Applying for Access to the Queensland Rail Network
Rail Operators and other access seekers interested in using Queensland Rail’s network are required to negotiate an access agreement with Queensland Rail. Only Rail Operators who are accredited by Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and have agreed access arrangements with Queensland Rail may access the network.
Every application for access is handled under a process agreed with the Queensland Competition Authority and detailed in ‘Part 4. Negotiation Framework’ of the Access Undertaking. A summary of the process is outlined below, however, please refer to the Access Undertaking document for further details on requirements, timeframes and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Summary of the Access Process
STEP 1: Contact the Network Business Commercial Team (see details below)
Access seekers are requested to contact the Network Business Commercial Team to discuss your requirements prior to submitting an Access Request form.
STEP 2: Fill out a Conceptual Operating Plan (COP)
Access seekers are required to submit a Conceptual Operating Plan in order to explain how the proposed train service will run. The Access Application should contain details about the access seeker making the application, a general train service description, timetable requirements, Rolling stock details and any known infrastructure requirements.
Send your completed form to: aarf.freight@qr.com.au
STEP 3: Acknowledgement of Conceptual Operating Plan
Queensland Rail will acknowledge the receipt of Conceptual Operating Plan by giving notice in writing to the access seeker within 5 business days of its receipt.
STEP 4: Queensland Rail issues an Indicative Access Proposal (IAP)
Queensland Rail will issue an Indicative Access Proposal (IAP) within 30 calendar days of Acknowledgement of the Access Application. An IAP sets out approved rolling stock allowed to operate on the Queensland Rail Network, a summary of the applicable operating characteristics, indicative capacity availability, indicative access charges, details of additional information required for this operation and an expiry date of the IAP.
STEP 5: Notification of Intent
Access seeker must notify Queensland Rail within 90 days of receipt of the IAP its intent to process the Access Application through to the negotiation process prior to the expiry of the IAP.
STEP 6: Negotiation Process
Once the Negotiation Process has commenced both parties shall begin negotiations as soon as reasonably possible to progress towards an Access Agreement. The following table is a summary of key requirements that will be addressed during this process. Please refer to the Access Undertaking for full details.
|
Requirement |
Responsibility |
Relevant section in the Access Undertaking |
|
Queensland Rail |
Access Seeker |
|
Operating Plan |
No |
Yes |
Subclause 8.1.4 & Schedule K |
|
Interface Risk Assessment |
Yes |
Yes |
Subclause 8.1.3 & Schedule HA |
|
Environmental Investigation & Risk Management Report |
No |
Yes |
Subclause 8.2.1 |
|
Access charge determined |
Yes |
No |
Subparagraph 6.1.1(b)(i), Subparagraph 6.1.1(c)(i), or Subparagraph 6.1.1(c)(ii), |
|
Capacity Analysis |
Yes |
No |
- |
|
Train Service Entitlement |
Yes |
No |
Clause 7.2 |
|
Rollingstock Authorisation |
No |
Yes |
Subclause 8.1.6 |
|
Other terms and conditions |
Yes |
Yes |
Clause 5.1 |
STEP 7: Execution of an Access Agreement
Access seeker must notify Queensland Rail within 90 days of receipt of the IAP its intent to process the Access Application through to the negotiation process prior to the expiry of the IAP.
For information on gaining access to the Queensland Rail network, please contact:
Network Business Commercial Team
Email: aarf.freight@qr.com.au
Ph: (07) 3235 3632
Related Downloads
Prior to filling out any of the forms below, please contact the Network Business Commercial Team on (07) 3235 3632 to discuss your requirements.