The Bowen Rail Company (BRC) is a next-generation rail freight operator based in Bowen, North Queensland. Established to move high-quality Queensland resources from mine to market, the company plays a key role in supporting regional exports while focusing on safety, technology, and sustainability.

Operations and Network

At the heart of BRC’s operations is the Carmichael Rail Network, a 200-kilometre narrow-gauge line linking the Carmichael Mine in the Galilee Basin to the existing Newlands Rail System and the North Queensland Export Terminal just north of Bowen. This connection allows resources to be transported efficiently to port, supporting Queensland’s export economy.

Bowen Rail operates several trains daily along this route, with each round trip taking just under a full day to load, transport, and unload. The company works closely with existing rail networks to ensure safe, integrated operations across Queensland’s extensive freight corridors.

Modern Fleet and Technology

BRC operates a modern fleet of Progress Rail GT46C-ACe Gen III locomotives, paired with purpose-built wagons that can carry more freight using less fuel. A typical train includes two locomotives and 86 wagons, hauling around 7,000 tonnes of material per trip. These new-generation locomotives deliver improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, reinforcing BRC’s focus on responsible operations.

To complement its fleet, BRC has developed RACE Live, a cutting-edge rail logistics system that tracks every element of train movement, scheduling, loading, and maintenance in real time. Built in partnership with Australian software engineers, RACE Live helps optimise performance, reduce downtime, and improve safety—earning industry recognition for innovation.

Local Jobs and Regional Benefits

Since its establishment, Bowen Rail Company has become one of the region’s major employers, with around 180 people working across operations, maintenance, and logistics. The company prioritises local recruitment and contracts local suppliers for everything from track maintenance to equipment servicing.

BRC’s Community Partnership Program also invests directly in the Bowen and Whitsunday region, supporting local sporting clubs, volunteer organisations, and community initiatives. The company recently awarded a major maintenance contract to an Indigenous-owned business, creating additional regional employment and training opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Bowen Rail has already achieved major milestones, including the transport of over 10 million tonnes of freight through its network. As the company continues to expand, it aims to set a new standard for sustainable, data-driven freight transport in Australia—cementing Bowen’s role as a hub for innovation, industry, and regional growth.

Gilmour Space Technologies is steadily embedding itself into Bowen’s future — not just by planning launches, but by proactively investing in infrastructure, partnerships, jobs, and regional growth.

Physical Infrastructure & Site Development

The Bowen Orbital Spaceport is a cornerstone of Gilmour’s Bowen commitment. The company has co-funded development of the launch site in the Abbot Point State Development Area, transforming what was once undeveloped land into a dedicated facility for orbital launches. (This spaceport holds Australia’s first licence as a commercial orbital launch facility.)

That means Gilmour is shouldering costs for site works, launch pad construction, access roads, supporting technical systems, safety buffers, and other foundational infrastructure.

Moreover, as the spaceport becomes operational, there is potential for “rocket tourism” and related visitor infrastructure in Bowen—viewing points, visitor centres, local accommodations—that require local investment and support.

Investment in Jobs, Supply Chain & Skills

Gilmour’s Bowen project is creating employment and regional economic uplift. When the spaceport officially opened, more than 100 jobs were announced as part of the site works and operations.

But the investment is more than just direct roles. Gilmour is leveraging local suppliers and contractors, embedding parts of the supply chain in the region. From site clearing and civil works to logistics, accommodation services, temporary facilities, and potentially visitor services during launches — the ripple effect extends to many Bowen and Whitsunday region businesses.

By anchoring major infrastructure in Bowen, Gilmour is also helping catalyse demand for skilled trades, engineering, fabrication, and specialty services locally, thereby raising the baseline technical capacity of the region.

Partnerships & Market Connectivity

Gilmour is not limiting its Bowen investment to hard infrastructure. The company recently struck a partnership with a Japanese payload services firm, Space BD, to offer satellite launch services from Bowen. That deal opens the Bowen spaceport to regional and international customers, driving more usage, revenue, and prestige for Bowen as a space hub.

Such collaborations help position Bowen internationally, not just as a launch location, but as part of broader Asia-Pacific space networks.

Funding Support & Grants

Gilmour’s Bowen ambitions are backed by external investments and government support, which indirectly benefit the Bowen region. For instance:

• The Australian Government awarded Gilmour a $5 million grant via its Industry Growth Program to accelerate Eris rocket development.
• Gilmour also raised a large capital round (approximately AUD 55 million) led by institutions including Queensland Investment Corporation, aimed at scaling rocket manufacturing, testing, and launch capability.
• Federal grants under the Modern Manufacturing and space-related programs assisted in establishing the Bowen launch facility and broader manufacturing capacity.

These funding injections strengthen Gilmour’s ability to deliver on the Bowen site and reduce financial risk to the region’s stakeholders.

Strategic & Long-Term Vision

Gilmour’s investments in Bowen aren’t just transactional — they’re strategic. The company views Bowen as a long-term launch hub for Australia, meaning ongoing capital is likely to flow into upgrades, expansions, and support services in the years ahead.

As Bowen becomes more synonymous with Australia’s space ambitions, there’s potential for ancillary industries — education, tourism, research centres, visitor infrastructure — to emerge around the spaceport. Gilmour’s early investments help trigger those secondary developments.

Bowen’s historic jetty has stood proudly on the foreshore for more than 150 years – a symbol of the town’s maritime roots and a favourite spot for fishing, walking, and soaking up ocean views. But with parts of the structure reaching the end of their life, the Bowen Jetty is now set for a major transformation that will secure its future for generations to come.

North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), which manages the jetty, has been working closely with the Queensland Government and the Bowen community to shape what comes next. A $68 million investment – including $50 million from the state – has been committed to designing and constructing a brand-new jetty that blends heritage, community use, and modern coastal resilience.

Over the past year, NQBP has gathered ideas from locals through surveys, workshops, and pop-up sessions. Hundreds of residents shared their thoughts on what the jetty means to them and how they’d like to see it used in the future. Key themes that emerged included preserving the town’s history, improving accessibility, providing better fishing and recreation spaces, and celebrating the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Two design options were presented earlier this year, and feedback has guided a final concept that combines the best of both. The proposed design includes shaded seating, accessible walkways, new fishing areas, a mangrove boardwalk, and interpretive features that celebrate Bowen’s maritime and Indigenous history. The new structure will also be built higher and stronger to withstand future sea level rise and tropical weather events.

While major works are still in the planning and approval stage, NQBP has been carrying out essential maintenance to keep parts of the jetty safe in the meantime. Sections of old timber decking are being replaced with durable fibre-reinforced panels until construction on the new jetty begins.

The upgrade represents much more than a structural rebuild – it’s about preserving a piece of Bowen’s identity while creating a vibrant public space for residents and visitors alike. With continued community input and government backing, the Bowen Jetty is on track to become a lasting icon for the region once again.

Construction is expected to begin following detailed design and environmental approvals, with ongoing updates available through NQBP’s website. For Bowen locals, the future jetty promises to honour the past while embracing a new era for this much-loved coastal landmark.