IN THE WAKE of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, the first intermodal train has arrived in Brisbane.
Supplies are now moving to North Queensland according to a Linkedin post on Pacific National rail’s page which said the interstate railway line had reopened.
“While Tropical Cyclone Alfred derailed freight operations for several days, with services now back up and running we are working closing with our customers to add extra capacity and ensure critical freight is delivered where it is needed,” the post said. “Over the coming days we will step up services to move critical supplies into Queensland making sure necessities make their way to supermarkets and retail stores.”
The rail re-opening comes as Queensland and northern New South Wales continue to feel the effects of Alfred.
There are still more than 120,000 properties without power, down from a peak of 300,000 homes without power at the height of the storm damage but freight services have resumed with essential supplies now arriving into Queensland.
Some areas remain on high alert because of ongoing flood risks with emergency services responding to thousands of calls with some areas like the Lockyer Valley and Ipswich still under flood warnings with some roads still impassable.
The federal government is offering financial support to workers and residents who have been impacted by the storm.
Authorities are also cautioning residents to watch out for fraudulent repair schemes targeting vulnerable homeowners.
Many roads in Queensland have been left in poor condition because of widespread flooding and damage and some public transport services remain offline as crews work on repairs and cleanup.
