Are there sufficient paths available down to Pt Kembla?

The Crookwell line would be an entire re-build (if it was appropate), plus require re-direction of trains at Goulburn would make it a slow process of moving the goods. Building a connecting road from the Taragala road across to the Hume/main line would be more cost effective as the State would bear some of the costs of a road, where a rail line would be 100% costs on the mining operation.

The Crookwell line would be an entire re-build (if it was appropate), plus require re-direction of trains at Goulburn would make it a slow process of moving the goods. Building a connecting road from the Taragala road across to the Hume/main line would be more cost effective as the State would bear some of the costs of a road, where a rail line would be 100% costs on the mining operation.

I don't think it is fait acompli that the rail line would be 100% imposed on the operator.  The state would do a benefit cost analysis and go with the overall cheaper option.  However it will depend on wether they consider the financial or overall economic benefits as the line in the sand.  If they looked at the overall economic benefits it would be a higher chance of getting government funding rather than financial.

What do you mean about 'require re-direction of trains at Goulburn'?

The Crookwell line would be an entire re-build (if it was appropate), plus require re-direction of trains at Goulburn would make it a slow process of moving the goods. Building a connecting road from the Taragala road across to the Hume/main line would be more cost effective as the State would bear some of the costs of a road, where a rail line would be 100% costs on the mining operation.

I don't think it is fait acompli that the rail line would be 100% imposed on the operator.  The state would do a benefit cost analysis and go with the overall cheaper option.  However it will depend on wether they consider the financial or overall economic benefits as the line in the sand.  If they looked at the overall economic benefits it would be a higher chance of getting government funding rather than financial.

What do you mean about 'require re-direction of trains at Goulburn'?

Whilst the State may take benefit of a train line, they no longer have to bear the costs. Example is the current project under consideration for Alkane Mines south of Dubbo. Whilst the old Molong line goes right past the proposed loader, Alkane were up for 100% of the costs of upgrading/rebuilding the line to Dubbo.

As for Goulburn, the current line Crookwell line comes into Goulburn heading 'down', or southbound. Just means locos will have change ends, or 'redirect', as there is no triangle.

50M tonnes is a hell of a lot of product.  A probable $30m investment from the company and $30m from the NSW Government (cheaper than road maintenance) would be a lot better than trucks down that way.  The roads in that area are barely goat tracks when I was there last.

The mine life would be what 20+ years?

Judging by recent developments, I'd say it won't be the only mining project to be put "on ice" in the months to come . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . nothing to see here, folks, move along . . . . . . . . .

If mined, it would be railed to Port Kembla for export. Presumably, parts of the old Crookwell branch might be rebuilt. I don't know how the Wollondilly River bridge might fare with 25t axle loads though...! Has anyone more recent information on this project, as some announcements and comments do seem to stretch back some time.

I wouldnt hold my breath about building a Triangle to 'redirect' trains in the appropriate direction as without B/Vans today, all they would gain is about 30 minutes and if the timetabling isnt critical, why bother?
I cite the still in place junction out around Dubbo that a triangle or connection would reduce the time it takes a train to 'change Direction' but it along with its old Safeworking system, is still in place.

Isnt part of the Crookwell Branch used by a Rail Tourism group?

If mined, it would be railed to Port Kembla for export. Presumably, parts of the old Crookwell branch might be rebuilt. I don't know how the Wollondilly River bridge might fare with 25t axle loads though...! Has anyone more recent information on this project, as some announcements and comments do seem to stretch back some time.

One wonders if @Aurzion may be interested in this traffic as Lance has already indicated at their AGM they are looking for other business outside of coal for obvious reasons.

I wouldnt hold my breath about building a Triangle to 'redirect' trains in the appropriate direction as without B/Vans today, all they would gain is about 30 minutes and if the timetabling isnt critical, why bother?
I cite the still in place junction out around Dubbo that a triangle or connection would reduce the time it takes a train to 'change Direction' but it along with its old Safeworking system, is still in place.

Isnt part of the Crookwell Branch used by a Rail Tourism group?

There is a heritage group formed at Crookwell itself and they are working on doing up the tracks at that end. At this stage they have no rolling stock (except gang equipment which they have done up)and having a lot of issues with rail access/Level Crossing interface which is a a state-wide issue. They did have permission/access to run trikes at the Goulburn end near the gaol and did so some time ago.

12 months ago the Upper Lachlan Shire (Crookwell) and the Goulburn Malawee Councils invested into the Rail Trail program even with the recommendation that the lines are to be lifted, ballast to be compacted with a 3m wide pathway for 54 km. They are expecting about a $10m bill for the conversion.

To understand the economics:

1. What is the road upgrade cost for the trucks?
2. What is the line upgrade cost (over and above the $10m for the rail trail)
3. What is the mine life?
4. What is the potential for other traffic on the line