Aurizon’s confidence in the continued growth of import / export trade through the Port of Townsville is the reason the national freight & logistics company has invested a further $5 million to develop the Port’s first multi-modal rail terminal.
The project involves investing in a direct rail corridor into Aurizon Port Services’ (APS) container and handling park, with almost two kilometres of track across three rail lines. This means APS customers in North Queensland will have access to the full range of multi-modal solutions – road, rail and port – for their logistics requirements.
Aurizon is creating efficient pathways for export commodities in North Queensland, helping unlock development opportunities for customers, as well as income and jobs for regional economies. A key focus for Aurizon is harnessing the economic, environmental and safety benefits of putting more bulk freight on rail on the Mount Isa corridor.
Aurizon sees continued growth in commodities such as copper, lead and zinc that are the foundation of the North West Minerals Province, as well as industrial and agricultural products from the region. In addition, there is an exciting new phase of development projects for new-economy commodities such as vanadium for large-scale renewable batteries and high-grade phosphate required for fertilizers.
Aurizon Port Services provides bulk transport, handling and stevedoring services with bulk storage warehouses and handling facilities at the Port of Townville, adjacent to rail lines. APS integrates with Aurizon’s existing bulk rail haulage operations between Townsville and Mount Isa and allows Aurizon to aggregate products onto rail as part of end to end logistics service for customers.
In June 2021, Aurizon Port Services (APS) completed the $2 million stage one of its Port investment program, including a 10,000 square metre concrete pad with capacity for 1,200 shipping containers.
The $5 million stage two now underway comprises laying down almost two kilometres of rail track; a 270-metre 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.
Work commenced on site in June and is scheduled for completion in late 2022. Local contractors Gabrielli Construction, who delivered stage one of the project, were re-engaged for the stage two works.
“This $5 million investment is a big vote of confidence in the North Queensland economy,” said Jackie Gregory, the Aurizon Port Services Manager based in Townsville. “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.
“Aurizon Port Services sees such strong growth in the region. 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,” Jackie said.
