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Aurizon’s Head of Safety Danny Harnedy says it’s important that motorists and pedestrians are aware that coal trains are back operating on most of the Central Queensland Coal Network following repairs to the network caused by Cyclone Debbie and associated flooding.

“Aurizon’s Blackwater coal system re-opened on Monday 10 April, and Moura re-opened today. We are expecting the Newlands coal system to open tomorrow,” said Danny.

“We are also prioritising recovery and repairs so we can open western sections of the Goonyella coal system, which will mean coal trains will be running again through Moranbah, Dysart and Coppabella.

“Given there has been no coal train traffic across Central Queensland for almost two weeks, we encourage community members to practice safe behaviour around the rail corridor and to raise awareness with their families about rail safety.

“We recognise that the Easter break often means more traffic on the roads, so it’s important for everyone to stay off the tracks and stop, look, listen and think at level crossings.

“By breaking the law and ignoring the signals and signs, you not only put yourself at risk you put others at risk of being injured or even worse, killed.

“Every near miss, incident or fatality on the rail network can also cause severe and ongoing trauma for train drivers and their families.

“Train drivers can’t swerve to miss you and it takes nearly two kilometres to stop a 10 thousand tonne train even with the application of the emergency brakes.”

Aurizon has released a Rail Safety video that provides some key tips and facts on safe behaviour around the rail corridor. To view the video, visit the Aurizon YouTube page.