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Aurizon

azj · ASX Industrials
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Industry Railroads
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2021 Annual Report · Aurizon
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Contents

FY2021 in Review ................................................... 1

Chairman’s Report ................................................2

Managing Director & CEO’s Report ..............3

Directors’ Report ...................................................4

– Operating and Financial Review .................11

– Remuneration Report ................................... 26

Auditors’ Independence Declaration ..........41

Corporate Governance Statement ............. 42

Financial Report ..................................................48

Shareholder Information  ...............................108

Glossary ..................................................................110

Corporate Information  ....................................112 

Our vision
To be the first choice for bulk commodity  
transport solutions.

Our purpose 
To grow regional Australia by delivering bulk 
commodities to the world. 

Our values

SAFETY 
We know safe, we choose safe.

PEOPLE 
We seek diverse perspectives.

INTEGRITY 
We have the courage to do the right thing.

CUSTOMER 
We strive to be the first choice for customers.

EXCELLENCE 
We set and achieve ambitious goals.

FY2021 in Review

Result highlights (Underlying and statutory continuing operations)
($M)

Total revenue

EBITDA

EBIT

Adjustments

EBIT Statutory

NPAT

NPAT Statutory

Free cash flow (FCF) (continuing and discontinued operations)

Final dividend (cps)

Total dividend (cps)

Earnings per share (cps)

Return on invested capital (ROIC)

EBITDA margin (%)

Operating ratio (OR) (%)

Above Rail Tonnes (m)

Above Rail opex/NTK (excluding access) ($/’000 NTK)

Gearing (net debt/(net debt + equity)) (%)

Performance overview
 › EBITDA up 1% to $1,482.2m with:

•  Network up $50.7m (6%) with higher 
revenue from the commencement of 
Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP)  
fee billing offsetting volume-driven 
under-recoveries

•  Bulk up $29.8m (27%) with higher 
revenue through new contracts
•  Coal down $83.1m (13%) driven by a  

6% reduction in volume 

•  Other improved by $17.2m (30%) due  
to asset sales and lower project costs.
 › FCF increased 1% to $734.4m consistent  
with EBITDA growth and inclusive of net 
proceeds from the sale of the Acacia Ridge 
Intermodal Terminal.

 › Final dividend 14.4cps (70% franked) 
representing a payout ratio of 100% 
of underlying NPAT for the continuing 
operations, an increase of 5% and resulting  
in a total FY2021 dividends of 28.8cps.

 › Completion of a $300.0m on market share 

buy-back.

Major items
 › Network — EBITDA growth reflects 

commencement of WIRP fee billing more than 
offsetting volume-driven under-recoveries. 
Operating costs also reduced in line with lower 
volumes and reduced maintenance spend.

 › Bulk — strong financial performance continues 

with full-year benefit of recent contract 
wins and ongoing operational efficiency 
improvements. Bulk now accounts for 32% of 
above rail revenue1 and 26% of above rail EBIT.
 › Coal — decline in EBITDA driven by 6% lower 
volumes, lower revenue quality and non-pass 
through of Take-or-Pay. Operating costs 
excluding access 4% lower with a reduction in 
fuel, traincrew and maintenance costs.

 › Three debt market capital issuances 

representing $1.075bn with terms from 
7.0-years to 10.5-years (and coupons of  
2.9% to 3.3%) including an inaugural issuance 
for Aurizon Operations — 7.0-year A$500.0m 
Medium Term Note at a coupon of 3.0%.

FY2021

 3,019.3 

 1,482.2 

 903.1 

 8.2 

 911.3 

 533.2 

 606.7 

 734.4 

 14.4 

28.8

28.5

10.7%

49.1%

70.1%

253.2

21.2

45.6%

FY2020

3,064.6

1,467.6

909.0

105.4

1,014.4

531.3

605.1

725.0

13.7

27.4

27.2

10.9%

47.9%

70.3%

262.0

20.9

45.1%

VARIANCE

(1%)

1%

(1%)

(92%)

(10%)

-

-

1%

5%

5%

5%

(0.2ppt)

1.2ppt

0.2ppt

(3%)

(1%)

(0.5ppt)

Outlook
Underlying EBITDA guidance for FY2022  
of $1,425m to $1,500m and sustaining  
capital expenditure of $475m to $525m.  
Key assumptions:

 › Coal — ~5% volume growth and lower costs 

offset by lower contracted rates.

 › Bulk — revenue growth from full year impact 
of recent contract wins and port acquisitions.

 › Network — non-recurrence of retrospective 

WIRP fees ($49.8m) and Maximum 
Allowance Revenue (MAR) reduction due  
to capital recoveries.

 › No material disruptions to commodity  

supply chains (such as adverse weather  
and/or impacts from COVID-19 related 
restrictions).

1  Above Rail Revenue is calculated excluding track access

FY2021 IN REVIEW

1

Chairman’s Report

A message from the Chairman 

Dear fellow shareholders

Despite another very challenging year for  
the Australian economy and our communities, 
I am pleased to report that a resilient Aurizon 
business has delivered a solid performance for 
shareholders in FY2021.

Aurizon delivered Earnings Before Interest and 
Tax (EBIT) of $903m in FY2021, which was 
within our guidance range of $870 - $910m. 
In FY2021, Aurizon also generated free cash 
flow of $734m. In a year where our above rail 
and network volumes were lower, these results 
highlight the strength and resilience of our 
business, with stable and consistent cash flows 
enabling Aurizon to increase dividends and 
undertake another share buyback.

Aurizon has decided to pay out 100% of 
Underlying Net Profit After Tax as dividends. 
The Board has declared a final dividend of  
14.4 cents per share, 70% franked. This will take 
total dividends in respect of FY2021 to 28.8 cents  
per share, 70% franked, an increase of 5% from 
FY2020. With the completion of the $300m 
share buyback in FY2021, distributions to 
shareholders have totalled more than $4 billion 
over the past six years.

Aurizon continued to make good progress on 
key priorities during FY2021, including:

 › Continuing the successful execution of the 

Bulk business turnaround, with multiple paths 
for growth in volumes, revenue, EBITDA 
and EBIT. This includes the acquisitions of 
port and logistics businesses in Townsville 
(in FY2020) and Newcastle (FY2021) under 
the banner of Aurizon Port Services. Bulk 
now accounts for 32% of above rail revenue. 
We see a rebalancing of our portfolio 
in coming years as Bulk taps into the 
rapidly-expanding demand for Australian 
commodities as inputs for batteries, electric 
vehicles, telecommunications, solar panels 
and wind turbines; for urban and transport 
infrastructure; and high-quality Australian 
agricultural products, food and fertiliser.

 › In October 2020, Aurizon released its 
Climate Strategy and Action Plan. This 
includes a target of net-zero operational 
emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 2050; a $50m 
investment over 10 years in low-carbon 
technologies for our locomotive fleet; and, 
the use of more renewable energy for our 
electrified rail network. Work has started 
on a project to develop battery-powered 
heavy-haul locomotives, and Aurizon is also 
assessing the longer-term opportunity for 
hydrogen-powered freight trains. 

 › The $205m sale of the Acacia Ridge Terminal 
in Queensland was completed in March 2021, 
following the High Court’s dismissal of an 
application for special leave to appeal by 
the Australian Consumer and Competition 
Commission. This sale finalises Aurizon’s 
staged exit from the loss-making Intermodal 
business that was commenced in 2017.

 › The Queensland Court of Appeal dismissed 
the customers' appeal on the payment of 
fees for the Wiggins Island Rail Project.  
This resulted in $60m of fees being 
recognised by Aurizon in FY2021 (including 
retrospective payments for the period 
FY2016-FY2020), and ongoing annual fees  
of ~$11m payable until 2035.

Aurizon continues to refine our business 
strategy in response to the changing external 
environment and based on detailed market 
analysis. Our strategic aim is to ensure 
Aurizon’s core business is highly efficient  
and resilient in this changing market 
environment, while positioning to seize the 
higher-growth opportunities that are emerging 
for Aurizon Bulk. 

Aurizon Bulk provides integrated supply chain 
services, including rail and road transportation, 
port services and material handling for a range 
of mining, metal, industrial and agricultural 
customers throughout Queensland, New South 
Wales and Western Australia. We are also 
well-positioned in markets serving the global 
uptake of electric vehicles, telecommunications 
and renewable energy infrastructure that is 
driving demand for Australian resources such 
as cobalt, copper and lithium.

We are actively seeking further opportunities 
to grow our Bulk portfolio. This builds on the 
work in recent years to simplify our business 
and exit the non-profitable parts, so we can 
focus our core capabilities on delivering for 
customers. Transformation, productivity 
initiatives and continuing cost reduction in 
all of our businesses will also remain key 
drivers for Aurizon’s financial and operational 
performance. Our teams are finding safer, 
simpler and more innovative solutions for our 
customers, particularly as we leverage the latest 
in information and operational technology. 

Safety is a value for Aurizon. This year,  
the Board requested a specific Board Safety 
Strategy Day to review with management a 
refined Safety Strategy. The objective is to 
support continuous improvement of safety.

During FY2021 our Company Secretary, 
Dominic Smith, left Aurizon. Dominic worked 
with the Company through the ASX listing 
process in 2010 and has been the Company 
Secretary since that time. On behalf of the 
Board I would like to thank Dominic for his 
outstanding service and guidance and wish  
him well for the future. 

In his report on the following page, our 
Managing Director & CEO Andrew Harding 
provides some detail on how we are supporting 
the nation’s efforts in responding to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, including the ongoing 
operation of freight supply chains that are vital 
for our communities, farmers, manufacturers 
and the resource sector. The Board 
acknowledges the work of Andrew and our 
leadership team in guiding Aurizon’s response 
during the pandemic and the outstanding 
commitment of our teams in serving customers 
during these difficult times. 

Finally, I acknowledge the continued support 
of our shareholders. We have built solid 
foundations for our Company and are well-
positioned in existing and emerging markets 
for continued success. With a resilient business, 
a strong balance sheet and good cash flows, 
we look forward to continuing to reward you 
on your investment.

Tim Poole

Chairman 
9 August 2021

2

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
Managing Director & CEO’s Report

A message from the  
Managing Director & CEO

Dear fellow shareholders

I begin my report to you on our business  
results by addressing operational safety 
performance and employee health and 
wellbeing during FY2021. 

With the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation 
in Australia, Aurizon has maintained constant 
vigilance across our national footprint to protect 
the health of our employees together with the 
customers we serve in our freight supply chains. 
As an essential service, we have been fortunate 
to continue operating services throughout 
COVID-19 and have implemented additional 
health and hygiene protocols in our operations. 
We understand the responsibility that comes 
with continued operation, and the important 
role we play in delivering freight across 
Australia, as well as for export industries in the 
resource, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

We have responded to the community COVID-19 
outbreaks that have occurred, including 
imposing restrictions on non-essential travel 
and increasing preventative measures in 
workplaces, aligned with government advice. 
We have promoted flexible and remote working 
where it is possible and enhanced our IT 
and technical support to boost productivity 
and connectivity for employees. We are 
also fortunate that the vast majority of train 
services do not cross interstate borders and 
more than 80% of our employees live and work 
in regional communities of Australia which 
generally have been less impacted by COVID-19. 
Aurizon is actively encouraging employees to 
get vaccinated to protect themselves, work 
colleagues, their families and local communities.

