Rail, Ports and Freight Division
Rail, Ports and Freight Division coordinates transport policy, strategy, funding and investment initiatives in relation to rail, ports and freight.The division develops and implements policies, regulations and strategic plans to promote more effective and efficient rail, port and freight systems in Queensland and to facilitate internationally competitive freight logistics practices.
The Division's role is reflected in the areas of:
- rail services (above rail) and rail network (below rail)
- ports planning and strategic investments
- representing the interests of shareholding ministers for the State's transport GOCs
- liaison and coordination with the transport Government Owned Corporations (GOCs), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), Queensland Treasury and the Coordinator-General
- ensuring implementation of government policies in the use of strategic port land and in land use planning
- representing the State's port network interests in whole-of-government issues
- leading issues associated with competitive neutrality and competition within the port and rail sectors
- corridor land acquisition and stewardship
- rail, ports and related legislation
- private investment in rail and ports
- rail and port security
- cross modal and inter-modal freight policy
- coordination of coal transport infrastructure
Key activities
The division negotiates contracts for the delivery of Community Service Obligations by Queensland Rail or other rail service providers, and fosters productivity and efficiency improvements through cost-effective transport solutions.
The transport service contracts developed and managed by the division include 'below rail', long distance passenger, regional rail services, and non-rail corridor land management. Collectively, these contracts represent about $408m for 2005/06 of purchased services with the rail infrastructure contracts also acknowledging access for third party operators. Approximately 2/3 (7000km) of the State's rail network is underpinned by government-funded contracts. The division also manages the Shareholder's Agreement with Queensland Rail which is valued at $45m in 2005/06.
Divisional staff work closely with the State's seven port authorities which, on behalf of the government, manage a network of 18 trading ports, two airports and two community ports. The authorities are required to deliver transport outcomes and contribute to the State's economic, financial and regional growth.
The division provides specialist advice on private sector and public sector investments in rail and port infrastructure, and effective and efficient structures for transport GOCs.
The division's Coal and Mineral Projects Group has a major coordination role in ensuring appropriate transport infrastructure is available to sustain and grow Australia's major export commodity industry.
We also have the responsibility for a range of projects involving private sector investment in or around rail or port infrastructure. The branch adopts a commercial approach, but the priority remains the long-term integrity of the transport infrastructure.
A key focus of current work is the volumetric development of rail corridor, that is development in strata, above and below rail corridors, for which a volumetric or three-dimensional subdivision of land (or air) will usually be needed.
Volumetric development around rail stations ties in with the broader government policy of encouraging transit-oriented development - development which provides easy access to, and encourages use of, public transport. We work with private sector interests to facilitate development, typically mixed use commercial, residential and retail, in or on rail corridor.
The division is responsible for the State's relationship with Airtrain Citylink Ltd, provider of the Brisbane Airport Rail Link service, and a number of other projects involving private sector interests.
Staff participate in national transport fora and reform initiatives. The projects and policies developed and evaluated by the division influence long-term investment in Queensland's transport infrastructure and operations. The division provides specialist advice on private sector investment in rail and port infrastructure.
We have coordinated a range of cross-modal and corridor studies. Rail, Ports and Freight also uses its expertise in road and rail pricing to enhance government's understanding of the modal choices faced by industry. A similar focus is being undertaken for maritime policy, for example coastal shipping.
Queensland Transport has responded to heightened emphasis on freight with the establishment of the Rail, Ports and Freight Division - a centralised point of contact for coordination of cross-modal freight issues and leadership of inter-modal freight policy.
Key portfolio partners
- Transport Government Owned Corporations: Queensland Rail and the port authorities
- Maritime Safety Queensland
- Queensland Department of Main Roads
- TransLink
Divisional staff work closely with the state's port authorities, which on behalf of the government manage a network of trading and community ports. The authorities are required to deliver transport outcomes and contribute to the state's economic, financial and regional growth.
The division also manages, on behalf of the Government, contracts for the delivery of Community Service Obligations by Queensland Rail or other rail service providers, and fosters productivity and efficiency improvements through cost-effective transport solutions.
The transport service contracts developed and managed by the division include 'below rail', Traveltrain, regional rail services, and non-rail corridor land management.
Key achievements
Rail, Ports and Freight Division has coordinated a range of cross-modal and corridor studies. The division has also built its expertise in road and rail pricing to enhance government's understanding of the modal choices faced by industry.
Last updated 09 October 2007
Other languages