Acacia Ridge

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from Australian Railway History 2009, a NSW train is in the shunting neck north of Acacia Ridge.  In the background, is the Boundary Rd overpass, installed around 1982/83, which replaced a level crossing.  After the overpass was installed the Acacia Ridge yard was resignalled, in 1983 with hybrid signaling (QR like signals with position light shunt signals but with marker lights) for the standard gauge section

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Ronny Webb photo. Three 45,s at the Ridge. L-R 4526 Candy on 2AR-4515, 9 Shunt (conveys loading between Acacia Ridge & South Brisbane)-4527 on 1AR, all in the new crane area, Acacia Ridge, on 6/6/86.

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Type : Freight Terminal
Line : North Coast Line
Distance from Sydney : 972.027km
Location : -27.577639, 153.030459
Opened : 21 December 1965
Closed : n/a
Status : In use
Name meaning : After the location
Notes : > **Associated Sidings at Acacia Ridge (NSW system — standard gauge 4ft 8½ inches unless noted):**
> - **GMH Sidings** (General Motors-Holdens Pty Ltd) — opened 21 December 1965 (W.N. 50–1965); 3,500-foot loop reception siding Up side (604m 52c Sydney end, 605m 34c Brisbane end); 3,800-foot dead end to assembly plant; 1,800-foot run-round loop Down side; 800-foot dead end Brisbane end extension; 550-foot additional siding at plant
> - **CSR Siding, Cooper's Plains** — connected from Brisbane end of Acacia Ridge via extended shunting neck; dual gauge; automatic half-boom barriers at Boundary Road (605m 43c) from 24 August 1966 (W.N. 33–1966)
> - **John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd Siding** — dual gauge and standard gauge dead-end sidings; leads off GMH access sidings; 1968 (W.N. 1 and 33–1968)
> - **Estoban Siding (Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate)** — dual gauge (3ft 6in and 4ft 8½in) — opened from 3 January 1971 (W.N. 12–1971); No. 3 lever in Acacia Ridge signal-box
> - **Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre Pty Ltd** — dual-gauge loop siding (35 metric units) and dead-end siding (43 metric units) — provided 1976 (W.N. — 1976)
> - **GJ Coles and Company Ltd Siding** — provided 1976
> - **Steelhandling Access Road level crossing** (974.518 km) — Type "F" signals and half-boom barriers, opened 3 September 1974 (W.N. 35–1974)
> - **DCID Spur Line** (D.C.I.D. Sidings Acacia Ridge) — dual gauge, connected at 972.975 km; special steel token inscribed "D.C.I.D. Sidings Acacia Ridge" — 1984 (W.N. — 1984)
> - **AWI and Woolworths Sidings** — 1984
> - **Palmer Tube Mills Siding** — 1987; Accounting Station Acacia Ridge; Route 1–98 km; Freight rate to Roma St XX
> - **BHP Warehouse Sidings** — opened 11 September 1987 (W.N. 37–1987); QR signals provided
> - **Steel Handling, 974.418 km** — 1985 (W.N. — 1985)
> - **Interstate Goods Handling Complex** — opened March 1986; replacing South Brisbane Interstate Goods Depot (W.N. — 1986)
> - **Standard Gauge Line tenants (1986):** BHP Co. Ltd, Boral Steel Ltd, Bowater Scott Aust. Ltd, Brambles Long Distance Transport, Coles GJ & Co. Ltd, CSR Siding, Intermodal-Conrail Park, Kimberley-Clark Aust. Pty Ltd, Lysaght John (Aust.) Ltd, SPD Transport Pty Ltd, TNT Contrans (Salisbury)

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Location map (Google)

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# Acacia Ridge (North Coast Line — Border Loop to South Brisbane)
## Entries from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1963–1988

---

**Type:** Electric Train Staff Station / Industrial Freight Complex 
**Line:** North Coast Line (Greenbank–Acacia Ridge / Acacia Ridge–Clapham sections) 
**Distance from Sydney:** 973.895 km (Sydney end of yard) — 974.518 km (Steelhandling Access Road level crossing) — 974.418 km (Steel Handling station reference 1985) 
**Mileage (Working TT):** 604m 52c (Sydney end of GMH reception siding, main line points); 605m 34c (Brisbane end of yard) 
**Between:** Greenbank and Clapham 
**Opened as Staff Station:** 28 May 1980 (replacing Beaudesert Road/Nyanda) — W.N. 20 and 21–1980 
**Status:** In use 
**Name meaning:** After the Acacia Ridge locality in Brisbane's southern suburbs 
**Circular:** Greenbank Circular No. 366–36 of 1942 — updated to Acacia Ridge from 1980 

