Pacific National Muswellbrook rail depot set for early 2026

Pacific National Muswellbrook rail depot plans are moving ahead, with the rail freight operator confirming a new facility in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, and a recruitment push for qualified train drivers, as reported by Rail Express.

Pacific National Muswellbrook rail depot planning and timeline

Pacific National says the investment will lift capability across its Hunter Valley and Northwest operations and reinforce its long-term presence in the region.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Planning for the new rail depot in Muswellbrook, New South Wales is underway, and the facility is expected to open in early 2026, as outlined in a Pacific National LinkedIn post.

Pacific National recruitment drive for qualified train drivers

Alongside the depot project, Pacific National is launching a recruitment drive to attract qualified train drivers for the Muswellbrook operation, including roles promoted via a Pacific National careers listing.

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The company is promoting the roles as part of its commitment to regional rail employment, and points to continued investment in growth, its people and the communities it serves.

“Lifestyle roster” builds on the Coppabella, Queensland model

A key feature of the hiring push is the introduction of a “lifestyle roster”, intended to make the role more appealing to drivers living both in the region and outside it. Chief Executive Officer Brett Grehan said the roster gives drivers the freedom to live where they choose while working in the Hunter Valley at Muswellbrook.

Grehan said the lifestyle roster was first introduced by the company’s coal team at Coppabella, Queensland in 2023 and has been a great success for Pacific National and its people. He described the Muswellbrook project as more than a depot, calling it “a vote of confidence in the future of the Hunter Valley”, and said he was delighted with the interest in the new roster. Grehan encouraged drivers to apply and “Join the Crew Moving Australia’s Economy.”

Pacific National expects the investment to stimulate local business, create jobs, and contribute to the broader economic development of the Hunter Valley.

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