International Railroad Discussion > Aussie railroaders... hows the job?

I may have an opportunity to relocated to the land down under.

How difficult (or easy) are the few known railroad jobs in AU and what can one expect for pay, benefits and locations?

I know there is much more to it, just curious on the basics..

Brisbane area is where the Mrs would be

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Try PMíng Bakersfield Dave.Pretty sure he has a good idea of Qld Rail..
I know they are terrible short of drivers on their commuter lines.Most likely require a 457 Visa.
Regards,DK

One brief note- when I visited there several years ago, I learned from the crew the hours of service law for operating crews restricts them to working 11 hours maximum per day (vs. 12 in the States when crews "die on the law")....

Jeff Geldner
Sequoia National Park, CA

DKay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Try PMíng Bakersfield Dave.Pretty sure he has a
> good idea of Qld Rail..
> I know they are terrible short of drivers on their
> commuter lines.Most likely require a 457 Visa.
> Regards,DK
Plus from my info a union ticket more than any thing  Cheers Dennis

Yes,most definately.Aussie railroads very unionised.
Regards,DK



tiltone Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> DKay Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Try PMíng Bakersfield Dave.Pretty sure he has
> a
> > good idea of Qld Rail..
> > I know they are terrible short of drivers on
> their
> > commuter lines.Most likely require a 457 Visa.
> > Regards,DK
> Plus from my info a union ticket more than any
> thing  Cheers Dennis

Cant help with any  Australian info 

my scene now is spent  between   Britain ,Europe and Japan 


 

Hi Mp683. 

Around Brisbane the 3 main operators are Aurizon, Pacific National and Queensland rail. 
Aurizon - depot at Fisherman Islands and Acacia Ridge
Pacific National - Depot at Moolabin (narrow gauge) and Acacia Ridge (standard Gauge)
Queensland Rail -  Main depot is a Mayne which is close to the city then many out lying depots. 

Check out the operators websites or search for locomotive driver on seek.com.au 

Unions - Can join either the rtbu or afule. 

Pay - Google   -  Aurizon traincrew and transport operations enterprise agreement 2014 or search for Pacific National EBA
Fisherman islands base rate is around 100000/year. Add on weekend loading/meal allowances. Overtime is paid stand alone in the fortnight at 175%. Not sure on the roster they have down there. All head end trains. Largest trains are two clydes and 41 coal wagons with a gross weight around 2500t.

I have been at Fish Island depot before but Im currently based with Aurizon at Coppabella depot in the central queensland coalfields as a driver trainer. 
A driver up here is on around 136000/year base rate. Accomodation is provided and currently our roster is 6 shifts over 7 days then usually 4 days off. Every 11 weeks we get 5 days off. 
We have Distributed Power Electric coal trains, the largest being 3 -3700 or 3800 class electric locos and 126 wagons for a gross weight of 13356t and around 2000m long.  Axle loads are 26.5t

If you have any other questions feel free to ask