CLONCURRY mayor Greg Campbell said he believes the sale of Aurizon’s Queensland Intermodal business should not impact the town’s staff.
“What I have been advised from Aurizon staff is we should not see any change to the current operations in Cloncurry,” he said.
“All Cloncurry Aurizon staff are considered to be part of the bulk business and not the Intermodal business.
“To know these Aurizon jobs are secure at this time is good news and we will continue to work with Aurizon and other rail operators to maximise employment for their staff in Cloncurry.”
On Monday Aurizon announced it would sell its Queensland Intermodal business and its Acacia Ridge terminal for $220 million. Linfox and Pacific National would be the buyers.
In July the Cloncurry Shire Council adjusted its annual operational plan to ensure that it supported Aurizon train drivers and Queensland Rail track staff. Councillors chose to add this into the plan when they learned Aurizon were selling its local houses to employees.
It was a red flag to councillors that Aurizon might be considering reducing staff. Cr Campbell said on Thursday that he was still gathering more details on the sale of Aurizon houses.
“There’s been a small number apparently, and I am waiting to hear back for more information from Aurizon to hear long term plans for housing in Cloncurry,” he said.
“We want to see Queensland Rail and Aurizon staff at levels maintained and potentially increased.
“With the amount of freight that has gone from rail to road, and the amount of freight to go back to rail we should see potentially even more rail operators staff based in Cloncurry.”
Mount Isa State MP Rob Katter said Aurizon had assured him any jobs in the sold section would be carried over in the transfer.
“So it is hard to see what the impacts are going to be for the west for this point.
“I have already ensured Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell is across these changes because Cloncurry has traditionally been the bigger hub for Aurizon workers,” Mr Katter said.
“This is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on how the rail line and operators have been managed in 10 to 20 years and if it has delivered, and I do not think it has since it privatised.”