Network Access - Access Framework

Access Framework

Network Access Horizon Newsletter Issue 4
Communication with stakeholders is important to Network Access. We have decided to provide a news...
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QR submission to the Productivity Commission's Review of the Economic Costs of Freight Infrastructure and Efficient Approaches to Transport Pricing
The Rev...
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Coal Reference Tariffs
Tariffs for QR’s coal systems for 1 October – 31 December 2007. Contains the relevant tariffs for ...
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QR Updates Line Diagrams in accordance with Access undertaking
QR has updated both North and South Line Diagrams in accordance with section 2.2(b). More»

Reports and plans

Emergency Response Plan

Every rail operator using the QR network must submit an acceptable Emergency Response Plan, to be used in the event of a derailment or other emergency on the network.

We liaise closely with rail operators to ensure that plans are comprehensive and up-to-date.

Environmental Risk Management Process

Network Access must be satisfied that a rail operator has adequately addressed all the potential environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed operations. This is done through an Environment Investigation and Risk Management Report.

Environment Investigation and Risk Management Report (EIRMR)

The rail operator is required to provide an EIRMR. The Report must include appropriate actions/responses to an incident (should one occur) and, as a minimum, cover each of the following environmental topics:

Water quality management
Air pollution management
Contaminated land management
Nature conservation
Management of hazardous substances and dangerous goods
Waste management
Environment noise management
Environmental monitoring, and
Education, awareness and training.

The Operator must also take into account the prevailing environmental legislation that applies in Queensland and confirm their awareness of this legislation.

There is no standard template for the EIRMR, however an EIRMR is considered acceptable if it:

Satisfactorily addresses every potential environmental impact of the proposed operations (as outlined above)
Complies with the prevailing environmental legislation in Queensland, and
Ultimately provides a plan detailing how the Operator will manage all environmental responsibilities.

Environmental Management System (EMS)

The EIRMR forms the basis of an Operator’s Environmental Management System. The EMS must:

Address all issues raised in the EIRMR
Contain procedures to address environmental risks
Comply with environmental legislation including the environmental legislation in Queensland, and
Include audit systems.