Turning now to operational safety performance. 
Our results have been flat across the safety 
metrics of Total Recordable Injury Frequency 
Rate (TRIFR), Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate 
(LTIFR) and Rail Process Safety (RPS). 

TRFIR has deteriorated 3% in comparison 
with last year’s improvement of 10%. This 
deterioration has been the result of an increase 
in low-severity strain and sprain injuries. LTIFR 
has improved 8% year-on-year, which is a 
positive trend. 

RPS, a measure designed by Aurizon to improve 
rail safety operations, including derailments, 
signals passed at danger and rollingstock 
collisions, has been flat in recent years. RPS 
deteriorated 8% in FY2021. This has been 
caused by an increase in low severity yard 
derailments.

During the year we continued the Safety 
Leadership program that equips operational 
leaders with skills to effectively lead our Safety 
Strategy and continually improve safety in  
their team. We are also focussing on initiatives 
to accelerate safety improvement through 
targeting the main contributors to TRIFR and 
RPS, and a specific focus on identifying and 
learning from events that have the potential  
for Serious Injury and Fatality.

In respect to the operational and financial 
performance, the Company has performed well 
despite the economic uncertainty and social 
disruption of COVID-19 for our industry and  
the economy. 

The Bulk business has delivered another strong 
result in FY2021, with EBIT increasing 25% to 
$112m. Revenue has been driven higher with new 
contracts and growth with existing customers, 
together with extended services such as the 
acquisition of the ConPorts business at the 
Port of Newcastle. After year's end, in August 
2021, we were pleased to announce a long-
term rail haulage and maintenance agreement 
with CBH in Western Australia covering all rail 
requirements for CBH’s Western Australian grain 
harvests. This contract underlines the capability 
and the potential opportunity for our Bulk 
business in providing integrated supply chain 
services for a range of mining, metal, industrial 
and agricultural customers across a national 
footprint. This opportunity not only includes 
traditional products such as iron ore, bauxite, 
alumina, base metals, grains and fertiliser  
but also the inputs for rapidly expanding 
markets for batteries, telecommunications  
and electric vehicles.

Above rail coal tonnages were down 6% in 
FY2021 against the prior period primarily as a 
result of COVID-19 and China import restrictions. 
Consequently, EBIT for Coal was down 21% to 
$325m, compared to FY2020. We expect to 
see haulage volumes to grow by around ~5% in 
FY2022. During FY2021, the Coal business was 
successful in extending its long-term contract 
book with a number of contract wins, including 
Anglo American (renewed contract for Dawson 
and securing additional tonnages from the 
Moranbah North, Grosvenor and German Creek 
mines, commencing early 2022) and Glencore 
(renewed contract as primary hauler for 
Newlands, Blackwater and Goonyella,  
excluding Hail Creek). 

The Network business had another solid EBIT 
result in FY2021 of $509m, a 9% increase on 
the prior period, despite an 8% decrease in 
volumes. During FY2021, we were successful in 
recovering outstanding fees of $60m (including 
retrospective payments) for the Wiggins Island 
Rail Project.

As well as delivering products and 
commodities, Aurizon is committed to 
supporting the communities in which our 
employees live and work. Since 2011, we have 
supported more than 430 community groups 
through our Community Giving Fund. In 
FY2021, we provided grants to 46 charities and 
community organisations in the areas of health 
and wellbeing, community safety, environment 
and education. 

During the year, we extended our reach into 
the community with two major partnerships. 
The first is a three-year partnership with 
Orange Sky Australia, which offers free laundry 
and shower services for people experiencing 
homelessness while providing a safe 
environment to connect with the community. 
As well as financial support, Aurizon employees 
are volunteering, individually and in teams, to 
support Orange Sky services across Australia.

Aurizon also became the new Principal Partner 
of the Queensland Firebirds who compete 
in the national Super Netball competition. 
Aurizon is committed to building a more 
inclusive, diverse team across our national 
operations and having a pipeline of young 
women leaders to support our future success. 
We see great alignment with the Firebirds in 
their championing of success and excellence 
in sport, with an ever-growing participation of 
young women in netball. 

During FY2021, we had some changes to 
our senior leadership team. I would like to 
acknowledge the outstanding contribution of 
Group Executive Technical Services & Planning 
(TSP), Michael Carter who announced his 
retirement. Mike has been with the Company for 
35 years and is highly regarded in the Australian 
rail industry. As a result of Mike leaving, we took 
the opportunity to streamline the Corporate 
and TSP areas under one executive and were 
pleased to appoint internal candidate Gareth 
Long as Group Executive Corporate.

Finally, my thanks go to our employees 
across our national footprint who are at 
the heart of the continuing success of our 
Company. They have shown dedication and 
discipline in carrying out their jobs during 
a very challenging period for the Australian 
community. This has been the foundation for 
continued safe, reliable service delivery for our 
customers and in looking after the health and 
wellbeing of themselves and work colleagues.

Andrew Harding

Managing Director & CEO 
9 August 2021

MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO’S REPORT 

3

 
Directors’ Report

T Poole
Experience: Mr Poole began his executive 
career in 1990 at PricewaterhouseCoopers 
(then Price Waterhouse) before joining 
Hastings Funds Management in 1995.  
He helped to build Hastings into a global 
investor in private market assets, principally 
equity and debt issued by infrastructure 
companies and was the Managing Director 
from 2005 to 2007. 

Since retiring from Hastings, Mr Poole has 
been an investor and non-executive director 
of a range of public and private companies 
in sectors including infrastructure, transport, 
property, financial services and mining.

Qualifications: BCom.

Special responsibilities: Chairman of 
Nomination & Succession Committee. Member 
of Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee. Member of Safety, Health & 
Environment Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: Lifestyle Communities 
Limited — Chairman (19 November 2007 to  
14 August 2019); McMillan Shakespeare Limited 
— Non-Executive Director (17 December 2013 – 
ongoing); and Reece Limited — Non-Executive 
Director (28 July 2016 – ongoing).

A Harding
Experience: Mr Harding was appointed 
Managing Director & CEO of Aurizon in 
December 2016.

At Aurizon, Mr Harding has implemented 
initiatives to leverage the core expertise 
of the business in heavy haulage and rail 
infrastructure. These include a new operating 
structure, a renewed leadership team and a 
refreshed Company strategy.

Prior to starting with Aurizon, Mr Harding was 
the global Chief Executive of Rio Tinto’s Iron 
Ore business.

Mr Harding completed a Bachelor of Mining 
Engineering at the University of New South 
Wales and holds an MBA from Deakin 
University.

Qualifications: B.Eng. (Mining Engineering), MBA.

Special responsibilities: Managing Director 
& CEO of Aurizon. Director of Aurizon 
subsidiary companies including Aurizon 
Network Pty Ltd. Member of Safety, Health 
& Environment Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships 
held in the past three years: None other 
than Aurizon Holdings Limited.

Aurizon Holdings Limited 
For the year ended 30 June 2021 
The Directors of Aurizon Holdings Limited 
present their Directors’ Report together 
with the Financial Report of the Company 
and its controlled entities (collectively the 
Consolidated Entity or the Group) for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2021 and the 
Independent Auditors’ Report thereon. 

This Directors’ Report has been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of Division 1 
of Part 2M.3 of the Corporations Act.

Board of Directors
The following people are Directors of the 
Company, or were Directors during the 
reporting period:

T Poole 
(Appointed 1 July 2015) 
(Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director)

A Harding 
(Appointed 1 December 2016) 
(Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer)

M Bastos 
(Appointed 15 November 2017)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

R Caplan 
(Appointed 14 September 2010)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

M Fraser 
(Appointed 15 February 2016)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

S Lewis 
(Appointed 17 February 2015)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

S Ryan 
(Appointed 1 December 2019)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

L Strambi 
(Appointed 1 December 2019)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

K Vidgen 
(Appointed 25 July 2016)  
(Independent Non-Executive Director)

Details of the experience, qualifications, special 
responsibilities and other Directorships of listed 
companies in respect to each of the Directors 
as at the date of this Directors’ Report are set 
out in the pages following.

4

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21R Caplan
Experience: Mr Caplan has extensive 
international experience in the oil and gas 
industry. In a 42-year career with Shell, he held 
senior roles in the upstream and downstream 
operations, and corporate functions in Australia 
and overseas. From 1997 to 2006, he had 
senior international postings in the UK, Europe 
and the USA. From 2006 to July 2010, he was 
Chairman of the Shell Group of Companies in 
Australia.

Mr Caplan is Chairman and Non-Executive 
Director of Horizon Roads Pty Ltd.  
He is a former Chairman of the Melbourne  
and Olympic Parks Trust, the Australian 
Institute of Petroleum and Orica Limited  
and Non-Executive Director of Woodside 
Petroleum Limited.

Qualifications: LLB, FAICD, FAIM.

Special responsibilities: Member of 
Remuneration and People Committee.  
Member of Audit, Governance & Risk 
Management Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships 
held in the past three years: None other than 
Aurizon Holdings Limited.

M Fraser
Experience: Mr Fraser has more than 35 years 
of experience in the Australian energy industry. 
He has held various executive positions at AGL 
Energy culminating in his role as Managing 
Director & Chief Executive Officer for a period 
of seven years until February 2015. Mr Fraser is 
currently Chairman and Non-Executive Director 
of the ASX-listed APA Group.

Mr Fraser is former Chairman of the Clean 
Energy Council, Elgas Limited, ActewAGL and 
the NEMMCo Participants Advisory Committee, 
as well as a former Director of Queensland 
Gas Company Limited, the Australian Gas 
Association, and the Energy Retailers 
Association of Australia.

Qualifications: BComm, FCPA, MAICD.

Special responsibilities: Chairman of Aurizon 
Network Pty Ltd. Member of Remuneration and 
People Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships 
held in the past three years: APA Group —  
Chairman and Non-Executive Director  
(1 September 2015 – ongoing).

M Bastos
Experience: Mr Bastos has more than 30 years 
of experience globally in the mining industry. 
He has extensive experience in major project 
development, operations, logistics and senior 
leadership in most of the major sectors of 
the mining industry including iron ore, gold, 
copper, nickel, zinc and coal.

Previously Mr Bastos was the Chief Operating 
Officer of MMG Limited with responsibility for 
the business in four continents and a member 
of many of the company Boards. Before MMG 
he spent seven years with BHP Billiton where 
he served as President Nickel Americas, 
President Nickel West (based in Perth), and 
Chief Executive Officer and President of BHP 
Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (based in Brisbane).

