By Roy Weavers

Many thanks to John Tolentini from Reef and Rainforest Connections in Port Douglas for sending through this latest Kuranda Scenic railway landslide incident update from yesterday.

Queensland Railway crews are working alongside geo-mechanical engineers on site at Redlynch to clear the track that was affected by the landslide on the Kuranda Scenic Railway last Friday (March 26).

Paul Scurrah, QR Passenger Executive General Manager, said the locomotive that derailed in the incident was yesterday towed back to Cairns, allowing crews to start work to reopen the line.

“QR crews are now working to stabilise the slope and are using three excavators to clear material from the track. Special rail wagons will cart the material off site,” Mr Scurrah said.

“Crews are working as quickly as possible to reopen the line and will work through the Easter break, however continued wet weather is hampering recovery efforts.

“At this stage we have cancelled services until 4 April – it is too early to say whether services will be cancelled beyond this time".

He also stated that “QR and geotechnical experts will carry out a full review of the rail corridor before the line is reopened".

“Safety is our number one priority and we will not compromise the welfare of our passengers and staff,” he said.

Mr Scurrah said Kuranda Scenic Railway was a popular tourist attraction of Far North Queensland and a service QR was immensely proud to operate. “Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the world’s iconic rail journeys and an integral part of the North Queensland tourist industry".

“We understand that the closure impacts on both visitors and businesses, but our priority is the safety of passengers and staff.

“QR has been pro-actively contacting industry partners and community representatives and we are very grateful for their support and understanding".

“We would like to apologise to all those people impacted by the disruptions on this line and thank them for their patience and understanding,” he said.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway continues to operate and numerous coach tour operators offer a variety of touring options that include Kuranda.

For information on other alternative transfer options please call QR on 4036 9333, email KSRres@qr.com.au or visit www.ksr.com.au.