.
  • Goonyella System – Aurizon has commenced stowing trains so this is done safely and that employees can safely return home. Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal at Hay Point has advised that they have ceased berthing and loading operations. The Aurizon rail lines on the Goonyella network remain open with Hay Point Coal Terminal still operating.
  • Newlands System – the network is open and Abbott Point Coal Terminal is continuing to unload trains.