---

> **Associated Sidings at Acacia Ridge (NSW system — standard gauge 4ft 8½ inches unless noted):**
> - **GMH Sidings** (General Motors-Holdens Pty Ltd) — opened 21 December 1965 (W.N. 50–1965); 3,500-foot loop reception siding Up side (604m 52c Sydney end, 605m 34c Brisbane end); 3,800-foot dead end to assembly plant; 1,800-foot run-round loop Down side; 800-foot dead end Brisbane end extension; 550-foot additional siding at plant
> - **CSR Siding, Cooper's Plains** — connected from Brisbane end of Acacia Ridge via extended shunting neck; dual gauge; automatic half-boom barriers at Boundary Road (605m 43c) from 24 August 1966 (W.N. 33–1966)
> - **John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd Siding** — dual gauge and standard gauge dead-end sidings; leads off GMH access sidings; 1968 (W.N. 1 and 33–1968)
> - **Estoban Siding (Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate)** — dual gauge (3ft 6in and 4ft 8½in) — opened from 3 January 1971 (W.N. 12–1971); No. 3 lever in Acacia Ridge signal-box
> - **Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre Pty Ltd** — dual-gauge loop siding (35 metric units) and dead-end siding (43 metric units) — provided 1976 (W.N. — 1976)
> - **GJ Coles and Company Ltd Siding** — provided 1976
> - **Steelhandling Access Road level crossing** (974.518 km) — Type "F" signals and half-boom barriers, opened 3 September 1974 (W.N. 35–1974)
> - **DCID Spur Line** (D.C.I.D. Sidings Acacia Ridge) — dual gauge, connected at 972.975 km; special steel token inscribed "D.C.I.D. Sidings Acacia Ridge" — 1984 (W.N. — 1984)
> - **AWI and Woolworths Sidings** — 1984
> - **Palmer Tube Mills Siding** — 1987; Accounting Station Acacia Ridge; Route 1–98 km; Freight rate to Roma St XX
> - **BHP Warehouse Sidings** — opened 11 September 1987 (W.N. 37–1987); QR signals provided
> - **Steel Handling, 974.418 km** — 1985 (W.N. — 1985)
> - **Interstate Goods Handling Complex** — opened March 1986; replacing South Brisbane Interstate Goods Depot (W.N. — 1986)
> - **Standard Gauge Line tenants (1986):** BHP Co. Ltd, Boral Steel Ltd, Bowater Scott Aust. Ltd, Brambles Long Distance Transport, Coles GJ & Co. Ltd, CSR Siding, Intermodal-Conrail Park, Kimberley-Clark Aust. Pty Ltd, Lysaght John (Aust.) Ltd, SPD Transport Pty Ltd, TNT Contrans (Salisbury)

---

## 1963 — Beaudesert Road Level Crossing — Type "F" Signals — Joint NSW/QR Responsibility

### Type "F" Signals at Beaudesert Road Level Crossing — 20 May 1963
> At **Beaudesert Road level crossing, Acacia Ridge, mileage 604m 7c**, the manually operated swing gates were removed and Type "F" flashing light highway signals, automatically controlled by track circuit, brought into use on 20th May, 1963, installed by the **Queensland Railways**. Joint NSW/QR signal electrician responsibility for failures. *(W.N. 25 and 46–1963.)*

---

## 1965 — GMH Sidings Opened — 21 December 1965

### General Motors-Holdens Sidings Opened — W.N. 50–1965
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Provision of Private Siding for General Motors-Holdens Pty Ltd** — On **Tuesday, 21st December, 1965**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., new sidings will be brought into use for General Motors-Holdens Pty Ltd at Acacia Ridge, between **Greenbank and Beaudesert Road stations**. The sidings will be known as **G.M.H. Sidings, Acacia Ridge**.
>
> **Siding arrangements:**
> - Loop **reception siding** — approximately **3,500 feet** in length — Up side of Main line
> - **Dead end siding** — approximately **3,800 feet** — to the G.M.H. assembly plant — off Sydney end of reception siding
> - **Dead end extension** — approximately **800 feet** — off Brisbane end of reception siding
> - **Run-round loop** — approximately **1,800 feet** — Down side of reception siding (between reception siding and Main line)
> - Additional **dead end siding** — 550 feet standing room — at G.M.H. plant, connecting with main siding approximately 750 feet from buffer stops
>
> Main line points at **Sydney end of reception siding** (facing to Down trains) located at mileage **604m 52c**. Catch point approximately 270 feet from main line points; point indicator on Up side adjacent to catch points.
>
> **Pilotman's Key** — provided in Pilotman's Lock at Beaudesert Road signal-box to enable Frames A and B, Acacia Ridge, to be operated when Pilot Working is in operation in event of staff instrument failure. *(W.N. 50–1965.)*

