Kuranda Scenic Railway on Faster Track
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25 May 2007
Media Release Friday, 25 May, 2007
QR is pleased to announce that the Kuranda Scenic Rail Service will be back to normal running earlier than expected on the 18th of June with two return services per day between Cairns and Kuranda. According to Group General Manager QR Network Access, Michael Carter, the organisation is able to bring the resumption of normal services forward because of the planned installation of the latest technology in rockfall barrier fencing from overseas. "QR recently became aware of an alternative long term solution to use on the Kuranda line that has been internationally tested by rail and road authorities in sites such as the European Alps," he said. "This system, a first for Australia, is supplied by Geobrugg and is at the forefront of geotechnical solutions for these types of sites." "The Kuranda line will be the first Australian site benefiting from this new technology and it may also be rolled out to other sites on the line as required. The permanent rockfall barrier will be installed by contractors and QR crews with construction beginning shortly. "Because this fence is easier to construct we will be able to work around normal services during the next stages of construction, but it will take a couple of months for the materials to arrive from overseas," said Mr Carter. "In the meantime the interim work has been very successful with QR and independent experts assessing that the work is robust enough to both allow the full service to resume and still give the organisation enough time to construct the permanent barrier without further disruptions." According to Acting Group General Manager Passenger Services, Neil Backer, he has appreciated the dedication of QR staff working around the clock to enable the resumption of normal services earlier than expected. "We realise these disruptions have been hard on the local community, but this major problem has uncovered a solution that will help QR manage the challenges of maintaining the line in the future." "Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the world’s iconic rail journeys, an integral part of the North Queensland tourist industry and one of QR’s prized services." "The other advantage of this solution is that it doesn’t block the spectacular views for passengers, which is one of the major reasons this service is so popular." QR would like to apologise to all those people impacted by the disruptions on this line and thank them for their patience and understanding. Further information contact: |
