A south-west regional delegation headed to Canberra last week to highlight the importance of railway infrastructure to Quilpie, and called on the federal government to show bi-partisan support.
Two sidings at Morven and Oakey need upgrading so graziers can load and unload cattle to Oakey Beef Exports.
Local GDL manager Tony Lilburne said utilising the existing infrastructure made sense and would ultimately assist economic development in regional communities.
“The bottom line is the rail line is there and should be used. We are an agricultural community and if we can get more cattle on the trains and backload general freight, our whole town will benefit.
“In fact, given that many parts of the Charleville to Quilpie road is not suitable to multiple cattle road trains, they either need to utilise the line or spend millions upgrading our roads.”
Mr Lilburne said millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money was being wasted every year on maintaining the line and he would like to see it being used more efficiently.
“The government chuck heaps of money at keeping the line open but then make a decision to not allow enough services, or well-managed services, to allow our communities to benefit.”
Mr Lilburne said he was supportive of the push for better rail services to assist with general freight costs in addition to providing more options for graziers sending cattle to Oakey and other processors.
“There is potential with the Cooper Basin activities to really take off and it would be a shame if a lot of the business went to South Australia because we do not have adequate freight services.
“I also like the idea of decentralised railway gangs putting a little back into our towns and stimulating local businesses.”