Mr Bastos also had a 19-year career with Vale in 
a range of senior management and operational 
positions in Brazil, including General Manager 
of Carajas in the northern region and also 
Director of Non Ferrous – Copper business. 

Mr Bastos is currently a Non-Executive Director 
of IIuka Resources Limited, Non-Executive 
Director of Anglo American PLC, and was an 
External Director (Non-Executive Independent) 
of Golder Associates from 2017 to 2021.

Qualifications: B.Eng. Mechanical (Hons),  
MBA (FDC-MG), MAICD.

Special responsibilities: Chairman of  
Safety, Health & Environment Committee.  
Non-Executive Director of Aurizon Network 
Pty Ltd.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: lluka Resources  
Limited — Non-Executive Director (February 
2014 – ongoing); OZ Minerals Limited —  
Non-Executive Director (September 2018  
to April 2019).

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

5

Directors’ Report (continued)

S Lewis
Experience: Ms Lewis has extensive financial 
experience, including as a lead auditor of a 
number of major Australian listed entities.

Ms Lewis has significant experience working 
with clients in the manufacturing, consumer 
business and energy sectors, and in addition 
to external audits, has provided accounting 
and transactional advisory services to other 
major organisations in Australia. Ms Lewis’ 
expertise includes accounting, finance, 
auditing, risk management, corporate 
governance, capital markets and due diligence. 
Ms Lewis is currently a Non-Executive Director 
and Chairman of the Audit & Compliance 
Committee of Orora Limited, Chairman of 
APRA’s Audit and Risk Committee, and a  
Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the 
Audit & Risk Committee of Nine Entertainment 
Co. Holdings Limited. Previously, Ms Lewis was 
an Assurance & Advisory partner from 2000 to 
2014 with Deloitte Australia.

Qualifications: BA (Hons) EC, CA, ACA, GAICD.

Special responsibilities: Chair of Audit, 
Governance & Risk Management Committee. 
Member of Remuneration and People 
Committee. Member of Nomination & 
Succession Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships  
held in the past three years: Orora Limited —  
Non-Executive Director (1 March 2014 – 
ongoing); and Nine Entertainment Co.  
Holdings Limited — Non-Executive Director  
(20 March 2017 – ongoing).

S Ryan
Experience: Dr Sarah Ryan has approximately 
30 years of international experience in the oil 
and gas industry. Initially Sarah spent 20 years 
in various technical, operational and senior 
management positions, including 15 years with 
Schlumberger Limited both in Australia and 
overseas. Dr Ryan then spent 10 years as an 
equity analyst covering natural resources with 
institutional investment firm Earnest Partners, 
based in the US. Dr Ryan is currently a Non- 
Executive Director of ASX-listed Woodside 
Petroleum Limited, Viva Energy Group Limited 
and, OZ Minerals Limited, and a Non-Executive 
Director of Future Battery Industry Cooperative 
Research Centre. Dr Ryan is a former Non-
Executive Director of Norwegian listed Akastor 
ASA. Dr Ryan is a Fellow of the Australian 
Academy of Technology and Engineering.

Qualifications: PhD (Petroleum and 
Geophysics), BSc (Geophysics) (Hons 1),  
BSc (Geology), FTSE.

Special responsibilities: Member of Audit, 
Governance & Risk Management Committee. 
Member of Safety, Health & Environment 
Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships  
held in the past three years: Woodside 
Petroleum Limited — Non-Executive Director 
(24 October 2012 — ongoing); Viva Energy 
Group — Non-Executive Director (18 June  
2018 – ongoing); and OZ Minerals Limited —  
Non-Executive Director (17 May 2021 – ongoing).

L Strambi
Experience: Mr Strambi was appointed CEO 
and Managing Director of Australia Pacific 
Airports Corporation (APAC) in September 
2015. He is responsible for the operation and 
development of both the Melbourne and 
Launceston airports.

Mr Strambi has a wealth of experience in  
the aviation sector both in Australia and 
abroad, spanning 40 years. As APAC’s leader, 
Mr Strambi is responsible for overseeing 
a direct workforce of 300 staff and assets 
valued in excess of $10 billion.

Prior to commencing at APAC, Mr Strambi 
was the Chief Executive Officer of Qantas 
Airways Domestic, a role he held for three 
years following four years as the airline’s 
Group Executive Operations. Between 2001 
and 2008 Mr Strambi was based in London, 
working in senior roles at Virgin Atlantic that 
included Executive Director – Airline Services 
and followed by six years as Chief Operating 
Officer.

Mr Strambi is a Graduate and Fellow of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors 
and a Member of the Australian Institute of 
Management. He holds a Bachelor of Business 
in Accounting and Finance.

As a Director, Mr Strambi has held positions 
with Star Track Express, Traveland and 
Southern Cross Distribution Systems and 
was President of the Royal Flying Doctors 
SE. Currently Mr Strambi is an APAC Board 
Member.

Qualifications: BBus (Accy), FAICD.

Special responsibilities: Non-Executive 
Director of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd. Member 
of Safety, Health & Environment Committee.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: None other  
than Aurizon Holdings Limited.

6

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21K Vidgen
Experience: Ms Vidgen began her career 
as a banking, finance and energy lawyer at 
Malleson Stephen Jacques and in 1998 started 
in the Infrastructure advisory team within the 
Macquarie Group. 

During her time at Macquarie, Ms Vidgen has 
traversed a number of sectors with a focus on 
infrastructure, energy and resources. Ms Vidgen 
remains an Executive Director at Macquarie 
Capital and is currently the Head of Industrial 
Transition and Clean Fuels globally, across 
Macquarie Capital and the Green Investment 
Group. This role is focused on developing the 
strategy and teams to deploy the Macquarie 
balance sheet across the energy value chain 
with a specific focus on clean fuels and 
deep decarbonisation. Ms Vidgen also sits 
on a number of leadership and governance 
committees within Macquarie Capital, the 
Green Investment Group and the broader 
Macquarie Group. 

In June 2021 Ms Vidgen was appointed to the 
Board of the Clean Energy Regulator. 

Ms Vidgen is a member of Chief Executive 
Women and a director of Bond University Limited.

Company Secretary
David Wenck was appointed Company 
Secretary in April 2021. He joined Aurizon in 
2010 as Group General Counsel and has over  
20 years’ experience in corporate and 
commercial law. Prior to joining Aurizon,  
David was a partner in a leading Australian law 
firm practising in corporate, commercial and 
competition law.

David holds a Bachelor of Laws with honours 
and is a member of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws (Hons.), 
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (UTS), 
MAICD.

Deputy Company Secretary
Naomi Wecker was appointed Deputy Company 
Secretary in April 2021 and has been with 
Aurizon since July 2010. She has over seven 
years corporate legal experience including 
strategic transactions, finance and governance.

Naomi holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of 
Business (Advertising) and Graduate Diploma 
of Legal Practice from the Queensland 
University of Technology.

Principal activities
The principal activities of entities within the 
Group during the year were:

Network

Manages the provision of access to, and 
operation of, the Central Queensland Coal 
Network (CQCN), provision of maintenance 
and renewal of network assets.

Coal

Transport of coal from mines in Queensland 
and New South Wales to end customers  
and ports.

Bulk

Integrated supply chain services, including 
rail and road transportation, port services 
and material handling for a range of mining, 
metal, industrial and agricultural customers 
throughout Queensland, New South Wales and 
Western Australia.

Review of operations
A review of the Group’s operations for 
the financial year and the results of those 
operations, are contained in the Operating  
and Financial Review as set out on pages  
11 to 25 of this report.

Qualifications: LLB (Hons), BA, GAICD.

Qualifications: LLB, BBus, GradDipLegalPrac.

Dividends

Special responsibilities: Chair of Remuneration 
and People Committee.  
Member of Nomination & Succession 
Committee. Non-Executive Director of  
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd.

Australian Listed Company Directorships held 
in the past three years: None other  
than Aurizon Holdings Limited.

A final dividend of 13.7 cents per fully paid 
ordinary share (70% franked) was paid on  
21 September 2020 and an interim dividend  
of 14.4 cents per fully paid ordinary share  
(70% franked) was paid on 31 March 2021.

Further details of dividends provided for, or 
paid, are set out in note 15 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Since the end of the financial year, the 
Directors have declared to pay a final dividend 
of 14.4 cents per fully paid ordinary share.

The dividend will be 70% franked and is 
payable on 22 September 2021.

State of affairs
In the opinion of the Directors, there were no 
significant changes in the state of affairs of the 
Company that occurred during the financial 
year under review.

Events since the end of the 
financial year
The Directors are not aware of any events or 
developments which are not set out in this 
report or note 32 of the Financial Report that 
have, or would have, a significant effect on the 
Group’s state of affairs, its operations or its 
expected results in future years.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

7

Directors’ Report (continued)

Likely developments
Information about likely developments in the 
operations of the Group and the expected results 
of those operations are covered in the Chairman’s 
Report set out on page 2 of this report and the 
Managing Director & CEO’s Report set out on 
page 3 of this report, and at a high level in the 
outlook provided on page 1 of this report.

In the opinion of the Directors, disclosure of 
any further information would be likely to result 
in unreasonable prejudice to the Group.

Effective governance for sustainability
Aurizon believes corporate governance is a 
critical pillar on which its business objectives 
and, in turn, shareholder value must be built. 
Aurizon Board members possess skills and 
experience from a range of sectors such as 
transport and logistics, mining, finance, strategy, 
technology, government relations, safety, health, 
and environment, among others. As such, the 
Board is well-equipped to consider a range 
of sustainability-related issues. The Board 
provides oversight and strategic direction to 
sustainability and has ultimate responsibility for 
the Company’s consideration of climate-related 
risk. It is guided by the Audit, Governance 
and Risk Management Committee and Safety, 
Health and Environment Committee as part of 
Aurizon’s risk framework and broader corporate 
strategy and planning.

Aurizon understands that climate change is one 
of the key interests to stakeholders. Aurizon 
accepts the scientific consensus on climate 
change and supports the objective of finding 
a pathway to limit global warming to less than 
2°C, aligned to the Paris Agreement. It also 
acknowledges the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on the 
impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-
industrial levels. 

During FY2021, Aurizon published its first 
Climate Strategy and Action Plan (CSAP).
The CSAP establishes a target of net-zero 
operational emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 2050 
and provides a foundation for Aurizon’s long-
term approach to climate change, underpinned 
by strategies and associated actions to mitigate 
climate risk and take advantage of climate-
related opportunities. The CSAP is built on 
three key pillars: 

1.  Manage risk and build resilience. 
2.  Deliver decarbonisation.
3.  Create carbon abatement opportunities. 

Following the launch of the CSAP, Aurizon 
has progressed laying the foundations for 
its climate resilience and decarbonisation 
roadmap. This has involved establishing a 
cross-functional CSAP Steering Committee, 
responsible for guiding the implementation 
of the CSAP and aligning initiatives under the 
three key pillars.

