Queensland track closures extended to April 30 after Easter delays

Queensland track closures had been due to end on April 26. They have now been extended to April 30. Several workdays were lost to union-protected industrial action over the Easter long weekend.

In a media release, Queensland Rail outlined the changes. Major works were scheduled to start on Good Friday 3 April. They did not get underway until Easter Monday 6 April. Fair Work Commission orders were issued on Easter Sunday 5 April. They required protected industrial action to be lifted. Work could then begin as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the revised timetable affects three closure areas. Reopening dates now run from 13 April to 1 May.

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Revised Queensland track closures timetable

The amended closure dates, reflected in Translink service updates, are:

• Caboolture to Gympie North — one extra day, reopening on 13 April.
• Bowen Hills to Eagle Junction and Northgate — four extra days, reopening on 16 April.
• Boggo Road to Banoon — four extra days, reopening on 1 May.

Projects and rail replacement buses during the closure

Alongside general track maintenance, works are also taking place across multiple projects. A joint statement from Queensland Rail, Translink and Cross River Rail lists the projects:

• Cross River Rail (supporting works)
• Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1
• Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail
• Loganlea Station Relocation
• Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
• European Train Control System

Separately, Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Kat Stapleton said buses would continue to operate. Rail replacement buses will remain in service during the extended closure days.

“As a result of the need to deliver the works and the delay from protected industrial action over the Easter long weekend, the track closure has been extended to minimise future impacts on customers,” she said.

We understand that our customers are frustrated by these delays and we share that frustration.

“Rail replacement buses will continue to operate as frequently as possible into the extended closure, as well as regular bus services, to help customers complete their journeys.”

At the same time, buses will need to be allocated across multiple closure areas. Some services will run at a reduced frequency.

Stapleton said negotiations on new enterprise agreements with the unions are continuing.

“We have had some very productive discussions with the unions over the last few days,” she said.

We hope that we will be able to reach a new, fair deal in the coming weeks that allows us to focus on delivery of quality rail services for passengers and freight customers.”

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