General News
10 June, 2025
Urgent rail funding needed
MEMBER for Hill Shane Knuth is calling on the state government to fast-track repairs to rail line and bridges that have closed sections of the popular Savannahlander Rail trip.
He said the work should be done “as a matter of urgency” as townships on the Tablelands are missing out on vital connections to tourism.
Weather events dating back to tropical Cyclone Jasper, have led to the suspension of services between Kuranda and Mareeba and the Einasleigh to Forsayth sections of the rail journey.
Mr Knuth said the issue had gone on for long enough.
“It is a disgrace that money has not been injected into this line to get it back to functioning to its full capacity,” he said.
“As a former employee having worked the state’s rail lines for 20 years, I know how Queensland Rail operates.
“If there were deteriorating bridges or rail lines on the city train network or affecting millions of tons of ore being railed to the ports, the lines would be fixed immediately.
“The Savannahlander line is just as equally important to our region, so the state government must ensure adequate funding is supplied to properly maintain and fix areas of the track currently not operating to ensure its long-term viability.”
A Queensland Rail spokesperson confirmed last week that the rail line was operational from Mareeba to Enasliegh only. However, there was still no time-frame for the work to start or on state government funding.
In a report by The Express Newspaper in April, Queensland Rail executive general manager regional assets Wayne Prosser said track inspections in December 2024 found “accelerated deterioration to timber rail bridges between Kuranda and Mareeba”.
The line was subsequently closed between Kuranda and Mareeba until remediation works could be undertaken.
Work on that section was expected to take about six months, but a start date was not known.
Mr Prosser had also said the issues facing the historic Tablelands and Etheridge lines dated back to before COVID, when a major bridge upgrade was being undertaken but money ran out after cost blowouts post-COVID.
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, also a keen supporter of the Savannahlander, emphasised the economic and cultural significance of the rail line, highlighting the potential for increased tourism and economic growth.
“The Savannahlander is more than just a train ride; it’s a vital link connecting our communities and showcasing the beauty of our region to the world,” he said.
“It also serves as a valuable travel service to people living in the region to get from A to B and access medical and other general services.”
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) will be launching a petition to urge the Queensland Government to allocate urgent funding to fix bridges and the deteriorating line.
Local Keirrah Steele also underscored the importance of the train journey to small towns along the route.
“The Savannahlander brings visitors to towns that would otherwise be overlooked, providing economic opportunities and fostering cultural exchange,” she said.
The Savannahlander rail journey is considered one of the top 24 rail journeys in the world according to travel writer Tim Richards.
The historic trip usually begins in Cairns and travels through Kuranda, Mareeba, Dimbulah, Almaden (near Chillagoe), Mt Surprise (a stop off for Undarra Lava Tubes), Einasliegh, Wirra Wirra and ends in Forsayth (near Cobbold Gorge), with various options for overnight stays.
For more information visit www.savannahlander.com.au