Between 2010 and 2020 Aurizon achieved a 
20% emissions intensity reduction across its 
locomotive operations. To support its long-
term goal of net-zero operational emissions 
by 2050, Aurizon is targeting a further 10% 
emissions intensity reduction across its entire 
operational portfolio by 20302. This approach 
places an emphasis on direct abatement 
through supporting the development and 
adoption of low-carbon technology across 
Aurizon’s operations and Australia’s freight 
sector. Performance against the 2030 target 
will be reported annually via Aurizon’s 
Sustainability Report. 

Aurizon also continues to adopt the 
recommendations of the Financial Stability 
Board’s (FSB) Final Report: Recommendations 
of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD), when considering climate-
related risks (see pages 46 and 47 of this 
Annual Report). Although Aurizon’s business 
is exposed to transition and physical risks, it 
is also well positioned to take advantage of 
climate-related opportunities. 

Climate change risk is incorporated into 
Aurizon’s Enterprise Risk Management 
Framework & Appetite and is therefore 
specifically considered when making 
investment decisions. The internal management 
process governing investment decisions, the 
Aurizon Investment Standard, has also been 
updated to ensure management considers 
climate change risk and carbon pricing on a 
materiality basis in decisions to recommend 
investment of capital. 

Scenario analysis is conducted under 
the Strategy in Uncertainty framework, 
which takes climate-related transition risks 
into consideration. The Board is directly 
engaged in identifying the scenarios for 
consideration under this framework, as well 
as developing plans and initiatives to position 
the organisation to mitigate risks and take 
advantage of opportunities. This strategic 
process is repeated periodically to ensure that 
strategic priorities are continually updated 
to proactively respond to emerging market 
dynamics and opportunities. The key drivers 
used in scenario analysis are outlined in 
Aurizon’s annual Sustainability Report.

For further information, refer to Aurizon’s CSAP 
and Sustainability Report, available on the 
Aurizon website aurizon.com.au/sustainability. 

Environmental regulation and 
performance 
Aurizon is committed to managing its 
operational activities and services in an 
environmentally responsible manner to meet 
legal, social and moral obligations. To deliver on 
this commitment, Aurizon seeks to comply with 
all applicable environmental laws and regulations. 

In 2019, the NSW government introduced 
legislation requiring Rolling Stock Operators 
(RSOs) to apply for an Environment Protection 
Licence (EPL). The mandatory EPLs were 
finalised in August 2020, and their requirements 
are being steadily integrated into operations. 
The NSW Environment Protection Authority 
(EPA) administer the EPLs. The EPA’s key areas 
of concern are diesel emissions and rail noise, 
and initial thresholds for both were set as 
conditions of the EPLs. The EPA has recognised 
past efforts of RSOs, led by Aurizon, to develop 
the 2018 Rail Industry Safety and Standards 
Board’s Code of Practice – Management of 
Locomotive Exhaust Emissions. 

The NSW EPLs stipulate a range of annual 
testing, monitoring and remedial regimes for 
both locomotives and wagons to meet noise 
thresholds, along with progressive improvements 
to address current rail noise generated through 
horns, braking and idling. These measures are 
available to the public and are used to validate 
the EPA’s commitment to reducing complaints. 
Aurizon recently submitted its first Annual Rolling 
Stock Performance Report to the EPA, confirming 
all locomotives that had major engine overhauls 
in 2020 were compliant with required noise 
thresholds, and that all Aurizon freight wagons in 
operation comply with specifications for Angle of 
Attack (a key contributor to wheel squeal). 

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting 
Act 2007 (NGER) (Cth) requires the Group to 
report its annual greenhouse gas emissions 
and energy use. The Group has implemented 
systems and processes for the collection 
and calculation of the data required and is 
registered under the NGER Act. 

At the close of the fourth Emissions Reduction 
Fund Safeguard Mechanism (Safeguard) 
compliance period (ended on 30 June 2020), 
three of Aurizon’s NGER facilities were 
captured. Through effective management of 
the Company’s emissions, Aurizon remained 
below its respective baselines and achieved 
full compliance with the Safeguard. Following 
amendments to the National Greenhouse and 
Energy Reporting (Safeguard Mechanism) Rule 
2015 in 2019, Aurizon is well positioned for 
a timely transition of its remaining reported 
baselines over the coming reporting period. 

Further details of the Company’s climate and 
environmental performance will be published 
in Aurizon’s forthcoming Sustainability Report 
which will be published in October 2021. 

2 From a 2021 baseline on a tonnes of carbon dioxide per net tonne kilometre basis.

8

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Environmental prosecutions 
In FY2021, Aurizon Port Services Pty Ltd 
incurred a monetary fine of $10,008, issued 
under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 
(Qld) related to the discharge of prescribed 
contaminants, namely wastewater generated 
from outdoor cleaning, to receiving waters at 
the Port of Cairns following a ship unloading 
event. The matter was investigated internally, 
and appropriate actions taken.

Risk management
Aurizon recognises that risk is characterised by 
both threat and opportunity, and manages risk 
to enhance opportunities and reduce threats to 
sustain shareholder value. Aurizon fosters a risk-
aware culture through the application of high-
quality, integrated risk assessments to support 
informed decision-making. 

The Board is ultimately responsible for risk 
management, which considers a wide range of 
risks within strategic planning. Aurizon has a 
commitment to effective risk management as a 
key element of business success.

The Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee monitors management’s 
performance against Aurizon’s risk management 
framework, including whether it is operating 
within the risk appetite set by the Board (see 
page 46 of this Annual Report). The Company’s 
Risk and Assurance Function is responsible for 
providing oversight of the risk management 
framework and assurance on the management 
of significant risks to the Managing Director & 
CEO and the Board.

Aurizon’s risk-aware culture has an emphasis 
on frontline accountability for effective risk 
management. The consideration of risk features 
heavily in our thinking, from the framing 
of strategy through to informing decision-
making. Aurizon’s Enterprise Risk Management 
Framework and Appetite and supporting Risk 
Assessment Procedure are aligned to the 
international standard for risk management 
(AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018), supports the 
identification, assessment and reporting of risk 
across the business, and includes both financial 
and non-financial risks.

Processes exist for the prevention, detection and 
management of fraud within the Company, and 
for fair dealing in matters pertaining to fraud. 

Further details of risks and risk management 
are set out on pages 22 to 24 of the Directors’ 
Report.

TABLE 1 – DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS AS AT 30 JUNE 2021

DIRECTOR

AURIZON HOLDINGS 
BOARD

AUDIT, GOVERNANCE 
& RISK MANAGEMENT 
COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION AND 
PEOPLE COMMITTEE 

SAFETY, HEALTH 
& ENVIRONMENT 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATION 
& SUCCESSION 
COMMITTEE

T Poole1

A Harding1

M Bastos

R Caplan

M Fraser

S Lewis

S Ryan

L Strambi

K Vidgen

A

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

B

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

13

A

8

–

–

8

–

8

8

–

–

B

8

–

–

8

–

8

8

–

–

A

–

–

–

7

7

7

–

–

7

B

–

–

–

7

7

7

–

–

7

A

5

5

5

–

–

–

5

5

–

B

5

5

5

–

–

–

5

5

–

A

1

–

–

–

–

1

–

–

1

B

1

–

–

–

–

1

–

–

1

A Number of meetings held while appointed as a Director or Member of a Committee.
B  Number of meetings attended by the Director while appointed as a Director or Member of a Committee.
1  In addition to the meetings above, a Committee of the Board comprising of T Poole and A Harding met respectively on two occasions.

Directors’ meetings
The number of Board meetings (including 
Board Committee meetings) and number of 
meetings attended by each of the Directors 
of the Company during the financial year are 
listed above.

During the year, the Aurizon Network Pty Ltd 
Board met on seven occasions.

Directors’ interests
Directors’ interests are as at 30 June 2021.

TABLE 2 – DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS AS AT 30 JUNE 2021

DIRECTOR

T Poole

A Harding

M Bastos

R Caplan

M Fraser

S Lewis

S Ryan

L Strambi

K Vidgen

NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES

135,500

576,525

45,947

82,132

70,000

63,025

48,000

42,787

40,000

Only Mr Harding, Managing Director & CEO receives performance rights, details of which are set out in the 
Remuneration Report.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

9

 
Directors’ Report (continued)

External audit services
PwC have been the Company’s external auditor 
since December 2010. 

Following completion of a tender process, 
the Company intends to recommend the 
appointment of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
(Deloitte) as the Company’s external auditor 
commencing for the year ending 30 June 2022, 
subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.

Ms Lewis, Chair of the Audit, Governance &  
Risk Management Committee, is a former 
partner of Deloitte, having retired in 
March 2014. She has no ongoing financial 
arrangements with Deloitte.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
A copy of the Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration, as required under section 307C of 
the Corporations Act 2001, is set out on page 41.  
The Directors’ Report is made in accordance 
with a resolution of the Directors of the Company.

Tim Poole

Chairman 
9 August 2021

CEO and CFO declaration
The Managing Director & CEO and Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO) have provided a written 
statement to the Board in accordance with 
Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

With regard to the financial records and systems 
of risk management and internal compliance 
in this written statement, the Board received 
assurance from the Managing Director & CEO 
and CFO that the declaration was founded on a 
sound system of risk management and internal 
control, and that the system was operating 
effectively in all material respects in relation to 
the reporting of financial risks.

Indemnification and insurance 
of officers
The Company’s Constitution provides that the 
Company may indemnify any person who is, 
or has been, an officer of the Group, including 
the Directors and Company Secretary, against 
liabilities incurred while acting as such officers 
to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The Company has entered into a Deed of 
Access, Indemnity and Insurance with each of 
the Company’s Directors. No Director or officer 
of the Company has received benefits under an 
indemnity from the Company during or since 
the end of the year.

The Company has paid a premium for 
insurance for officers of the Group. This 
insurance is against a liability for costs and 
expenses incurred by officers in defending civil 
or criminal proceedings involving them as such 
officers, with some exceptions. The contract of 
insurance prohibits disclosure of the nature of 
the liability insured against and the amount of 
the premium paid.

Proceedings against the Company
The Directors are not aware of any current civil 
litigation proceedings, arbitration proceedings, 
administration appeals, or criminal or 
governmental prosecutions of a material nature 
which are not set out in this report or note 31  
of the Financial Report in which Aurizon 
Holdings is directly or indirectly concerned 
which are likely to have a material adverse 
effect on the business or financial position  
of the Company.

Remuneration Report
The Remuneration Report is set out on pages 26 
to 40 and forms part of the Directors’ Report for 
the financial year ended 30 June 2021.

