O'Donnell will work with a steering committee comprising two state government representatives and two Queensland Resources Council representatives.

“They will ensure a focus on the entirety of the coal supply chain – from the time it's dug up to the time it leaves on a ship," Beattie said.

O'Donnell has worked for DuPont, and was executive general manager of MIM’s Mt Isa from 1995 to 2000 before moving on to Pasminco for two years and most recently spending four years as the CEO of rail freight operator Pacific National.

“With major increments of port and rail capacity being brought onstream in the next three years, it is essential that all users have a realistic expectation of what system capacity will be achievable, when this capacity will be available and how the system might best operate to realise this capacity,” Beattie said.

O’Donnell will be required to clarify the key determinants of system performance, provide realistic throughput targets that have been agreed by all parties, and map out future system improvements.

“He has been asked to make a series of recommendations focused on improving transparency, system throughput and confidence in forecast capacity in the short, medium and long term," Beattie said.

Backing the appointment, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche said the review would look at “what can be done to overcome any perceived or actual constraints on the system”

“All users deserve a realistic expectation of what system capacity is achievable, when this capacity will be available and how the system can best be operated to realise this capacity,” he said.