### Frame A Position Corrected — W.N. 4–1966
> Frame A working the main line points at the Sydney end of GMH Siding, Acacia Ridge, has been located on the **Up side of the Main line adjacent to the points** — not as advertised in W.N. 50–1965. *(W.N. 4–1966.)*

### GMH Sidings — Full Description Added to Local Appendix — W.N. 4–1966
> **Acacia Ridge — General Motors-Holdens Pty Ltd Sidings** — detailed description added to Stations and Sidings page 318, confirming siding layout as per W.N. 50–1965. *(W.N. 4–1966.)*

---

## 1966 — Boundary Road Level Crossing — Automatic Half-Boom Barriers; Queensland Railways 3ft 6in Siding; CSR Siding Connections

### Boundary Road Level Crossing — Automatic Half-Boom Barriers — 24 August 1966
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Provision of Automatic Half-boom Barriers at Boundary Road Level Crossing** — On **Wednesday, 24th August, 1966**, automatic half-boom barriers with Type "F" flashing light highway signals will be brought into use at **Boundary Road level crossing (mileage 605m 43c)**.
>
> The half-boom barriers and Type "F" signals automatically controlled by track circuit for through main line trains and trains entering or leaving sidings at the Brisbane end.
>
> **Shunters push-button units** provided on each side of the level crossing to enable barriers to be lowered manually for movements on the extended shunting neck leading from Acacia Ridge Sidings to the CSR Siding, Cooper's Plains. *(W.N. 33–1966.)*

### Queensland Railways 3ft 6in Gauge Siding — July 1966
> Since **13th July, 1966**, a Queensland Railways **3ft 6in gauge siding** has been provided from the Down Beenleigh line adjacent to Salisbury signal-box to the General Motors-Holdens Ltd plant situated on the Sydney side of the Acacia Ridge sidings.
>
> **Down NSW trains** which require to shunt the Acacia Ridge sidings must enter by way of the **points at the Sydney end**. *(W.N. 33–1966.)*

### Staff Instruments Failure — Both NSW and QR Signal Electricians to Attend
> In the event of a failure of the electric train staff instruments for the section **Greenbank–Beaudesert Road**, both NSW and **Queensland Railways' signal electricians** must attend as the failure may be caused by a fault of the level crossing equipment. *(W.N. 33–1966.)*

---

## 1967 — Intermediate Staff Instrument Relocated to QR Boundary Road Signal-box

### Intermediate Staff Instrument Relocated — W.N. 46–1967
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Relocation of Intermediate Staff Instrument at Brisbane end of yard** — On **Wednesday, 22nd November, 1967**, between 8.0 a.m. and 4.0 p.m., the intermediate staff instrument at the Brisbane end of Acacia Ridge sidings will be relocated from the existing staff hut to the **future Queensland Railways Boundary Road signal-box** located adjacent to the existing Frame B.
>
> The door of the signal box will be secured by a **Queensland Railway Lock**, a key for which will be kept in an adjacent box secured by S.L. lock. *(W.N. 46–1967.)*

---

## 1968 — Queensland Railways Signal-box Brought Into Use; John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd Siding

### QR Signal-box Replaces Frame B — 11 January 1968
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Provision of Signal-box** — On **Thursday, 11th January, 1968**, the existing two-lever ground Frame B, adjacent to the points at the Brisbane end of the yard (**mileage 605m 34c**), will be dispensed with and the points will in future be worked from the **Queensland Railways Acacia Ridge signal-box** located on the Down side of the Main line adjacent to the points.
>
> The present **Frame A** which works the points at the Sydney end of the yard (**mileage 604m 52c**) will be **renamed Frame B**. *(W.N. 1–1968.)*

### John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd Siding — 1968
> **John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd, Acacia Ridge** — One dead-end dual gauge siding and one dead-end **4 feet 8½ inches siding** have been provided at Acacia Ridge for Messrs John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd.
>
> The 3ft 6in and 4ft 8½in sidings lead off the present access sidings to General Motors-Holdens Pty Ltd (which leads off the main line at 604m 52c, Sydney end, and 605m 34c, Brisbane end).
>
> "Stop" boards erected adjacent to each siding. A press button connected to a buzzer in Lysaght's property calls an employee to open the gates. *(Source: 1968 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1969 — Engine Load Table — Acacia Ridge