Rounding of amounts
The amounts contained in this report and in  
the financial statements have been rounded  
to the nearest $100,000 unless otherwise 
stated (where rounding is applicable) in 
accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding 
in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191. The Company is an entity to which 
the instrument applies.

Non‑audit services
During the year, the Company’s auditor 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), performed 
other services in addition to its audit 
responsibilities.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of 
non-audit services by PwC during the reporting 
period did not compromise the auditor 
independence requirements set out in the 
Corporations Act 2001.

All non-audit services were subject to the 
Company’s Non-Audit Services Policy and do 
not undermine the general principles relating 
to auditor independence set out in APES 110 
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants as 
they did not involve reviewing or auditing the 
auditor’s own work, acting in a management or 
decision-making capacity for the Company, or 
jointly sharing risks and rewards.

No officer of the Company was a former 
Partner or Director of PwC and a copy of the 
auditor’s independence declaration as required 
under the Corporations Act 2001 is set out in, 
and forms part of, this Directors’ Report.

Details of the amounts paid to the auditor  
of the Company and its related practices for 
non-audit services provided throughout the 
year are as set out below:

OTHER ASSURANCE SERVICES

Total remuneration for  
other assurance services

OTHER SERVICES

Total remuneration  
for other services

2021 
$’000

60

80

10

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS (Underlying continuing operations unless stated)
The Group’s financial performance is explained using measures that are not defined under IFRS and are therefore termed Non-IFRS measures.  
The Non-IFRS financial information contained within this Directors’ Report and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements has not been audited  
in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. The Non-IFRS measures used to monitor Group performance are EBITDA (Statutory and 
Underlying), EBITDA margin (Statutory and Underlying), EBIT (Statutory and Underlying), NPAT Underlying, Return on Invested Capital (ROIC),  
Net debt and Net gearing ratios. Each of these measures is discussed in more detail on page 107. Unless otherwise noted, the Operating and Financial 
Review information excludes discontinued operations being Intermodal. 

1. Annual comparison 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

($M)

Total revenue
Operating costs

Employee benefits 
Energy and fuel
Track access
Consumables
Other 

EBITDA 

Statutory EBITDA
Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT 

Statutory EBIT

Net finance costs 

Income tax expense

Statutory Income tax expense

NPAT 

Statutory NPAT

Statutory NPAT from discontinued operations

NPAT (group) Statutory
Earnings per share1

Statutory

Earnings per share1 (continuing and discontinued operations)

Statutory

Return on invested capital (ROIC)2
Net cash flow from operating activities 

Total dividend per share (cps)
Gearing (net debt/(net debt + equity)) (%) (group)
Net tangible assets per share ($) (group)
People (FTE) 
Labour costs3/Revenue
Above Rail Tonnes (m)4

EBITDA BY SEGMENT 

($M)
Coal
Bulk

Network
Other

Group (Continuing operations)

FY2021

3,019.3

 (836.2)
 (191.4)
 (81.1)
 (416.2)
 (12.2)

 1,482.2 
 1,490.4 
 (579.1)

 903.1 
 911.3 
 (145.3)

 (224.6)
 (159.3)

 533.2 
 606.7 
 123.6 

 730.3 
 28.5 
 32.5 

 29.1 

 39.1 
10.7%
1,277.0

28.8
45.6%
2.3
4,825
27.2%
253.2

FY2021
533.3
139.9

848.8
(39.8)

1,482.2

FY2020

3,064.6

 (791.6)
 (231.3)
 (107.2)
 (440.7)
 (26.2)

 1,467.6 
 1,573.0 
 (558.6)

 909.0 
 1,014.4 
 (148.5)

 (229.1)
 (260.8)

 531.3 
 605.1 
 10.8 

 615.9 
 27.2 
 31.0 

 27.7 

 31.5 
10.9%
1,237.5

27.4
45.1%
2.2
4,883
25.3%
262.0

FY2020
616.4
110.1

798.1
(57.0)

1,467.6

VARIANCE

(1%)

(6%)
17%
24%
6%
53%

1%
(5%)
(4%)

(1%)
(10%)
2%

2%
39%

‑
-
1,044%

19%
5%
5%

5%

24%
(0.2ppt)
3%

5%
(0.5ppt)
5%
1%
(1.9ppt)
(3%)

VARIANCE
(13%)
27%

6%
30%

1%

1  Calculated on weighted average number of shares on issue — 1,869m FY2021 and 1,953m FY2020.
2   ROIC is defined as underlying rolling twelve-month EBIT divided by the average invested capital. The average invested capital is calculated as the rolling twelve-month 

average of net assets (excluding cash, borrowings, tax, derivative financial assets and liabilities). 

3  FY2021 excludes $13.9m redundancy costs (FY2020 excludes $16.0m redundancy costs).
4  Includes both Coal and Bulk.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

11

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

EBIT BY SEGMENT 

($M)
Coal
Bulk

Network
Other

Group (Continuing operations)

FY2021
324.6
112.0

509.1
(42.6)

903.1

FY2020
410.6
89.9

468.8
(60.3)

909.0

VARIANCE
(21%)
25%

9%
29%

(1%)

Group performance overview
Group EBITDA improved $14.6m or 1% due to higher revenue in Network from the commencement of WIRP fee billing and volume growth in Bulk. The 
increase in Network and Bulk more than offset the decline in Coal EBITDA which was principally due to a 6% decrease in volumes and a 2% decrease in 
above rail revenue per NTK. The improvement in Other EBITDA is principally due to asset sales and lower project costs.

The increase in Network and Bulk revenue, combined with the reduction in net central costs (Other), more than offset lower revenue in Coal.

Operating costs decreased $59.9m or 4% with reductions in all Business Units due to transformation benefits and lower fuel and access costs more 
than offsetting an increase in labour costs.

Depreciation increased $20.5m or 4% primarily due to capital expenditure in Bulk to support growth and increased ballast and rail renewals in Network. 
With the increase in depreciation, EBIT declined $5.9m or 1%.

ROIC was 0.2ppts lower with the decreased EBIT and slightly higher invested capital.

Reconciliation to statutory earnings
Underlying earnings is a non-statutory measure and is the primary reporting measure used by management and the Group’s chief operating decision-
making bodies for managing and assessing the financial performance of the business. Underlying earnings is derived by adjusting statutory earnings 
for significant items as noted in the following table:

($M)

Continuing operations

Underlying EBITDA 

Depreciation and amortisation

Underlying EBIT

Significant items 

Net gain on sale of shares in Aquila

Net gain on sale of Rail Grinding business

Statutory EBIT 

Net finance costs

Statutory Profit before tax 

Income tax expense

Statutory NPAT – Continuing operations

Significant items, net of tax

Significant items – Aquila income tax benefit

Underlying NPAT – Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Underlying EBIT 

Significant items 

Net gain on sale of Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal

Intermodal closure benefit

Income tax expense 

Statutory NPAT – Discontinued operations

Significant items, net of tax

Underlying NPAT – Discontinued operations

Statutory NPAT – Continuing and discontinued operations

Underlying NPAT – Continuing and discontinued operations

12

FY2021

FY2020

1,482.2 

579.1

903.1

8.2 

8.2 

-

911.3 

(145.3)

766.0 

(159.3)

606.7 

5.7

67.8

533.2

14.9

161.1 

161.1

- 

(52.4)

123.6

112.8

10.8

730.3 

544.0

1,467.6 

558.6

909.0

105.4 

-

105.4 

1,014.4 

(148.5)

865.9 

(260.8)

605.1 

73.8

-

531.3

12.7 

2.5 

- 

2.5

(4.4)

10.8

1.8

9.0

615.9 

540.3

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–212. Other financial information

BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY 

($M)

Assets classified as held for sale

Other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment (PP&E)

Other non-current assets

Total non‑current assets 

Total Assets

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Other current liabilities

Total borrowings

Other non-current liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Gearing (net debt/(net debt + equity)) (%)

Balance sheet movements 
Total current assets increased by $96.6m largely due to: 

30 JUNE 2021

30 JUNE 2020

 5.0 

 806.9 

 811.9 

 8,483.2 

 469.5 

 8,952.7 

 9,764.6 

 - 

 (658.2)

 (3,738.0)

 (1,093.8)

 (5,490.0)

 4,274.6 

45.6%

65.1

650.2

715.3

8,537.1

519.6

9,056.7

9,772.0

(0.7)

(814.1)

(3,607.2)

(992.3)

(5,414.3)

4,357.7

45.1%

 › increase in cash and cash equivalents of $119.5m
 › increase in trade and other receivables of $23.7m predominantly due to a higher Take-or-Pay accrual.

This was partly offset by a net reduction of $60.1m in assets classified as held for sale due to the completion of the Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal 
sale and the partial divestment of the Forrestfield Intermodal Terminal.

Total non-current assets decreased by $104.0m largely due to a $95.8m unfavourable valuation of derivative financial instruments and decrease of 
$53.9m in the carrying value of property, plant and equipment. This was partly offset by an increase in investments accounted for using the equity 
method of $23.4m due to the investment in Ox Mountain Limited. 

Total current liabilities, excluding borrowings, decreased by $155.9m largely due to: 

 › decrease in current tax liabilities of $83.4m, primarily due to tax associated with the sale of the Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal ($32.5m) and the 

Rail Grinding business ($38.7m)

 › decrease in trade and other payables of $53.9m due to a reduction in trade creditors
 › decrease in derivative financial instruments of $34.5m due to the settlement of interest rate swaps in June 2021.

Total borrowings increased by $130.8m due to the Company’s strategy to increase leverage in the above rail business in order to create a more efficient 
balance sheet structure. 

Other non-current liabilities increased by $101.5m largely due to a $100.6m increase in net deferred tax liabilities.

