The rail corridor is a dangerous environment; the laws that apply to working around the rail corridor often impose different and higher standards than those that apply in other environments. As the railway manager, Queensland Rail must subject all applications for third party works to a formal review process to ensure they comply with Queensland Rail’s strict technical requirements and safety protocols.
Wayleaves (i.e. infrastructure crossing) on railway corridor
A Wayleave governs the installation, ownership and maintenance of third-party services and infrastructure (e.g. electrical cables, telecommunications or pipelines) which cross over or under land controlled by Queensland Rail.
To apply for a Wayleave agreement, a completed Wayleave Application for Non-Queensland Rail Service (MD-14-134) form (PDF) is required to be submitted with all necessary supporting documentation. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Alternatively, if the project is in its initial planning stages, an Application for Wayleave Approval in Principle (MD-14-136) form (PDF) can be submitted. This allows preliminary plans and proposed infrastructure alignment to be assessed and approved in-principle by Queensland Rail.
All applications are subject to a formal Queensland Rail review process to ensure they comply with Queensland Rail’s strict technical requirements and safety protocols. The review process generally takes a minimum of 30 business days from the date a complete and compliant application is submitted, however this may take longer depending on the complexity of the application and quality of information provided.
Development, building works or other third party works on/adjacent to railway corridor
If physical access to land, controlled by Queensland Rail is required for any reason, a licence agreement will need to be executed between the third party and Queensland Rail.
Similarly, if works are occurring adjacent to the rail corridor and have the potential to interfere with the railway or any rail infrastructure, Queensland Rail must be contacted to determine if a licence is required.
To apply for a licence, a completed Application for Access to Queensland Rail Land (MD-14-160) form (PDF) is required to be submitted with all necessary supporting documentation. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
All applications are subject to a formal Queensland Rail review process to ensure they comply with Queensland Rail’s strict technical requirements and safety protocols. The review process generally takes a minimum of 30 business days from the date a complete and compliant application is submitted, however this may take longer depending on the complexity of the application and quality of information provided.
Gaining physical access to railway corridor
Once any of the above applications are approved by Queensland Rail, it must be understood that additional time will then be required to schedule physical access and/or implement the safety controls identified during the formal review process.
These timeframes will vary and will be dependent on
- current workloads and schedules;
- the type of safety control required (e.g. track closure);
- location of the works; and
- the required supervision by Queensland Rail representative/s.
Generally, in SEQ, gaining physical access to a track closure can require a minimum of 4 – 6 months prior to access being granted due to current protocols and schedules. This should be allowed for in any project program planning.
The Third Party Access Coordinator SEQthirdpartyaccess@qr.com.au should be contacted as early as possible, once an abovementioned application has been lodged, to gain more information regarding corridor access timeframes, protocols and training requirements, in order to assist in project program planning.
NB: If physical access is required urgently and a licence has been granted, please discuss the option of a ‘late possession bid’ with the Third Party Access Coordinator.
For regional areas, it is suggested the relevant Asset Manager is contacted to discuss access requirements.
Application form downloads
- Wayleave Application for Non-Queensland Rail Service (MD-14-134) (PDF)
- Application for Wayleave Approval in Principle (MD-14-136) (PDF)
- Application for Access to Queensland Rail Land (MD-14-160) (PDF)
Relevant technical requirements & standards
- MD-20-173 – Civil – Non-Queensland Rail Underground Services in Queensland Rail Property (PDF)
- MD-19-131 Civil – Design of Road Overbridges (PDF)
- MD-18-322 Civil – Design of Footbridges (PDF)
- CIVIL-SR-002 Work in or about Queensland Rail property (PDF)
- CIVIL-SR-003 Work adjacent to overhead line equipment (PDF)
- CIVIL-SR-005 Design of buildings over or near railways (PDF)
- CIVIL-SR-008 Protection Screens (PDF)
- CIVIL-SR-012 Collision protection of supporting elements adjacent to railways (PDF)
- CIVIL-SR-014 Design of noise barriers adjacent to railways (PDF)
- QR-C-S3306 – Structure Clearances (electrified lines) (PDF)
Access to railway corridor – training requirements
Unless otherwise advised by Queensland Rail, all entrants to the rail corridor must have completed Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) training and be able to present the qualification card upon request. The SARC qualification does not permit access to the rail corridor without the prior approval of the Queensland Rail third party access team.
In addition, please Note that Queensland Rail have recently implemented a new requirement for all workers who are working in the danger zone, under an application of Network Lockout and must undertake relevant training and assessment prior to engaging the Nominated Manager. Should you need further clarification around this or to proceed to booking your training, please contact: networklockout@qr.com.au.
For further information, or to book SARC or other Trackside Safety training (including Network Lockout training), please visit the website for a list of approved training providers.
Holiday closures
Due to holiday closures and extended staff leave over the holiday period, any applications received on or after 20 December, cannot be guaranteed to be reviewed within our standard processing times. This should be taken into consideration when planning for submissions and for overall project program planning.
Note: Information provided on this page and within associated documents is subject to change at any time without notice.