The rate of coal growth achieved was
in line with expectations with the total
tonnage of coal moved rising 8.7percent
from 150mtpa in 2012/13 to 163.1 mtpa
in 2013/14.
While coal volumes in the Hunter Valley
continue to grow— indicative of mines
increasing production from new projects
as well as the benefits of our investment
in the network —we understand our coal
customers are striving to reduce the cost
of production in a difficult market amid low
coal prices.
With this in mind, we have taken steps
to reduce the cost of operations to
customers. Over the last year we have
moved away from alliance contracting to
direct contracting in the Hunter Valley
to ensure we have the most efficient
workforce possible for the prevailing
economic conditions.
Similarly, our customers look to us
to make the most efficient use of the
asset and in the past year the Hunter
Valley team has made considerable
improvements in operational
performance by improving asset
utilisation within the coal supply chain.
While market prices for thermal coal
have been tough for our Hunter Valley
customers over the last year, production
has increased and we have responded to
this demand.
Toward the latter part of 2013 and into
2014 our Hunter Valley coal customers
have exported tonnages equivalent to
154.8 mtpa, an 8.7 percent increase on
the previous year. This high demand for
coal transport raised the bar once again
and we have responded setting new
monthly haulage records throughout
the network.
As we exceed our capacity
requirements, the construction
demand has been relatively limited
and remains so into the foreseeable
future. With capacity less a priority
for our customers, our focus is now on
the efficiency and productivity of the
network — including upgrading the
Gunnedah Basin to 30 tonne axle loads
as well as taking congestion out of the
coal chain through targeted works.
Some of the project highlights of the past
year have included:
•
•
Scone Yard Reconfiguration—whichwill
remove the current capacity restrictions
through Scone Yard and reduce train
headways, increasing capacity
•
•
Kooragang Coal Terminal Departure
Road 3—which will ease congestion
on Kooragang Island and facilitate
growth in coal volumes
•
•
Hexham Relief Roads —which
will ease congestion and improve
network flexibility in and out of
Port Newcastle with the delivery of
five new holding roads just outside
of Newcastle.
The last year has also seen us move to
an improved maintenance approach
and coordinated possession program in
the Hunter Valley, which has reduced
the number of
ad-hoc
associated
works from the maintenance program,
thereby increasing the efficiency and
productivity of available ‘windows’ we
have for works as well as the safety of
track workers.
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