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Aurizon Network lifts earnings as CQCN volumes rise in FY2026

Written by Allen Newton | Aug 17, 2026, 6:06:45 AM

AURIZON Network has reported a stronger financial performance for FY2026, with adjusted EBIT rising 10% to $640 million.

The increase comes on the back of higher access revenue and increased coal volumes across the Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN).

The result was detailed in the company’s annual financial report for the year ended 30 June 2026, authorised by directors on 17 August 2026.

The CQCN moved 212.5 million tonnes of coal during the year, up 4.5 million tonnes (2%) on FY2025, supporting a 5% lift in total access revenue.

Regulatory track access revenue increased by $68.7 million, driven by higher allowable revenue linked to regulatory depreciation and maintenance allowances, partly offset by a smaller under‑recovery compared with the prior year.

Aurizon Network said adjusted operating costs rose 3% due to higher maintenance and flood‑recovery expenditure, including $4.5 million in flood‑related costs.

The company intends to submit a review event claim to the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) seeking recovery of incremental maintenance and repair costs through amended FY2027 Moura system tariffs.

Depreciation fell $11.5 million (3%) following asset‑life review impacts, while the company’s regulatory asset base (RAB) is estimated at $6.2 billion as at 1 July 2026, including access facilitation deeds valued at $0.2 billion.

Aurizon Network also undertook significant refinancing and funding activity during the year, including issuing a $65 million medium‑term note maturing in 2040, expanding syndicated loan facilities to $650 million, commencing commercial‑paper issuance, and establishing a new $150 million club debt facility.

The company repaid a €500 million Euro‑denominated medium‑term note in June using existing bank‑debt capacity .

Looking ahead, Aurizon Network is preparing its response to the QCA’s Draft Decision on the company’s proposed amending access undertaking (DAAU), which seeks to extend the current UT5 regulatory period to 2037.

The QCA’s preliminary view supports approval of key elements including the weighted average cost of capital methodology, accelerated depreciation and throughput payment, while raising questions over proposed operating‑expenditure allowances. Submissions close on 20 August 2026 .

The company reported historically low coal‑dust emissions across CQCN monitoring stations and confirmed no environmental or cultural‑heritage prosecutions during the year.

Climate‑related disclosures continue to be reported through the broader Aurizon Group sustainability framework .

Aurizon Network is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aurizon Holdings Limited and operates Australia’s largest coal rail network, connecting more than 40 mines to five export terminals across three Queensland ports.