POPULAR WORDS

June 4, 2010

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan today announced a new management board for a new era of Queensland Rail, which will be entirely focused on passenger service and maintaining its vast regional rail network.

"More than 6,500 staff will be focused on one outcome - what's best for the travelling public," Nolan says.

"The new Queensland Rail will provide passenger rail transport and travel services in the South East corner and from Brisbane to Cairns and west to Mount Isa, Longreach and Charleville,” she says.

The new Queensland Rail board includes: Stephen Gregg (Cairns-based Chair), Dawson Petie, Leo Keliher, Maureen Hayes, Julie-Ann Schafer, Denise McMillan-Hall and Merren McArthur.

According to Nolan, today's announcement formalises a process which means passenger services no longer compete with freight trains and coal tracks for Government funding.

"It is one of the reasons the state has retained Queensland Rail (passenger),” she says.

"Today's announcement is timely given its proximity to Queensland Day (June 6) and knowing Tuesday's Budget includes a raft of new initiatives for public transport infrastructure.”