At approximately 12.25pm on Sunday April 24, one wagon of a freight train carrying zinc derailed at Nelia, between Julia Creek and Maxwelton on the Mount Isa line.

The train was hauling 93 wagons, of which one derailed but remained upright.

Queensland Rail worked with the freight operator to successfully re-rail the wagon and the freight train moved off site on Monday afternoon (25 April).

Repairs to the line were undertaken and the line re-opened to traffic at 3pm on Tuesday April 26.

Last financial year, almost $50 million was spent maintaining the Mount Isa line. 

Queensland Rail spokesperson said they had a comprehensive maintenance program, as well as a range of equipment and procedures to regularly monitor the Mount Isa line to ensure it was safe and reliable. This included track inspections every 96 hours.

“Safety is Queensland Rail’s highest priority and we are continuing to thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident.”

Two livestock trains which planned to depart Cloncurry on Monday and Tuesday were cancelled. Following the line reopening at 3pm on Tuesday, a planned service departed Cloncurry yesterday.

Queensland Rail said the livestock train rail operator was kept well informed of all developments to assist them in managing their customers.

Livestock agent, Sam Daniels, told the ABC that the incident put producers out of pocket.

"We had about 1,400 head of cattle to go on two trains out of Cloncurry," he said.

"The expense is about $40 a head over 1,400, so it has cost close to $60,000 to have those two groups of cattle sit here.

"We have now decided to load 36 decks [of cattle] and get them on their way because they have kill dates to meet.”

Mr Daniels said he would like to see Queensland Rail help cover the costs.

Originally published as QR train off the rails again by The North West Star.