Australia's livestock in Queensland to stick with railway

Livestock in northwest Queensland will continue to be transported on rail, despite privatisation talks.

The state government will spend A$100 million (US$91.3 million) to upgrade the Mount Isa to Townsville line for better efficiency and to increase the capacity of the line, said Transport Minister Ms. Rachel Nolan.

The minister said slaughterhouses and graziers will have a future in cattle train services. The Mount Isa line will stay in public hands as part of the Queensland Rail Government-owned corporation, she said.

Rather than letting the service fade away, there will be, if necessary, an ongoing subsidy for it, Nolan added.