Thallon - Dirranbandi Rail and Road
Mr Scott Norman
Phone: 07 4620 8888
Facsimile: 07 4620 8889
Email: council@balonne.qld.gov.au
On Friday the 28th August 2009 Balonne Shire Council unanimously resolved to formally submit a proposal to the Department of Transport and Main Roads that would see the closure of the Thallon - Dirranbandi Rail line, the maining of the Noondoo Thallon Road and Council accepting responsibility for the Castlereagh Highway between Noondoo and the Carnarvon Highway. General freight services would be retained so in the event that there is a change in policy or circumstances the rail could be re-established.
As part of this proposal Council would be contracted to construct the Noondoo - Thallon Road to Main Road standards over the next 10 years. Funding will be available at $1.4M per year for 10 years and will be indexed. $1M worth of funding would be brought forward to overlay the 12km section currently under construction. It is not certain if this funding will be sufficient to construct a new bridge over the Moonie, it may be the case that only the approaches are upgraded.
Council will also receive funding to reseal the section of the current Castlereagh from Noondoo to the Carnarvon Highway which it would take over. There is also an option to swap the road back to Main Roads at the end of the 10 year funding period, but this would be a decision for a future Council.
The proposal is not guaranteed to be accepted and has to recieve the approval of Cabinet before it can proceed. However, it has been negotiated in close co-operation with the Dept Transport and Main Road and has the support of David Stewart, the Director General.
This decision is the end result of years of negotiation and consultation and it was obvious that none of the Councillors took pleasure in making it as it meant the closure of the rail service to Dirranbandi. However, it was made in the best interest of the Shire and demonstrates strong leadership and clear direction.
Mr Scott Norman
Chief Executive Officer
Balonne Shire Council
