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Aurizon operates and manages Australia’s largest export coal rail network, the Central Queensland Coal Network. 

This 2,670 kilometre multi-user track network comprises of four major coal systems and one connecting system serving Queensland’s Bowen Basin coal region: Newlands, Goonyella, Blackwater and Moura with Goonyella Abbot Point Expansion the connecting system link.

Connecting more than 50 mines to five major export ports, plus many domestic consumers, the Central Queensland Coal Network is a pivotal component to Queensland’s coal industry.

Aurizon Network’s operations are governed by 99 year lease arrangements with the State of Queensland. Access to our rail network is managed under a detailed process approved by the competition regulator, the Queensland Competition Authority.

Access Seekers (including miners, non-coal access holders and rail operators) can seek access to the rail network through the process set out in Aurizon Network’s Access Undertaking, which defines the regime for open access to our rail infrastructure.

Network Downloads

Documents include forms, guides, reports and plans in the operations of the network.

GO TO NETWORK DOWNLOADS

Collinsville passing loop operationalisation

Aurizon Central Queensland Coal Network is re-commencing operations on the Collinsville passing loop to provide more flexibility for train operations, as we seek to improve cycle times and address identified capacity shortfalls on the Newlands rail system.

For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

 

Download FAQs

Access

  1. Application
  2. Review
  3. Negotiation
  4. Approval

  1. Application

    1. Step 1

      Download appropriate information

    2. Step 2

      Submit a Conceptual Operating Plan

    3. Step 3

      You receive a response from Aurizon Network

    Application for access to the rail network must be submitted in the format of an Access Application. Prior to submitting an Access Application, the Access Seeker may seek initial meetings with us to discuss the Access Application and to seek clarification of the process used.

    The Access Application must include information on the applicant, a general train service description, timetable requirements, Rollingstock details and any known infrastructure requirements.

    Once the information required has been received, we will provide a written acknowledgment of receipt of the access application.

  2. Review

    1. Step 4

      Your Conceptual Operation Plan is considered

    2. Step 5

      You receive an Indicative Access Proposal

    Aurizon will review the information received and assess the Access Application to develop an Indicative Access Proposal (IAP).

    The IAP outlines:

    • The Rollingstock and train configuration proposed
    • A summary of the relevant operating characteristics
    • An initial capacity assessment
    • Any other submitted Access Requests that if approved would effect the proposed train service
    • An initial estimate of the access charge applicable to the train service proposed
    • Details of additional information required in preparation for the negotiation stages

    The IAP contains indicative arrangements only and does not oblige Aurizon Network to provide access until an Access Agreement has been executed.

    The IAP remains valid for 90 days after the date the IAP is sent to the Access Seeker. The Access Seeker may accept or reject the IAP. When the IAP is accepted then the Access Application enters the Negotiation stage.

  3. Negotiation

    1. Step 6

      Advise if Indicative Access Proposal is acceptable

    2. Step 7

      Finalise all your obligations

    Negotiation begins with the acceptance of an IAP by the Access Seeker. At this stage the Access Seeker and Aurizon Network negotiate the details of the Access Request with the intention of executing an Access Agreement. The negotiation period is set a maximum period of 9 months.

    Negotiations will cease in the event of the following;

    • The execution of a Access Agreement in respect of the access sought by the Access Seeker
    • Aurizon Network receiving written notification by the Access Seeker that it no longer wishes to proceed with its Access Application
    • Aurizon Network issuing a Negotiation Cessation Notice to the Access Seeker
    • The expiration of the 9 months, although if both parties agree this 9 month period can be extended.

  4. Approval

    1. Step 8

      Aurizon Network prepares Access Agreement

    2. Step 9

      With Accreditation you sign the Access Agreement

    3. Step 10

      Start operating on the network

    Aurizon prepares an access agreement, and negotiates final terms and conditions with you. Once you have accreditation as a rail operator from Queensland Transport, sign the access agreement with Aurizon Network.

    Start operating on Aurizon rail network.

Aurizon prepares an access agreement, and negotiates final terms and conditions with you. Once you have accreditation as a rail operator from Queensland Transport, sign the access agreement with Aurizon Network.

Start operating on Aurizon rail network.

Contact us

For more information on gaining access to the network, please contact the Commercial Services team on 13 23 32.

Or contact us online

Contact us

Portal

Get things done

  • Request & submit access online
  • Request a network closure
  • Manage invoices & payments
  • Access commercial agreements
  • Review Performance statistics

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