### Engine Load Table
> - Clapham–Cargo Sidings and Acacia Ridge: **275 tons**
> - Acacia Ridge–Clapham: **350 tons**
> - Acacia Ridge Yard–General Motors: 200 tons
> - Acacia Ridge Yard–Lysaghts: [load figure]

*(Source: 1969 Weekly Notices — engine load tables)*

---

## 1971 — Estoban Siding (Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate) — From 3 January 1971

### Estoban Siding — W.N. 12–1971
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Provision of Sidings for Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate** — Since **3rd January, 1971**, a dual gauge **(3ft 6in and 4ft 8½in)** siding connecting with the shunting neck at the Brisbane end of Acacia Ridge sidings and leading to the industrial estate has been in use. The new siding is on the **Up side** of Acacia Ridge Yard and is known as the **Estoban Siding**.
>
> Points connecting shunting neck with Estoban Siding located at mileage **605m 34c** directly opposite Main line points (Brisbane end); facing to Up direction movements. Points operated from **No. 3 lever in Acacia Ridge signal-box**.
>
> Narrow gauge crossover from Estoban Siding to QR Acacia Ridge sidings approximately 130 feet on Sydney side of No. 3 points — worked from **No. 16 lever** in signal-box.
>
> Catch point (No. 10 lever) approximately 300 feet beyond No. 16 narrow gauge crossover.
>
> Brisbane end shunting neck converted to dual gauge for **1,000 feet** toward Brisbane from No. 3 points. Dual gauge section crosses **Boundary Road level crossing** (605m 43c) and terminates for 3ft 6in gauge approximately 100 feet from Sydney end of CSR Siding.
>
> **Signals at Brisbane end of Acacia Ridge Yard:**
> - No. 5 — single light colour light Down Starting signal (Acacia Ridge sidings to Main line)
> - No. 6 — mechanical shunting signal (Acacia Ridge Sidings to Shunting neck)
> - No. 9 — mechanical shunting signal (Estoban Siding to Shunting neck)
> - Nos. 11 and 7 — mechanical shunting signals (Shunting neck to Estoban Siding or Acacia Ridge sidings) — top and bottom arms on three-arm signal post
>
> Middle arm (No. 18) applies only to Queensland train movements and must not be accepted by drivers of NSW trains. *(W.N. 12–1971.)*

### GMH Siding — Accommodation Table — W.N. 14–1971
> **G.M.H. Siding Acacia Ridge** — North Coast — Border Loop–South Brisbane — 3,500 feet / 172 trucks standing room (listed twice in 1971). *(W.N. 14–1971.)*

---

## 1974 — Seal Press 312 Inserted; Steelhandling Access Road Level Crossing; Full Working Instructions

### Seal Press 312 — Insert Acacia Ridge — W.N. 35–1974
> **Seal Press 312 — Insert Acacia Ridge.** *(W.N. 35–1974.)*

### Steelhandling Access Road Level Crossing — 3 September 1974
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Provision of Level Crossing for Steelhandling Area** — On **Tuesday, 3rd September, 1974**, a level crossing equipped with Type "F" flashing light highway signals and half-boom barriers will be brought into use at **974.418 km**, approximately 100 metres on the Sydney side of the Boundary Road level crossing Acacia Ridge (**974.518 km**).
>
> The new level crossing gives access from the Down (western) side of the Main Line to the **Acacia Ridge steelhandling area** and will be known as the **Steelhandling Access Road level crossing**.
>
> The road crosses the standard gauge main line, the narrow gauge line from Salisbury to Acacia Ridge and the dual gauge shunting neck.
>
> Level crossing protection equipment operated automatically for trains on the standard gauge main line and **manually by pushbutton control** units for movements on the dual gauge shunting neck. Pushbutton control units located on the eastern side of the shunting neck at each side of the level crossing and also in the signal-box at Acacia Ridge. *(W.N. 35–1974.)*

