Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey
“Supporting cattle producers and Queensland’s beef industry is an integral part of our Covid economic recovery plan.
“Transporting cattle on rail reduces wear-and-tear on our roads and reduces traffic congestion, so a key aim of this contract is to increase the amount of cattle transported by rail services.
“Queensland has the largest and some of the best beef herds in Australia and the beef industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy.
“It’s why the government invested $5 million to repair the disused Yeppoon branch line so cattle trains could travel directly into Rockhampton’s JBS abattoir.
“More than 10,000 Queenslanders work in the beef industry and cattle transport is a critical part of its successful operation in a state as large as ours.
“By supporting businesses like Watco to help manage the freight task, we’re sharing the load between road and rail.”
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner
“The new contract will help to ensure efficient logistical arrangements to support the cattle supply chain.
“Partnerships like this one are a key strategic strength of the agricultural industry in Australia, supporting thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in exports.”
