Alternative access charge

On 29 August 2014, Aurizon Network submitted for approval by us an application proposing new reference tariffs for the train service between the Caval Ridge mine and the Hay Point Services Coal Terminal.

Aurizon Network said the application was consistent with the pricing principles contained in its 2010 access undertaking and with the methodology previously used to determine reference tariffs for the Middlemount to DBCT train service.

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), the owner of the Caval Ridge mine, provided a letter of endorsement, which was included as an attachment to the application.

Submissions from stakeholders on this application closed 26 September 2014.

On 23 October 2014, we approved Aurizon Network’s application.

On 18 June 2014, we approved Aurizon Network’s application.

On 11 April 2014, Aurizon Network submitted for approval by us an application proposing new reference tariffs for the train service between the Middlemount mine and the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

On 3 April 2012, we released our final decision to approve the proposal for the reasons stated in that decision.

On 27 October 2011, QR Network submitted for approval a proposed alternative access charge (tariff) for a new coal haulage train service to operate between the Colton mine (near Maryborough) and the Port of Gladstone.

The proposed train service would operate:

1. on Queensland Rail’s network between Colton and Parana (near Gladstone); and
2. on QR Network’s central Queensland coal network (CQCR) between Parana and the existing coal terminals at the Port of Gladstone (approximately eight kilometres). The service will operate to the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET) in the future.

As provided for in the 2010 undertaking, QR Network sought our approval to diverge from the standard reference tariff setting principles in establishing an access charge for the Colton train service.

We received and considered three submissions on the proposed Colton access charge (i.e. from the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Asciano Limited).