Asciano’s coal haulage division, Pacific National Coal, has unveiled its new train maintenance and provisioning facility at Nebo in regional Queensland.

 

At a joint launch with the Isaac Regional Council, Pacific National said its $180 million new Nebo Maintenance Facility will support its coal haulage operations and further increase the efficiency of its coal haulage services in the Goonyella, Blackwater and Newlands rail systems.

 

The five kilometre long facility will enable the provisioning and maintenance of Pacific National trains to ensure their reliable and efficient operation with a range of functions performed, including the refuelling of trains, routine train inspections and wagon and locomotive maintenance work.

 

"Nebo is the first facility of its design in Australia and includes some of the most innovative design and maintenance techniques seen within the rail industry today, with capacity to support up to 25 coal trains, with eight bays for locomotives and two main tracks for wagon maintenance,” said Mr Geoff Featherstone, General Manager Operations QLD, Pacific National Coal.

 

As the fastest growing coal haulage operator in Queensland, Pacific National Coal currently transports export coal to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, the Port of Gladstone and Port of Abbot Point under contracts with customers including Xstrata, Rio Tinto, Macarthur Coal, Anglo American, Middlemount, Bowen Central Coal and BHP Mitsui Coal (commencing on 1 January 2013).

 

Pacific National Coal Director, Mr David Irwin said, “The construction of the new train maintenance and provisioning facilities at Nebo is a significant milestone in Pacific National’s long term investment in Queensland’s coal haulage market to support the needs of our customers.

 

“With Queensland coal exports expected to grow strongly, Pacific National’s investment is critical to delivering the most efficient, effective and sustainable coal haulage services.

“Importantly, we have created 322 full time jobs, including 220 throughout the construction period, a further 65 new trainee train driver and fully qualified train driver positions and other ongoing maintenance and administrative positions. We invite anyone who is looking for a career with great prospects to come and speak to us,” he concluded.

 

Planning for the new train provisioning and maintenance facilities at Nebo commenced in early 2010 and included consultation with key stakeholders and community members to ensure minimisation of potential environmental, noise and land impacts. The design and construction was carried out under an alliance between Pacific National Coal and Abigroup Contractors (construction and project coordination), BG&E (design) and QR National (design and construction of track).

 

The facilities have also been designed to interface with QR National’s rail network and a Connection Agreement has been negotiated with QR National to ensure the efficient integration of the facility with the existing network.

 

Asciano Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr John Mullen, said, “The successful ramp-up of our operations in Queensland, and now the launch of our productivity enhancing Nebo Train Maintenance Facility is a testament to our Queensland workforce and management team, and reinforces our ability to deliver on our Queensland coal strategy.

 

“We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Isaac Regional Council, the Queensland State Government and the local community to ensure continued investment and job growth within the region and with our employees and customers to ensure we deliver on our promise of flexible, safe and innovative services.”