Adani mine rail line gauge a ‘poison pill’ – former deputy PM Tim Fischer says

A FORMER deputy prime minister has attacked the Adani Mine for adopting a “poison pill’’ railway that he says will stifle production and leave Queensland’s far north at a disadvantage forever.

FORMER deputy prime minister Tim Fischer has attacked the Adani Mine for adopting a “poison pill’’ railway gauge which he says will stifle production.

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Mr Fischer, a student of international railway history, said the mine was planning on a narrow gauge line of 1067 mm when the track needed to be standard gauge, or 1435 mm.

Adani is being criticised for choosing the wrong gauge for its rail line. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

“(Standard gauge is) the only gauge that should be used to this huge new blockbuster Queensland economic anchor should it proceed,’’ Mr Fischer said.

“In the 1960s a lack of bold vision scrapped a new standard gauge line Townsville to Mt Isa.

“Now we in the 21st Century and huge gauge mistakes continue, crimping Queensland’s far north forever.’’

Mr Fischer said the Wagner family of Toowoomba understood the issue clearly.

The family, who built and own the Wellcamp Airport outside Toowoomba, said the airport’s business hub would be connected to the standard gauge Inland Rail Project.