One of the country’s largest rail freight companies, QR National recently won a contract with Glencore Grain Australia for haulage services in NSW. Under the three-year agreement, QR National Freight will haul wheat and other items starting this month from several regional areas into Port Kembla.

It will also establish operations in Cootamundra and Moss Vale, where they’re currently recruiting loco drivers.

The agreement is conditional on access agreements being signed with Port Kembla Port Corporation and Railcorp. But Goulburn is already reaping dividends.

CFCLA general manager Bob Gioia told the Post on Monday that his company had been nominated as QR National’s preferred maintainer.

One of the four locos to be brought over from Western Australia is sitting in its servicing yards.

“At present they have one train - four locos and 45 grain wagons,” Mr Gioia said.

“I believe they will commence operations after Easter and that will be hauling export grain to Port Kembla...It’s a boost for us and exactly the type of work we’re looking for.”

Mr Gioia put Chicago’s selection down to Goulburn’s centrality on the route but also that the company could offer a “total solution” with locos and wagons.

Workers will also be carrying out safety checks. CFCLA has already recruited for two more staff on the back of this work. With QR National planning to run a second train by the end of this year, more opportunities are in the wind.

The current recruitment adds to the current 17-strong workforce, which includes four apprentices.

While QR National is initially seeking six drivers in Cootamundra and Moss Vale, and a coordinator based in Cootamundra. Goulburn will be the base for maintenance and servicing.

A QRN spokesperson said the train would operate from various NSW country grain silos into Port Kembla, carrying about 2000 tonnes per load in three to four movements each week. The contract boosts Chicago’s local operations. It recently won a servicing contract for Independent Rail, based at Minto.