Flinders Shire Council purchases Hughenden cattle railway yards
Flinders Shire Council has today (29 September 2022) announced the purchase of the Hughenden Cattle Railway Loading Yards from rail company Aurizon.
Council owning the facility will benefit any operator of the cattle trains, such as transportation service company Watco.
It will allow access to the rail-related infrastructure, including the rail loading ramps, through a commercial arrangement.
Mayor Jane McNamara said the Flinders Shire community is predominantly cattle country, and the purchase of railway yards by the Council is an excellent result for everyone.
“We’re delighted to announce the purchase, which benefits our grazing community and the northern beef industry,” Cr McNamara said.
“Council has worked collaboratively with Aurizon, and I thank both teams for the positive discussions to come to this outcome.
“It’s a win-win solution for cattle graziers, Aurizon and Flinders Shire Council.”
Flinders Shire is located along the north-west Queensland corridor, with its supply chain stretching from Cloncurry through Townsville to Brisbane.
It is predominately used to take finished cattle to JBS, Teys and NH Foods abattoirs at Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Brisbane. Townsville is also used as a spelling location.
Council owns the Hughenden saleyards, and the Hughenden railyards are located adjacent to the Council facility. The Council saleyards include an NLIS race, weighing scales and dip facilities.
“Purchasing the railway yards is a strategic approach from Council,” said Cr McNamara.
“We will work with all the relevant stakeholders, such as Queensland Government, local graziers, and Council saleyards contractors to develop both facilities that benefit our grazing community.
“Cattle train is a great addition to the options for graziers to send their beasts to market and abattoirs.
“Council owning both facilities will significantly benefit the grazing community and allow users to utilise both assets to their full potential.”
Mayor McNamara thanked the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Aurizon for their support and patience throughout the process.
David Wright, General Manager Bulk East at Aurizon, said that as a long-serving and significant supporter of the livestock industry, Aurizon was pleased to finalise the sale of the assets to Flinders Shire Council.
“We understand the importance of the livestock industry to the regional economy in North Queensland and have worked closely with Council on this sale,” said Mr Wright.
