AUSTRALIA: Following a competitive tender, the government of Queensland has awarded Watco East West the North West contract to operate trains transporting herds of cattle from regional hubs to processing facilities on the east coast.
This follows from the Central West contract awarded to Watco last year, and the South West contract in 2020.
‘This contract will employ train drivers, maintenance and operational staff based in local communities in regional Queensland, supporting our Covid-19 economic recovery plan’, said Transport & Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey on January 18. ‘As the only state in Australia that operates cattle trains, the Palaszczuk government continues to play a key role in supporting our agricultural sector and managing freight transport demands.
‘The new contract with Watco East West is another way our government is investing in jobs in our regions, while also making our roads safer and less congested.’
Watco East West Director Chris Hood said the company would need 10 qualified drivers in 2022 and an additional 12 from 2023, in addition to maintenance and support staff. The development of new depots and loading and unloading facilities is also being investigated.
