Peak Downs Highway gets a final visit from the BHP Dragline 27
You may remember that on August 10, Moranbah Police closed the Peak Downs Highway near Coppabella to assist with the crossing of the massive BHP Dragline 27 which was making its way slowly from Goonyella Riverside Mine to South Walker Creek Mine. This will jog your memory, in case you’ve forgotten.
Well on Wednesday, September 20, we assisted again as the dragline crossed back over the Peak Downs Highway to safely reach its final destination. What an epic journey it has been….
The dragline traveled 98km between the two mines at an average of six to seven km per day… which isn’t bad going when you weigh in at 3,500 tonnes. With that sort of weight, the dragline runs on 540 wheels and has five diesel engines to help it move.
On its journey, the dragline passed through seven mine leases and six pastoral properties. Several major obstacles were overcome, including 17 power-line crossings, seven major creek crossings, including the Isaac River, and the small matter of 55 minor creek crossings.
When you add in two crossings of the Peak Downs Highway and three railway crossings, this has been an adventure for everyone involved! The journey wouldn’t have been possible without BMA, BMC, Peabody, Aurizon, Fitzroy Minerals Australia, Powerlink QLD, Ergon, Telstra, Sunwater, DTMR, Isaac Regional Council, Landholders, Fed and the Queensland State Government… phew, what a list!
Moranbah Police were delighted to play our part in this project assisting with the two highway crossings. We are happy to report both of which went smoothly and without incident.
Source: Mackay Crime Alert