### Full Working Instructions — Acacia Ridge — W.N. — 1974
> **Reception Sidings** — Points and signals at Brisbane end operated from Acacia Ridge signal-box; points at Sydney end from Frame B (Duplex Lock B).
>
> No. 1 lever in Acacia Ridge signal-box and top lock of Duplex Lock B unlocked by key on miniature electric train staff for section **Greenbank–Beaudesert Road** or by Pilotman's Key from Beaudesert Road signal-box.
>
> **Intermediate Staff Instruments** — provided in Acacia Ridge signal-box and in a staff hut adjacent to Frame B.
>
> **GMH Sidings** — Standard and narrow gauge dead-end sidings to General Motors-Holden plant connect with Sydney end of reception sidings.
>
> **John Lysaght Sidings** — One dead-end dual gauge siding and one dead-end standard gauge siding; Stop boards adjacent to sidings; press button on gate post connected to buzzer in Lysaght's property.
>
> **Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate — Estoban Siding** — dual gauge siding connecting with shunting neck Brisbane end; No. 3 lever signal-box; No. 16 lever (narrow gauge crossover); No. 10 lever (catch point); Brisbane end shunting neck dual gauge for 305 metres toward Brisbane from No. 3 points.
>
> **Level Crossings** — Steelhandling Access Road and Boundary Road level crossings equipped with automatic protection equipment. Keys for emergency control in box secured by SL lock outside Acacia Ridge signal-box.

*(Source: 1974 Weekly Notices — full working instructions)*

---

## 1976 — Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre and GJ Coles Sidings; South Brisbane–Acacia Ridge Shunting Trips

### Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre Pty Ltd — W.N. — 1976
> **Siding Accommodation, Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre Pty Ltd, Acacia Ridge** — A **dual-gauge loop siding** with capacity of **35 metric units** and a dual gauge dead-end siding with capacity of **43 metric units** have been provided off Line No. 1 in the Estoban Industrial Estate at Acacia Ridge for Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre Pty Ltd and are available for use. *(Source: 1976 Weekly Notices.)*

### GJ Coles and Company Ltd Siding — W.N. — 1976
> A siding has been provided at Acacia Ridge for **G.J. Coles and Company Limited** and is available for traffic. *(Source: 1976 Weekly Notices.)*

### South Brisbane–Acacia Ridge — Shunting Trips
> **South Brisbane–Acacia Ridge Area** — Shunting and freight transfer local trips up to **1,230 tonnes** in both Up and Down directions between Acacia Ridge and South Brisbane. *(Source: 1976 Weekly Notices.)*

---

## 1980 — Opened as Electric Train Staff Station — 28 May 1980; Greenbank–Acacia Ridge and Acacia Ridge–Clapham Sections

### Opened as Electric Train Staff Station — 28 May 1980 — W.N. 20 and 21–1980
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Bringing Into Use as an Electric Train Staff Station** — On **Wednesday, 28th May, 1980**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., **Beaudesert Road will be abolished** as an electric train staff station and **Acacia Ridge will be brought into use** as a follow-on electric train staff station.
>
> The intermediate staff instrument at present located in Acacia Ridge signal box will be removed.
>
> New colour light signals provided: Down Distant, Down Home, Down Second Home and Starting, Up Distant and Up Home and Starting.
>
> A **shunting signal** to control entry of Up trains to Acacia Ridge yard will be provided on the post of the new Up Home and Starting signal.
>
> **Duplex Lock B removed; replaced by Releasing Switch B**.
>
> **New sections:**
> - **Greenbank–Acacia Ridge**: 18.815 km, Type C, Nos. 1–50, Key Staffs 1–50
> - **Acacia Ridge–Clapham**: 4.440 km, Type A, Nos. 1–50, Key Staffs 1–50
>
> **Releasing Switch A at Greenbank** will be unlocked by key on staff for section Greenbank–Acacia Ridge.
>
> **Acacia Ridge will not be a crossing station** but trains may be permitted to approach Acacia Ridge simultaneously from Clapham and Greenbank provided the Up Home and Starting signal and the Down Home signal are kept at Stop and one or both trains is destined for entry to Acacia Ridge yard.
>
> **Pilotman's Key** for section Greenbank–Acacia Ridge kept in Pilotman's Lock in Acacia Ridge signal-box.
>
> **Signal from Beaudesert Road signal-box** will be transferred to Acacia Ridge signal-box.
>
> Circular No. **366–36, Greenbank, of 1942** to be amended accordingly. *(W.N. 20 and 21–1980 — published twice)*

---

## 1981 — Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate Additions; Section Instructions Updated

### Industrial Estate — Admitting Down Trains into Acacia Ridge Yard — W.N. — 1981
> **Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate** — Add: **Admitting Down Trains into Acacia Ridge Yard**.
>
> The points for the movement from the Main line to the Acacia Ridge Yard at the Sydney end are connected to the Greenbank–Acacia Ridge Section and by electric releasing switch controlled from Acacia Ridge. The staff key is held in the hand from the facing points as authority for the Driver to proceed to Acacia Ridge. *(W.N. — 1981.)*