Gearing (net debt/(net debt + equity)) was 45.6% as at 30 June 2021. 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

13

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

CASH FLOW SUMMARY

($M)

Statutory EBITDA (Continuing operations)

Working capital and other movements

Net gain on sale of shares in Aquila

Net gain on sale of Rail Grinding business

Non-cash adjustments - asset impairments

Net cash inflow from Continuing operations

Interest received

Income taxes paid

Principal elements of lease receipts

Net cash inflow from operating activities from Continuing operations

Net operating cash flows from Discontinued operations

Net operating cash flows

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for PP&E and intangibles, net of interest paid on qualifying assets

Payments for acquisitions of subsidiary and investment in joint venture

Proceeds from sale of business and shares held in associate

Distributions from joint ventures and proceeds from sale of PP&E

Net cash outflow from investing activities from Continuing operations

Net investing cash flows from Discontinued operations

Net investing cash flows

Cash flows from financing activities

Net proceeds from borrowings, net of transaction costs

Payment for share buy-back, share-based payments and transaction costs

Interest paid

Dividends paid to Company shareholders

Principal elements of lease payments

Net cash outflow from financing activities from Continuing operations

Net financing cash flows from Discontinued operations

Net financing cash flows

Net decrease in cash from Continuing operations

Net increase in cash from Discontinued operations

Free Cash Flow (FCF)5 from Continuing operations

Free Cash Flow (FCF)5 from Discontinued operations

FY2021

1,490.4

(43.4)

(8.2)

-

3.1

1,441.9

4.2

(175.6)

6.5

1,277.0

(23.0)

1,254.0

(518.5)

(63.5)

10.0

38.9

(533.1)

168.8

(364.3)

236.2

(306.0)

(155.3)

(528.8)

(16.4)

(770.3)

-

(770.3)

(26.4)

145.8

588.6

145.8

FY2020

1,572.8

(97.6)

-

(105.4)

5.7

1,375.5

2.8

(146.5)

5.7

1,237.5

9.9

1,247.4

(528.3)

(24.5)

165.3

15.8

(371.7)

0.4

(371.3)

211.2

(403.6)

(151.1)

(513.8)

(14.6)

(871.9)

-

(871.9)

(6.1)

10.3

714.7

10.3

Cash flow movements 
Net cash inflow from operating activities from continuing operations increased by $39.5m (3%) to $1,277.0m due to an improvement in working capital 
movements of $54.2m (mainly due to trade and other receivables) and improved EBITDA (excluding the sale of Aquila and the Rail Grinding business) 
partly offset by additional income taxes paid in FY2021 relating to the sale of the Rail Grinding business.

Net cash outflow from investing activities from continuing operations increased by $161.4m (43%) to $533.1m, driven by the acquisition of ConPorts Pty 
Ltd (renamed Aurizon Port Services NSW Pty Ltd) and the investment in Ox Mountain Limited, partly offset by the sale of PP&E of $23.1m. In addition, 
FY2020 included $164.5m of proceeds from the sale of the Rail Grinding business.

Net cash outflow from financing activities from continuing operations reduced by $101.6m (12%) to $770.3m due to an increase in net proceeds from 
borrowings of $25.0m and lower share buy-back expenditure of $97.6m, partly offset by higher dividend payments of $15.0m.

5  FCF — Defined as net cash flow from operating activities less net cash outflow from investing activities less interest paid.

14

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
Discontinued operations 
On 26 March 2021, the Group completed the 
sale of the Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal to 
Pacific National. 

Funding 
The Group continues to be committed 
to diversifying its debt investor base and 
increasing average debt tenor.

During FY2021 Aurizon Network: 

 › Issued a 10.0-year, $500.0 million A$ Medium 
Term Note (AMTN) in September 2020, at 
a coupon of 2.9%. The proceeds were used 
to repay a $525.0 million AMTN maturing in 
October 2020. 

 › Cancelled $100.0 million from the existing 
$850.0 million bank debt bilateral facilities 
expiring in June 2023.

 › Issued a 10.5-year, $75.0m A$ Private 

Placement at a coupon of 3.3%. 

During FY2021, Aurizon Operations: 

 › Added $175.0 million of bank debt to the 

existing $450.0m bilateral facilities expiring 
in 2023 and 2025

 › Issued a 7.0-year $500.0m AMTN in March 
2021 at a coupon of 3.0%. This represented 
the debut capital markets issuance for 
Aurizon Finance (the financing entity for 
Aurizon Operations). 

In respect of FY2021: 

 › Weighted average debt maturity tenor was 

4.4 years as at 30 June 2021. This was higher 
than FY2020 (3.8 years) due to replacing 
the existing AMTN expiring in October 2020 
with the new 10.0-year AMTN, the issuance 
of a 10.5-year Private Placement in Network 
and the issuance of a 7.0-year AMTN in 
Operations, partly offset by the debt 
portfolio’s duration reducing by 12 months.
 › Group interest cost on drawn debt was 4.1% 

(FY2020 4.5%). 

 › Available liquidity (undrawn facilities plus 
cash) as at 30 June 2021 was $1,618.2m.

 › Group gearing (net debt/(net debt + equity)) 

as at 30 June 2021 was 45.6% (FY2020 
45.1%). 

 › Aurizon Network’s gearing (net debt/ 

Regulatory Asset Base (excluding Access 
Facilitation Deeds)) as at 30 June 2021 was 
60.8% (FY2020 59.7%). 

 › Aurizon Operations' gearing (net debt/(net 

debt + equity)) as at 30 June 2021 was 10.5% 
(FY2020 10.2%).

 › Aurizon Operations’ and Aurizon Network’s 
credit ratings have each been maintained at 
BBB+/Baa1.

Dividend
The Board has declared a final dividend for 
FY2021 of 14.4cps (70% franked) based on a 
payout ratio of 100% in respect of underlying 
NPAT from continuing operations. 

The relevant final dividend dates are:

 › 23 August 2021 — ex-dividend date
 › 24 August 2021 — record date
 › 22 September 2021 — payment date.

Share buy-back
On 10 August 2020, Aurizon announced its 
intention to undertake an on-market share 
buy-back of up to $300.0m during FY2021. 
During the year 73,938,850 shares at a total 
consideration of $300.0m were bought back 
and subsequently cancelled.

Tax 
Underlying income tax expense from 
continuing operations was $224.6m and the 
statutory income tax expense was $159.3m 
due to a net income tax benefit of $65.3m 
recognised as a significant item as a result of 
the sale of the shares held in Aquila Resources 
Limited (Aquila). The net income tax benefit 
includes $67.8m relating to an unrecognised 
deferred tax asset associated with the 
impairment of the carrying amount of the 
shares held in Aquila in FY2016 partly offset by 
the tax effect of the net gain of sale of $2.5m. 
Statutory income tax expense for the Group 
(continuing and discontinued operations) 
was $211.7m. The Group underlying effective 
tax rate6 was 29.6% which is less than 30% 
due to the recognition of other previously 
unrecognised deferred tax assets and a prior 
year research and development tax incentive.

The Group underlying cash tax rate7 was 
19.3%, which is less than 30% primarily due to 
accelerated fixed asset related adjustments. 

The underlying effective tax rate for FY2022 is 
expected to be in the range of 29-31% and the 
underlying cash tax rate is expected to be less 
than 25% for the short to medium term.

Aurizon publishes additional tax information 
in accordance with the voluntary Tax 
Transparency Code in its Sustainability Report. 
See the Sustainability section of the Aurizon 
website for further detail.

6  Underlying effective tax rate — income tax expense excluding the impact of significant items/underlying consolidated profit before tax. 
7  Underlying cash tax rate = cash tax payable excluding the impact of significant items/underlying consolidated profit before tax.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

15

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

BUSINESS UNIT REVIEW

COAL 

Aurizon’s Coal business provides a critical supply chain link for the majority of Australia’s coal producers. The coal transport operation connects mines 
in the Newlands, Goonyella, Blackwater, Moura and West Moreton systems in Queensland (QLD) and the Hunter Valley and Illawarra coal systems in 
New South Wales (NSW), with domestic customers and coal export terminals.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

($M)

Revenue

Above Rail

Track access

Other

Total revenue

Track access costs

Operating costs

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT

METRICS 

Total tonnes hauled (m)

CQCN

NSW & SEQ

Contract utilisation

Total NTK (bn)

CQCN

NSW & SEQ

Average haul length (km)

Total revenue/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Above Rail Revenue/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Operating ratio (%)

Opex/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Opex/NTK (excluding access costs) ($/’000 NTK)

Locomotive productivity (‘000 NTK/Active locomotive day) 

Active locomotives (as at 30 June) 

Wagon productivity (‘000 NTK/Active wagon day)

Active wagons (as at 30 June) 

Payload (tonnes) 

Velocity (km/hr) 

Fuel consumption (l/d GTK) 

FY2021

FY2020

VARIANCE

1,163.6

 445.1

 3.4

1,612.1

(451.0)

(627.8)

533.3 

(208.7)

324.6

FY2021

202.1

143.7

58.4

83%

47.1

35.8

11.3

233

34.2

24.7

79.9%

27.3

17.8

390.5

329

14.9

8,723

7,887

23.9

2.86

1,260.3

 512.8

 2.2

1,775.3

(507.6)

(651.3)

616.4

(205.8)

410.6

FY2020

213.9

150.1

63.8

86%

50.0

37.8

12.2

234

35.5

25.2

76.9%

27.3

17.1

405.5

332

15.7

8,721

7,676

23.5

2.86

(8%)

(13%)

55%

(9%)

11%

4%

(13%)

(1%)

(21%)

VARIANCE

(6%)

(4%)

(8%)

(3ppt)

(6%)

(5%)

(7%)

–

(4%)

(2%)

(3.0ppt)

–

(4%)

(4%)

(1%)

(5%)

–

3%

2%

–

Coal performance overview
Coal EBITDA decreased $83.1m (13%) to $533.3m primarily due to a reduction in above rail and access revenue from lower volumes and a reduction in 
revenue quality. This was partly offset by lower expenses primarily associated with lower access and fuel costs.

Volumes decreased 11.8mt or 6% to 202.1mt with reductions in the Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN), NSW and South-East Queensland (SEQ). 

 › Across the CQCN, volumes decreased by 6.4mt (4%) to 143.7mt due to lower end-market demand impacted by COVID-19 and the challenging trade 
environment with China, end-of-contract impacts and customer-specific maintenance and production issues. This was partly offset by increased 
railings for the new Peabody contract and small increases for a number of other mines

 › In NSW and SEQ, volumes decreased by 5.4mt (8%) to 58.4mt due to the ramp-down of the New Acland mine as it approaches end of mine life, 

customer maintenance and production issues and weather impacts. This was partly offset by railings from the new BlueScope contract in the Illawarra.

16

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Contract update
 › Glencore — existing agreement as primary 
hauler for Queensland mines extended for 
Newlands, Goonyella (excluding Hail Creek) 
and Blackwater mines.

 › Anglo: Goonyella — new agreement across 

various mines; Blackwater — new agreement 
for German Creek mine; Moura — extension  
of Dawson mine.

 › Stanwell — unsuccessful in retaining 3.2mtpa 
domestic contract (ended December 2020).

 › New Hope — New Acland contract ends 

December 2021 (end of mine life).

Market update 
Australia exported 363mt of coal in FY2021, 
down 7% against the prior year. Although import 
restrictions remain for Australian export volume 
into China, alternative markets continue to be 
found for Australian coal. For the June quarter, 
despite zero export volume to China, total 
Australian export volume was just 1% lower than 
the prior year.

Australia exported 171mt of metallurgical coal in 
FY2021, down 4% against the prior year. India 
remained Australia's largest metallurgical coal 
export market with record high export volume 
of 56mt (33% share), followed by Japan at 
36mt (21% share) and South Korea at 20mt 
(12% share). In the six months to June, crude 
steel production in China increased by 11%, India 
increased by 31% and Japan increased by 14% 
against the same period of the prior year as 
economies recover from the impact of COVID-19 
related restrictions. The average hard coking 
coal (Premium Low Vol) price in FY2021 fell by 
15% (compared to the prior year) to US$122/t. 
At 30 June 2021, the hard coking coal (Premium 
Low Vol) price was US$194/t. 

