A $3 million funding injection to improve cattle loading yards for rail services at Cloncurry, Hughenden, and Maxwelton has been announced by the Queensland Government this week.

“We want more cattle on rail and are planning to have more capacity to load cattle onto trains moving into 2024 and beyond,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.

“These yards are a critical part of the supply chain for loading and transporting cattle by rail for processing on the east coast.

“We want cattle trains running out of these locations to be efficient and at maximum capacity so we can get the full benefits of running rail services.

“These investments in partnership with local governments in the region demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s continued commitment to improving rail services in our regions.”

Cloncurry Shire Council mayor Greg Campbell said the Cloncurry Saleyards have yet to realise their full potential, as the current condition of the rail load out poses challenges to efficient livestock handling.

“Purpose-built and serviceable infrastructure will be a draw card for pastoralists in North Australia, as they are looking for the most cost-effective way to deliver cattle to ports, meatworks, and saleyards.

“An efficient saleyard in Cloncurry will not only attract livestock from North West Queensland but the Northern Territory and Western Australia too.”

Flinders Shire Council mayor Jane McNamara said the council was very appreciative of the funding for the rehabilitation and extension of the Hughenden Saleyards in partnership with the State Government.

“This will give the ability for the Flinders Shire to extend the operations and capacity of this facility and assist with the economic diversification for our beef industry. The project will include new spelling yards and safety compliance for facilities such as loading ramps, lighting, gates and latches.

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the State Government, Industry, stakeholders and our primary producers to improve our facility and contribute to our cattle industry.”

Richmond Shire mayor John Wharton said he is expecting a significant increase in the cattle being loaded from Maxwelton in coming years, due to a brand new loading facility that will be much quicker and provide far better animal welfare outcomes, as time on transport is an issue we need to all focus on.

“The new rail siding can have a benefit for other products also such as grain, critical minerals, and other commodities.

“With grain crops and farming already being successful at Maxwelton, Richmond Shire have plans to develop a feedlot and centre pivot on site also. This will allow Northern Gulf cattle to come down and spend 90 days in the feedlot, then be loaded on the train straight to the processor.

“This would create a cattle transport hub and farming depot for grain and silage to feed cattle. The whole complex will contribute to a great asset for Northern Australian cattle industry in the future.”