---

## 1982 — Single Line Track Block Working — Acacia Ridge–Clapham; New Colour Light Signals; Salisbury Shunting

### Acacia Ridge–Clapham — Introduction of Single Line Track Block Working — 11 November 1982
> Work advertised in W.N. 35–1982 (and previously deferred in W.N. 20–1982) was **brought into use on 11th November, 1982** — Single Line Track Block Working in lieu of Electric Train Staff Working between Acacia Ridge and Clapham.
>
> A new **relay interlocking control panel** brought into use in Acacia Ridge signal-box.
>
> **New colour light signals controlled from Clapham signal-box** (Queensland Railways):
> - Down Distant (automatic) CM35P — Brisbane side of Frame B (Salisbury)
> - Down Home No. 35 (CM35) — Sydney side of Beaudesert Road level crossing
> - Up 4th Home No. 40 and subsidiary shunting No. 42 (CM40) — Sydney side of Frame D (Clapham)
> - Up Starting No. 16 (CM16) — Brisbane side of Beaudesert Road level crossing
>
> Northern extremity of section Acacia Ridge–Clapham altered to **Down Home signal Clapham CM35**.
>
> Acceptance for a Down train from Acacia Ridge may be given by Clapham on the instruments when section is clear to **Clapham Up Starting signal CM16**. *(W.N. 35–1982)*

### Shunting Salisbury Sidings from Acacia Ridge
> When a shunting movement is to be made from Acacia Ridge to Salisbury Sidings, Acacia Ridge Nos. 5, 17 and 104 signals must be kept at Stop and shunt signal No. 101 or No. 102 cleared.
>
> Shunting of Salisbury Siding from Acacia Ridge is permitted at the same time that shunting of Rocklea Siding from Clapham is being carried out.

*(Source: 1982 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1983 — Conversion to Power-Worked Points; Administration Building Control Panel; Signal Box Abolished

### Conversion to Power-Worked Points and Control Panel — W.N. 41 and 42–1983
> **Acacia Ridge (Border Loop–South Brisbane) — Conversion to Power-Worked Points and Control Panel** — The manually-operated points and signals at Acacia Ridge are to be removed and replaced by power-worked points and a **control panel located at Acacia Ridge in the Administration Building**. The existing **Signal Box is to be abolished**.
>
> Electric Train Staff working will remain in use on the section **Acacia Ridge–Greenbank** and the working will be subject to the Electric Train Staff Regulations.
>
> **Staff Instruments** — A staff instrument is provided in the Acacia Ridge signal box. An additional Intermediate Electric Staff Instrument provided for Up trains entering section Acacia Ridge–Greenbank.
>
> **Staff Contact Locks** — provided at Acacia Ridge signal box and at Intermediate Staff Huts adjacent to Signals No. 31 and No. 32.

*(W.N. 41 and 42–1983)*

### Container Depot Reference — W.N. 13–1984
> **Access Road to Container Depot (973.895 km)** — equipped with Type "F" Highway Signals — listed under Level Crossings. Protection equipment operates automatically for Down and Up Main Line trains. *(W.N. 13–1984.)*

---

## 1984 — DCID Spur Line; Admitting and Dispatching Trains; AWI and Woolworths Sidings

### DCID Spur Line — W.N. — 1984
> **Department Commercial Industrial Development (DCID) Spur Line** — connected to Sydney end of Acacia Ridge Yard at **972.975 km**. Dual gauge.
>
> **Special steel token** inscribed **"D.C.I.D. Sidings Acacia Ridge"** — must be in possession of Driver of either QR or NSW locomotive prior to proceeding on to the DCID Spur Line.
>
> Catch points 20 metres from where dual gauge track diverges at Acacia Ridge end. Staff receptacle box secured by QGR points lock. *(Source: 1984 Weekly Notices.)*

### Admitting and Dispatching Trains — Two Intermediate Staff Instruments at Sydney End
> **Two Intermediate Electric Staff Instruments** provided at Sydney end of Acacia Ridge Yard:
>
> - Instrument at **No. 31 Down Shunt Signal** — Down side of Main Line at **972.400 km**
> - Instrument at **No. 32 Down Shunt Signal** — near terminal end of Arrival and Departure Road at **972.935 km**
>
> **Admitting Down Trains** — Observer sends staff to instrument hut at 972.935 km; deposits staff; telephones Signalman; re-locks door; returns to locomotive. Train then admitted on authority of No. 32 Shunt Signal.
>
> **Dispatching Up Trains** — Observer proceeds to hut; confers with Signalman; withdraws staff; inserts staff key in Staff Contact Lock; holds for five (5) seconds to enable No. 14 Up Starting Signal to clear. *(Source: 1984 Weekly Notices.)*

