Current as at 6pm 19 February 2025
- Queensland Rail has reopened the Mount Isa line today (19 February) following the completion of flood damage repairs.
- The first freight train is scheduled to arrive at Mount Isa on Friday (21 February).
- The North Coast line remains closed from Townsville to Cairns with recovery works continuing.
Queensland Rail's Mount Isa line has reopened today (19 February) following significant flooding that caused major damage between Charters Towers and Cloncurry.
Across both the Mount Isa and North Coast lines, Queensland Rail employees and contractors have completed repairs to almost 100 sites.
More than 1.3 kilometres of washouts requiring 5,000 tonnes of ballast have now been repaired on the Mount Isa line allowing services to resume.
Inlander rail services, which operate from Townsville to Mount Isa, will recommence timetabled operations this weekend.
The first train carrying containerised freight is scheduled to arrive at Mount Isa on Friday (21 February).
As stated by Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish:
"Following the major North Queensland weather event, we needed to wait for flood waters to recede to gain full visibility and safe access to the track.
"Queensland Rail continues to invest heavily in our rail lines and when we undertake renewal and maintenance works, we are always focussed on increasing the resilience of the network.
"We are also dedicated to improving our preparation and response times including investing in recovery equipment like bog mats.
"These bog mats - high quality and heavy-duty ground protection that form a temporary roadway for heavy vehicles - allow us to get onsite during wet conditions and progress works safely and quickly.
"Without them, the reopening of the Mount Isa line would have been delayed at least another week while waiting for the ground to dry out.
"I'd also like to call out our hard-working crews who have done a phenomenal job in getting our lines back up and running with the North Coast line also reopening as far north as Townsville on Saturday (15 February).
"The North Coast line will remain closed between Townsville and Cairns this week with significant damage identified through the Ingham section. Recovery works are continuing where possible with challenging wet weather and ground conditions continuing to be experienced.
"We look forward to opening the remainder of the North Coast line only when it is safe to do so.
"Our Spirit of Queensland services are operating between Brisbane and Townsville, with road coaches in place where possible between Townsville and Cairns. Customers are being informed directly of impacts.
"We will continue to keep the community, customers and our freight operators informed of any updates."
