Aurizon invests in key commodities corridor

The bright promise of the North West Minerals Province is spurring a $5 million Aurizon multi-modal rail terminal development underway at Port of Townsville. The national freight and logistics company lists putting more bulk freight on rail on the Mount Isa corridor as a key focus, bringing economic, environmental and safety benefits. “Aurizon Port Services (APS) sees such strong growth in the region," Townsville-based APS manager Jackie Gregory said. "This extends beyond the commodities such as copper, lead and zinc that are the foundation of the North West Minerals Province. "We are now seeing the development of those future-facing commodities that will fuel and the feed the world in the decades to come such as vanadium and high-grade phosphate.” APS last year completed a $2 million upgrade at the port, including a 10,000 sq m concrete pad with capacity for 1200 shipping containers. The $5 million stage two now underway comprises laying down almost 2km of rail track; a 270m runway for heavy-lift reach-stackers to directly access trainloads and the container park, and upgrades to allow for efficient truck movements to the site. Local contractors Gabrielli Construction, who delivered stage one of the project, were re-engaged for the stage two works. Work commenced on site in June and is scheduled for completion in late 2022. Related: ACCC clears $2.35b One Rail deal “This $5 million investment is a big vote of confidence in the North Queensland economy,” Ms Gregory said. “With the development of an efficient multi-modal terminal for its customers, Aurizon has the platform for growth across next decade. “Aurizon has a growing list of industrial and mining customers here in the North who are keen to grow their business and tap into a seamless logistics chain between the North West Minerals Province and the Port. “It means that Aurizon Port Services can deliver the capacity for our growing tonnages here at the port, and continue to drive productivity and operational improvements for the benefit of both our customers and the Aurizon business." The company last week announced that its was welcoming Chinova Resources as a new customer in North Queensland. Aurizon is providing Chinova with an end-to-end supply chain solution - including road, rail and stevedoring services - transport copper concentrate product from the Osborne mine, 190km south-east of Mount Isa, to APS in Townsville for export. Image at top: Resources Minister Scott Stewart (far right) inspects the work with Aurizon Bulk group executive Clay McDonald, APS manager Jackie Gregory and Aurizon managing director and cfhief executive officer Andrew Harding.

Aurizon invests in key commodities corridor

Industry Queensland

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