### AWI and Woolworths Sidings Added — 1984
> **AWI and Woolworths Sidings, Acacia Ridge** — added to Local Appendix. *(Source: 1984 Weekly Notices.)*

---

## 1985 — Steel Handling Reference — 974.418 km

### Steel Handling — 974.418 km Listed
> **Acacia Ridge Steel Handling 974.418 km** — listed in station sidings tables alongside Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate. *(Source: 1985 Weekly Notices.)*

---

## 1986 — Interstate Goods Handling Complex Opened March 1986; Standard Gauge Line Tenants; South Brisbane Interstate Goods Depot Closed

### Interstate Goods Handling Complex — Opened March 1986
> Due to the impending closure of **South Brisbane Interstate Goods Depot** on the **10th March, 1986** and the opening of the new **Interstate Goods Handling Complex at Acacia Ridge**, L.C.L. goods traffic is to be consigned to either **Acacia Ridge or Roma Street** depending on the type of goods concerned.
>
> The Queensland proportion of the R.O.A. Goods Rates for traffic to or from Roma Street and Acacia Ridge is to be assessed at the existing rate to South Brisbane. Transhipping charges will not apply.
>
> **(a) Inwards Traffic to Brisbane (via Kyogle):**
> - L.C.L. goods traffic other than articles normally conveyed in open wagons: consign to **Acacia Ridge** for delivery
> - Full truck loads to be consigned and delivered to **Acacia Ridge**
>
> **(2) Acacia Ridge Freight Complex** — Traffic to or from Acacia Ridge or Roma Street to be freighted at the present rate to South Brisbane. *(Source: 1986 Weekly Notices.)*

### Standard Gauge Line Tenants — 1986
> **Acacia Ridge — Standard Gauge Line** tenants:
>
> BHP Co. Ltd, Boral Steel Ltd, Bowater Scott Aust. Ltd, Brambles Long Distance Transport, Coles GJ & Co. Ltd, CSR Siding, Intermodal-Conrail Park, Kimberley-Clark Aust. Pty Ltd, Lysaght John (Aust.) Ltd, SPD Transport Pty Ltd, TNT Contrans (Salisbury)

*(Source: 1986 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1987 — Palmer Tube Mills Siding; BHP Warehouse Sidings (QR Signals); K&S Freighters Siding

### Palmer Tube Mills Siding — 1987
> **Palmer Tube Mills Siding** — Code 12298; Freight rate to be charged: Roma St XX; Accounting Station: Acacia Ridge; Route 1 — 98 km. *(W.N. — 1987.)*

### K&S Freighters Pty Ltd Siding — 1987
> **K&S Freighters Pty Ltd Siding** — Code 12570; Freight rate: Roma St XX; Accounting Station: Acacia Ridge; Route 1 — 98 km. *(W.N. — 1987.)*

### BHP Warehouse Sidings — QR Signalling — W.N. 37–1987
> **Acacia Ridge (Queensland Railways) — Signalling Alterations for BHP Warehouse Sidings** — Since **Friday, 11th September, 1987**, signals controlling entry into the BHP Warehouse sidings at Acacia Ridge will be brought into service.
>
> - One signal for **QR trains** (right-hand side of QR line) — permanent red aspect with two white lights for proceed
> - One signal for **SRA trains** (left-hand side of SRA line) — permanent red aspect with yellow shunt light for proceed
>
> Both signals located **80 metres in front of the warehouse**. *(W.N. 37–1987.)*

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## 1988 — Queensland Railways Closure of Steel Handling at Acacia Ridge; Container Listings; Type "F" Signals Testing

### QR Closure of Steel Handling at Acacia Ridge — W.N. — 1988
> **Acacia Ridge (Queensland Railways) — Closure of Steel Handling** — Queensland Railways closure of steel handling operations at Acacia Ridge. *(Source: 1988 Weekly Notices.)*

### Container Listings — Vessel and Container Details
> Listings are by vessel and container name and number; if a journey to Brisbane is involved, a copy is faxed to the **Interstate Transport Officer, Queensland Railways at Acacia Ridge**. *(Source: 1988 Weekly Notices.)*

### Type "F" Signals — SM Acacia Ridge Listed as Testing Authority
> **SM Acacia Ridge** listed as testing authority for multiple Type "F" level crossings in the Acacia Ridge area — half-boom barriers at Boundary Road and Steelhandling Access Road. *(Source: 1988 Weekly Notices.)*

