Industry groups slam government for high cost of transport We’re off the rails

DEVELOPMENT groups are calling for incentives on the use of rail to haul heavy freight, warning a shift to road transport is increasing the risk of traffic accidents and hurting the viability of North Queensland’s minerals trade.

Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone says a recent spate of accidents on the Flinders and Barkly highways is cause for concern.

In January, 60 tonnes of copper product were spilt on the Flinders Highway near Townsville, while in a separate incident in March a truck driver was killed when a fuel tanker exploded on impact with a car near Cloncurry.

MITEZ president David Glasson said the group was concerned about accidents in the past year involving trucks and heavy transport vehicles.

He said the issue was being raised consistently at its meetings and it appeared more serious accidents were occurring.

“Members have noticed there has been a fundamental change in transport logistics across the region as a lot of bulk product has been shifted from rail to road to avoid the high cost,” Mr Glasson said.

He said the impediment to getting more freight off the road was the high cost of rail and the terms and conditions on its use applied by the State Government’s Queensland Competition Authority.

“Is it to be an enabler of growth and support the region’s economy and communities or is it simply a cash cow?” Mr Glasson asked.

He said incentives should be offered to make the use of the rail system more attractive, which would take pressure off roads and improve safety.

A group involving MITEZ, Townsville Enterprise and mining groups approached the Government last year but the problems only appear to have been worsened.

Mount Isa- based MP Rob Katter said he was growing increasingly frustrated with a government that was not only unable to make the necessary reforms but was adding to the problem by boosting maintenance and increasing freight costs.

Mr Katter said this forced even more trade on to roads and increased costs for those mining companies still using the rail.