Australia exported 192mt of thermal coal in 
FY2021, down 10% against the prior year. Japan 
remained Australia’s largest thermal coal export 
market with export volume of 73mt (38% share), 
followed by South Korea at 34mt (18% share) 
and Taiwan at 23mt (12% share). The average 
Newcastle benchmark thermal coal price in 
FY2021 increased by 20% (compared to the 
prior year) to US$78/t. At 30 June 2021, the 
thermal coal price was US$135/t.

Coal revenue decreased by $163.2m (9%) 
to $1,612.1m due to the 11.8mt reduction in 
volumes, lower revenue quality and lower fuel 
revenue resulting from a decrease in price. 
In addition, track access revenue decreased 
with the lower volumes, access rights being 
transferred to end users and tariff reductions 
partly offset by higher Take-or-Pay revenue. 
Above rail revenue per NTK decreased by 
2% due to reduced average rates per tonne 
including a reduced proportion of revenue from 
capacity charges.

Total operating costs decreased $80.1m (7%) 
to $1,078.8m with lower track access, fuel, 
traincrew and maintenance costs. The major 
drivers of these movements are:

 › Track access costs decreased by $56.6m 

(11%) due to the decrease in volumes, access 
rights being transferred to end users and 
tariff reductions partly offset by higher Take-
or-Pay expense.

 › Other operating costs decreased $23.5m 

(4%) due to lower fuel (largely price related), 
traincrew and maintenance costs. Traincrew 
costs reduced from lower overtime, FTEs and 
increased annual leave partly offset by CPI 
impacts. Maintenance slightly reduced due 
to volume reductions and lower corrective 
maintenance partly offset by CPI labour 
impacts. 

Depreciation increased $2.9m (1%) relating 
to the additional installed fleet and overhauls 
of existing rollingstock. Accordingly, EBIT 
decreased 21% compared to a 13% decrease  
in EBITDA. 

Operationally, key productivity metrics 
deteriorated with lower volumes and NTKs. 
However, average payloads and velocity have 
increased as a result of successful efficiency 
initiatives, including increasing train set lengths 
in the Hunter Valley and SEQ, implementing 
improved driver methodologies and a reduction 
in empty wagons on the CQCN.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

17

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

BULK

Aurizon’s Bulk business provides integrated supply chain services, including rail and road transportation, port services and material handling for a 
range of mining, metal, industrial and agricultural customers throughout QLD, NSW and Western Australia (WA).

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

($M)

Revenue

Freight transport

Other

Total revenue

Operating costs

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

EBIT

Total tonnes hauled (m)

Operating ratio (%)

FY2021

FY2020

VARIANCE

612.2 

22.6 

634.8 

(494.9)

139.9 

(27.9)

112.0 

51.1

82.4%

583.4

25.4

608.8

(498.7)

110.1

(20.2)

89.9

48.1

85.2%

5%

(11%)

4%

1%

27%

(38%)

25%

6%

2.8ppt

Contract update 
 › CBH — 10-year grain haulage contract 

commencing August 2021.

 › South32 Worsley — three-year contract 

extension for alumina and associated inputs.
 › Mineral Resources — expansion of services 

(beyond Esperance) with additional iron ore 
services into Kwinana. 

 › BHP Nickel West — railing ceased in March 

2021.

Bulk performance overview

Bulk EBITDA increased $29.8m (27%) to 
$139.9m due to the full-year impact of volume 
growth commencing during FY2020 and 
ongoing operational efficiencies. Revenue 
increased $26.0m (4%) to $634.8m with:

 › the commencement of the Rio Tinto contract 
for the operation and maintenance of Rio 
Tinto’s ballast cleaning machine on its WA 
Pilbara network in February 2020

 › the commencement of the Mineral Resources 

contract for the lease of rollingstock, 
provision of mainline crew and Esperance 
yard operations during 2HFY2020
 › a full year of contribution from the 

acquisition of Townsville Bulk Storage and 
Handling (Aurizon Port Services Pty Ltd) 
following the acquisition in 2HFY2020 

 › the acquisition of ConPorts Pty Ltd (renamed 
Aurizon Port Services NSW Pty Ltd) on 31 
December 2020

 › marginal revenue yield improvement despite 

lower CPI.

Partly offsetting this was lower access costs 
due to a customer transitioning to an to an 
end-user arrangement on the Mt Isa corridor 
during 2HFY2020 and lower average fuel 
prices compared to the prior year.

In Bulk East, volumes increased by 0.1mt driven 
by stronger grain volumes in NSW and QLD, 
partly offset by lower livestock volumes. In Bulk 
West, iron ore volume was up 3.0mt driven 
by the ramp-up of Mineral Resources volumes 
partly offset by lower Mt Gibson volumes due 
to end of mine life. Non-iron ore Bulk West 
volumes decreased by 0.1mt largely due  
to lower volumes on the Kalgoorlie  
freighter service.

Operating costs decreased $3.8m (1%) despite 
increased costs associated with the new 
volumes from Rio Tinto and Mineral Resources 
and the Aurizon Port Services acquisitions. This 
was due to ongoing cost benefits from the Bulk 
transformation program, lower average fuel 
prices compared to the prior year and lower 
access costs due to a customer transitioning to 
an end-user agreement on the Mt Isa corridor 
during 2HFY2020.

Depreciation increased $7.7m or 38% with 
increased capital expenditure supporting the 
growth in revenue and EBITDA. Therefore, EBIT 
increased 25% compared to a 27% increase in 
EBITDA.

Market update
Aurizon’s Bulk business includes haulage of 
a range of bulk commodities such as iron 
ore, bauxite, alumina, base metals, grain and 
livestock across WA, NSW and QLD. In addition 
to commodities required to build infrastructure, 
opportunities are coming from new markets 
such as renewables and batteries, and growing 
food consumption. In terms of batteries, the 
global uptake of electric vehicles is expected to 
drive demand for commodities such as nickel, 
cobalt, copper and lithium. This is supported by 
increased exploration expenditure in Australia 
— in the March 2021 quarter, nickel (including 
cobalt) exploration expenditure rose by 24% 
(compared to the same period of the prior 
year) and copper exploration expenditure 
increased by 8% across the same period. 
Australian metal ore mining capital expenditure 
increased in the March quarter by 22% against 
the prior year to A$4.5bn, the 14th consecutive 
quarter of year-on-year growth for the sector.

18

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21NETWORK 

Network refers to the business of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (Network) which operates the 2,670km CQCN. The open access network is the largest 
coal rail network in Australia and one of the country’s most complex, connecting multiple customers from more than 40 mines to five export terminals 
located at three ports. The CQCN includes four major coal systems (Moura, Blackwater, Goonyella and Newlands) and a connecting link (the Goonyella 
to Abbot Point Expansion (GAPE)).

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

($M)

Revenue

Track access

Services and other

Total revenue

Operating costs 

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation 

EBIT

METRICS

Tonnes (m)

NTK (bn)

Operating ratio (%)

Maintenance/NTK ($/’000 NTK) 

Opex/NTK ($/’000 NTK)

Cycle velocity (km/hr)

System availability (%)

Average haul length (km)

FY2021

FY2020

VARIANCE

1,178.9 

46.0 

1,224.9 

(376.1)

848.8 

(339.7)

509.1 

1,131.7 

56.8 

1,188.5 

(390.4)

798.1 

(329.3)

468.8 

4%

(19%)

3%

4%

6%

(3%)

9%

FY2021

FY2020

VARIANCE

208.3

52.4

58.4%

2.4

13.7

23.0

84.1%

252

226.9

56.2

60.6%

2.3

12.8

23.3

83.3%

248

(8%)

(7%)

2.2ppt

(4%)

(7%)

(1%)

0.8ppt

2%

Network performance overview
Network EBITDA improved $50.7m (6%) to 
$848.8m in FY2021, with increased revenue of 
$36.4m (3%) and reduced operating costs of 
$14.3m (4%).

Regulatory access revenue has been accounted 
for based on actual railed tonnes using tariffs 
approved by the Queensland Competition 
Authority (QCA) on 17 December 2020. Actual 
net tonnes were 208.3mt compared to the 
regulatory system forecast of 239.7mt. Total 
Access Revenue increased by $47.2m (4%):

 › Allowable Revenue was lower by $3.9m in 

FY2021.

 › Reduced volumes compared to the 

regulatory forecast resulted in an under-
recovery after Take-or-Pay of $34.6m in 
FY2021 (Access Revenue in FY2021 included 
the recognition of $88.2m Take-or-Pay 
revenue in relation to the Blackwater, 
Goonyella, Moura and Newlands systems). 
This compares to an under-recovery of 
$22.6m in FY2020.

 › Customer-funded infrastructure rebates were 
also higher by $6.2m in FY2021 compared 
to FY2020, as a result of the true-up 
adjustment in FY2020 partly offset by the 
impact of lower volumes in FY2021.

 › FY2021 Access Revenue benefited from 
favourable Revenue Cap movements of 
$13.0m. FY2020 included a repayment of 
$0.8m in relation to FY2018 and $12.2m in 
relation to FY2019.

 › Other Access Revenue was lower by $4.0m. 
This included lower pass-through Energy 
Costs (EC) revenue due to the lower 
volumes, offset in lower expenses.

 › The above movements were more than offset 
by the recognition of WIRP fees of $60.3m 
in FY2021, including recovery of historical 
fees following the successful Supreme Court 
decision in September 2020. No WIRP fees 
were recognised in FY2020.

Services and other revenue was $10.8m (19%) 
lower in FY2021. This was primarily due to 
lower external construction revenue in FY2021 
and insurance recoveries that were received in 
FY2020.

Operating costs decreased by $14.3m (4%) 
primarily due to lower external construction 
costs associated with the lower revenue, 
reduced electric traction charges (offset 
in Access Revenue and EC revenue) and 
lower maintenance costs partially offset 
by expenditure incurred on the Precision 
railroading initiative.

Depreciation increased $10.4m (3%) primarily 
due to historic rail renewal and ballast 
undercutting investment.

Network’s 2019-2020 Regulatory Asset Base 
(RAB) roll-forward is estimated to be $5.3bn8 
(excluding Access Facilitation Deeds of 
$0.4bn).

8  Includes deferred capital.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

19

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

On 14 February 2021, the Rail Industry Group 
(RIG) notified Network that End Users had 
elected to approve the Maintenance and 
Renewal Strategy and Budgets for each coal 
system except for:

 › The Maintenance Strategy and Budget for 

Newlands which was subsequently approved 
by the QCA on 26 May 2021; and

 › The Renewals Strategy and Budget for both 
Newlands and GAPE. As required under UT5, 
the draft renewals budget for Newlands and 
GAPE were incorporated into the FY2022 
Annual Review of Reference Tariffs which 
were approved by the QCA on 22 June 2021. 
Renewals expenditure in Newlands and GAPE 
in FY2022 will be reviewed by the QCA 
for prudency and efficiency as part of the 
Annual Capital Claim process.

