Queensland flooding

Is there any news about rail travel? I assume the line to the north, and perhaps the inland lines too, will be closed, and probably seriously damaged.

The BBC has a picture of coal trains not moving in Gladstone, the main coal export port.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12105453

i wonder if the coal trains were actually moving anyway . its normally a traditional maintenance shutdown for most industries , from xmas for a couple of weeks .

David Benton wrote:i wonder if the coal trains were actually moving anyway . its normally a traditional maintenance shutdown for most industries , from xmas for a couple of weeks .

Other BBC reports have included rail among the activities suspended by the flooding. I would think that both the coastal route and the inland routes have been disrupted.

Can't find a press release on suspension of services
http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutU ... eases.aspx

I think today the whole system is not working, as things are getting worse.

Last week I tried a test booking of a train from Brisbane to Rockhampton. The reply was simply "we cannot book this train" but with no explanation.

Ipswich is reported as flooded, and that is one of the main railway centres.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12158608

and here's a report of the paralysis of the freight system.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/busines ... 5985858278

but this suggests some at least of the suburban system is operating a skeleton service.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-na ... 19n07.html

i have seen pictures of towwomba , where the rail line has ballast washed away , but not major damage . but the flooding is due to get worst in Brisbane this afternoon , and it will reach the highest level ever i think .

David Benton wrote:i have seen pictures of towwomba , where the rail line has ballast washed away , but not major damage . but the flooding is due to get worst in Brisbane this afternoon , and it will reach the highest level ever i think .

Here is the official notice about cancellations
http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailSe ... Dec10.aspx
I imagine there will be disruptions for long after the water subsides. Extensive track renewals will be needed. And the water is still rising.

I was in Brisbane about 22 years ago and took the train south to Beenleigh, which was then the terminus of the southern line to Surfers' Paradise.

There are several threads over at Railpage Australia which is the Australian version of Railroad.net

Queensland section -

Qld Floods
http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11359708.htm

The lounge -

Severe Storms and Flooding warnings thread
http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11358347.htm

Lots of pictures in the "Qld floods" thread.