Often referred to as the ‘Southern Missing Link’, Surat Basin Rail is a transport solution for the region that will connect to the future Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal.

The 214 kilometre railway will be a new and iconic connection that will significantly enhance the existing coal rail network in Queensland, and unlock approximately 6.3 billion tonnes of coal reserves in the Surat Basin.

The Surat Basin is a 27,000 square kilometre region that stretches from Queensland to northern New South Wales. The region has a strong agricultural industry and a burgeoning resources industry based on its vast reserves of thermal coal.

The railway will support 22-24 diesel powered train movements per day and provision has been made for electrification in the future. In order to accommodate the rail, a corridor of approximately 60 metres wide (wider in sections) will be acquired from affected landowners and fenced along its entire length.

Benefits

By supporting transport to and from the Port of Gladstone, Surat Basin Rail also has advantages for general freight and could enhance export options for regional producers.

Surat Basin Rail offers a range of opportunities that will enhance the economic development of regional Queensland.  It supports the continued growth of the coal industry, which is Australia’s largest export industry.

The project aims to deliver environmentally-friendly transport of coal by mitigating social, environmental and economic impacts.