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## 1989 — Standard Gauge Sidings — E.A. Rocke Added

### EA Rocke Inserted — W.N. — 1989
> **Acacia Ridge Sidings — Standard Gauge** — Insert: **E.A. Rocke** after Intermodal-Conrail Park. *(W.N. — 1989.)*

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| 20 May 1963 | Type "F" flashing light signals installed at Beaudesert Road level crossing (604m 7c) by Queensland Railways — joint NSW/QR electrician responsibility |
| **21 December 1965** | **GMH Sidings opened** — 3,500-foot loop reception siding (Up side), 3,800-foot dead-end to GMH plant, 1,800-foot run-round loop; Sydney end at 604m 52c (W.N. 50–1965) |
| W.N. 4–1966 | Frame A position corrected (Up side, not as advertised); full GMH siding description added to Local Appendix |
| **24 August 1966** | **Automatic half-boom barriers** at Boundary Road level crossing (605m 43c); QR 3ft 6in gauge siding provided from Salisbury (July 1966) |
| **11 January 1968** | **QR Acacia Ridge signal-box** brings into use at Brisbane end (605m 34c) — Frame B dispensed with; old Frame A renamed Frame B (W.N. 1–1968) |
| W.N. 46–1967 | Intermediate staff instrument relocated to future QR Boundary Road signal-box |
| 1968 | **John Lysaght (Aust.) Ltd** — dual gauge and standard gauge dead-end sidings provided |
| **3 January 1971** | **Estoban Siding** (Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate) — dual gauge (3ft 6in + 4ft 8½in) in use; No. 3 lever signal-box; 1,000-foot dual gauge shunting neck extended; colour light signals at Brisbane end (W.N. 12–1971) |
| **3 September 1974** | **Steelhandling Access Road level crossing** (974.518 km) — Type "F" and half-boom barriers (W.N. 35–1974) |
| W.N. 35–1974 | Seal Press 312 inserted for Acacia Ridge |
| 1974 | Full working instructions published — Reception Sidings, GMH, Lysaght, Estoban, level crossings, intermediate staff instruments |
| 1976 | **Brisbane Interstate Freight Centre Pty Ltd** — dual-gauge loop (35 metric units) and dead-end (43 metric units) provided; **GJ Coles Siding** provided |
| **28 May 1980** | **Acacia Ridge opened as Electric Train Staff Station** — replacing Beaudesert Road (Nyanda); new sections Greenbank–Acacia Ridge (18.815 km) and Acacia Ridge–Clapham (4.440 km); new colour light signals; Releasing Switch B; not a crossing station (W.N. 20 and 21–1980) |
| W.N. — 1981 | Admitting Down Trains into Acacia Ridge Yard — electric releasing switch from Acacia Ridge control |
| **11 November 1982** | **Single Line Track Block Working introduced — Acacia Ridge–Clapham** (replacing Electric Train Staff); new relay interlocking control panel; QR colour light signals provided (W.N. 35–1982) |
| W.N. 41 and 42–1983 | **Signal Box abolished** — replaced by power-worked points and Administration Building control panel; staff instruments and contact locks remain for Acacia Ridge–Greenbank section |
| W.N. 13–1984 | Container Depot (973.895 km) — Type "F" signals listed |
| W.N. — 1984 | **DCID Spur Line** (972.975 km) — dual gauge; special steel token "D.C.I.D. Sidings Acacia Ridge"; two Intermediate Staff Instruments at Sydney end (972.400 and 972.935 km); AWI and Woolworths Sidings added |
| W.N. — 1985 | Steel Handling, 974.418 km, listed |
| **March 1986** | **Interstate Goods Handling Complex opened** — South Brisbane Interstate Goods Depot closed; L.C.L. goods consigned to Acacia Ridge or Roma Street |
| 1986 | Standard Gauge Line tenants listed (11 companies) |
| **11 September 1987** | **BHP Warehouse Sidings** — QR signalling brought into service; Palmer Tube Mills Siding and K&S Freighters Siding added |
| W.N. — 1988 | QR Steel Handling at Acacia Ridge closed; container listings by vessel/container; SM Acacia Ridge listed as testing authority for Type "F" signals |
| W.N. — 1989 | E.A. Rocke inserted in standard gauge sidings list |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1963–1989.* 
*Note: Acacia Ridge evolved from a purely private industrial siding complex (1965) to an Electric Train Staff Station (1980) to a major interstate freight terminal (1986), reflecting the transformation of the NSW–QR interchange point from a passenger-era crossing arrangement to a freight-era industrial hub.*