Network’s FY2020 Capital Expenditure 
Claim for $238m was approved by the QCA 
on 19 February 2021 and this amount was 
subsequently approved for entry into the  
RAB on 8 April 2021.

The QCA approved Network’s FY2022 Annual 
Review of Reference Tariffs including FY2022 
coal volumes for the CQCN at 226.9mt. 

Regulation update
Aurizon continues to progress the 
implementation of the 2017 Access 
Undertaking (UT5) which was approved by the 
QCA on 19 December 2019. The status of key 
aspects of UT5 are:

 › The Independent Expert (IE), Coal Network 
Capacity Co, continues the development 
of the Initial Capacity Assessment Report 
(ICAR) with the assistance of external 
consultants. The current expectation is that 
the ICAR will be completed at the end of 
Q1FY2022. Following delivery of the ICAR, 
should a capacity deficit be identified 
Aurizon Network has 20 business days 
to provide its initial views on potential 
transitional arrangements that could be 
implemented to address the deficit.

 › While the IE continues to progress the ICAR, 
Network's Weighted Average Cost of Capital 
(WACC) remains at 5.9%. The increase 
to 6.3% will apply upon the completion 
of specific milestones by both the IE and 
Network (Report Date).

 › Current QCA-approved reference tariffs 

continue to assume the 6.3% WACC from  
1 March 2020. Future tariffs will be adjusted 
to reflect the actual Report Date.

 › The Performance Rebate mechanism was not 
applicable for FY2021. The rebate will come 
into effect once the Report Date is reached. 
Transitional arrangements may be in effect 
depending on the outcomes of the ICAR and 
any resulting remedial requirements.

Operational update
Network maintained strong operational 
performance during FY2021 despite challenges 
presented by wet weather and the COVID-19 
related restrictions and disruptions. 

 › As a result of lower end-market demand 

impacted by COVID-19 and the challenging 
trade environment with China, in addition to 
mine-specific maintenance and production 
issues, CQCN volumes declined by 8% to 
208.3mt. Notwithstanding the reduced 
demand, all-time haulage records were 
achieved in the GAPE system.

 › Total System Availability was 84.1%.  

As FY2021 utilises a new capacity model,  
it is noted that the System Availability 
measure is not directly comparable to  
prior years.

 › Cancellations due to the Network rail 

infrastructure decreased from 2.5% to 1.6%. 

 › Cycle velocity declined marginally from 

23.3km/h to 23.0km/h.

The RM902, Network’s new ballast 
cleaning machine, is completing in-service 
commissioning. It is expected that the machine 
will be fully operational in Q1FY2022. 

Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP)

On 1 September 2020, the Queensland Court  
of Appeal affirmed the Supreme Court decision 
in Network’s favour and the WIRP customers 
did not seek leave to appeal that decision.  
As a result, Network is able to charge 
customers non-regulatory WIRP fees with 
effect from March 2016 and commenced billing 
in November 2020.

The WIRP customers previously initiated 
other disputes under their respective WIRP 
Deeds which were the subject of an Expert 
Determination in February 2019. The Expert’s 
Determination was issued on 4 June 2019 and 
found that the WIRP Fee should be partially 
reduced. Network lodged proceedings against 
the WIRP customers in the Supreme Court of 
Queensland on 18 December 2020 to appeal 
the Expert's Determination and the WIRP 
customers filed their defence on 1 March 2021.

20

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21OTHER

Other includes the provision of maintenance services to internal and 
external customers and central costs not allocated such as the Board, 
Managing Director & CEO, Investor Relations, Strategy and Company 
Secretariat.

($M)

Total revenue

Operating costs

EBITDA

Depreciation and 
amortisation 

EBIT

FY2021

FY2020

VARIANCE

32.4 

(72.2)

(39.8)

(2.8)

40.7

(97.7)

(57.0)

(3.3)

(42.6)

(60.3)

(20%)

26%

30%

15%

29%

Other performance overview
EBITDA improved by $17.2m (30%) mainly due to asset sales and lower 
project costs.

INTERMODAL – DISCONTINUED OPERATION 

($M)

Total revenue

Operating costs 

EBITDA – Underlying

Depreciation and 
amortisation 

EBIT – Underlying

Significant items

Income tax expense

NPAT – Statutory

FY2021

FY2020

VARIANCE

21.6 

(6.7)

14.9 

– 

14.9 

161.1 

(52.4)

123.6

25.0

(12.1)

12.9

(0.2)

12.7

2.5

(4.4)

10.8

(14%)

45%

16%

100%

17%

nm

nm

nm

Intermodal performance overview
The EBITDA position for Intermodal improved $2.0m to $14.9m ahead 
of the completion of the sale of the Acacia Ridge Intermodal Terminal in 
March 2021.

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT UPDATE 
As part of Aurizon’s Strategy In Action, particularly the Optimise and 
Excel levers, Aurizon continues to focus on operational efficiency to 
continuously improve its operational performance, asset efficiency and 
cost competitiveness. Through the Optimise and Excel levers, Aurizon is 
making targeted investments in technology on the journey to continuous 
improvement. Outlined below are the major initiatives being pursued in 
the business.

Precision railroading operations

Project Precision is a multi-year supply chain efficiency program led by 
Network. The objective is to deliver more volume with existing capital for 
all users, through faster turnaround time and Disciplined Train Operations 
(DTO) — a process designed to remove the variability and improve 
schedule adherence and on-time running performance of all trains on the 
network.

Built upon modern scheduling techniques, integrated planning 
determines the optimal distribution of trains on the Network. In 
periods of high demand, this approach can result in additional services 
compared to conventional techniques. In periods of low demand, modern 
scheduling optimises the train sets deployed in the system to maximise 
capital productivity while meeting customer demand. 

Supported by all rail operators in CQCN, a trial took place in FY2021 
where Network undertook planning on behalf of all operators. This 
enabled Network to optimise planned throughput in line with the weekly 
train-ordering process. Taking into account the respective operators' 
access entitlements, an additional benefit of the integrated planning 
was the removal of contested access requests whereby two or more 
operators seek the same path on the Network.

In FY2021, DTO was implemented in all systems on the CQCN, with the 
following results9 for Aurizon Above Rail:

In Newlands:
 › on time (or early) departure from origin improved from 90% to 97%
 › on time (or early) arrival at mine improved from 48% to 56%; and
 › on time (or early) arrival port improved from 26% to 48%.

In Goonyella:
 › on time (or early) departure from origin improved from 80% to 95%
 › on time (or early) arrival at mine improved from 41% to 57%; and
 › on time (or early) arrival port improved from 19% to 34%.

In Blackwater:
 › on time (or early) departure from origin improved from 87% to 99%
 › on time (or early) arrival at mine improved from 53% to 64%; and
 › on time (or early) arrival port improved from 22% to 46%.

In Moura:
 › on time (or early) departure from origin improved from 74% to 97%
 › on time (or early) arrival at mine improved from 22% to 61%; and
 › on time (or early) arrival port improved from 11% to 51%.

9   FY2021: 29 June 2020 to 27 June 2021. Prior period: Blackwater (11 March 2019 to 8 September 2019), Moura (7 January 2019 to 19 May 2019), Newlands  

and Goonyella (1 July 2019 to 28 June 2020). 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

21

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Automated Track Inspection System (ATIS)

Asset maintenance

Above Rail Asset Management (ARAM) is a 
multi-year transformation project and has 
progressed with the dedicated project team 
working in close collaboration with the various 
business stakeholders.

The program of work has matured Aurizon 
supply chain and vendor management 
processes, standardised planning processes 
across the business, improved depot work 
execution efficiency and is now transitioning 
Aurizon’s major rollingstock fleets from simple 
time-based to more mature condition-based 
maintenance strategies.

FY2021 has seen the first of four major 
rollingstock fleets transition towards 
condition-based maintenance with the others 
planned from FY2022. In addition, traditional 
maintenance tasks are being removed by 
leveraging advances in condition monitoring 
technology such as Aurizon-owned Wayside 
Equipment and on-board locomotive 
monitoring equipment resulting from 
TrainHealth.

TrainHealth

TrainHealth provides Aurizon with capability 
to monitor performance of locomotives and 
train handling/utilisation in real-time. This 
initiative enables access to real-time asset 
data that is being used to inform the health 
of the locomotive, enhance asset reliability 
and maintenance decisions for the fleet, in 
addition to providing greater visibility on driver 
variability and support business decisions for 
on-time running. With installation completed 
for 99% of the CQCN Siemens electric 
locomotive fleet, installation across the CQCN 
diesel fleet is scheduled to commence in 
August 2021. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Senior management changes
Gareth Long was appointed to the role of 
Group Executive Corporate in May 2021. 
Gareth's appointment follows the decision 
to amalgamate the majority of activities in 
Technical Services and Planning and Corporate 
under the leadership of one role. Accordingly, 
Mike Carter (previously Group Executive 
Technical Services and Planning) will leave the 
Company during FY2022. 

The ATIS initiative seeks to measure track 
and overhead line alignment via locomotive-
mounted equipment using lasers to achieve 
precise measurements at line speed. Network 
currently uses a track-recording car to obtain 
these measurements, with the service provided 
by a third party and consuming paths that 
would otherwise be used by train services. 

It is intended that ATIS will enable an increase 
in the timeliness of data allowing a move to 
a condition-based track resurfacing scope, 
tracking of defects and the ability to trend 
degradation to predict future fail points 
or intervention triggers. Other benefits of 
the system may include reduced cost and 
improved access by removing the requirement 
to utilise the track-recording car.

During FY2021, the project team trialled 
the use of a Track Geometry Measurement 
System (TGMS) that was installed on a diesel 
locomotive based in Callemondah. The trial 
successfully proved that track geometry 
information could be captured via an 
autonomous device mounted to a locomotive 
at a quality level comparable to the track-
recording car. This unit continues to provide 
track geometry measurements across the 
Blackwater and Moura systems. 

Network is currently trialling an overhead Wire 
Geometry Measurement System (WGMS) and 
Pantograph Collision Detection System (PCDS). 
The trial seeks to confirm that overhead wire 
alignment information can also be captured via 
automated means. 

Assuming the WGMS and PCDS trials are 
successful, Network will look to roll out the 
technology into other systems subject to 
customer approval.

TrainGuard 

TrainGuard is a platform utilising ETCS 
(European Train Control System) technology 
to support driver decision-making, particularly 
in relation to speed control and signal 
enforcement. TrainGuard will support safer and 
more efficient train operations with reduced 
rail process safety issues and improved train 
handling. TrainGuard is also a pathway to 
expanding our driver-only operations in Central 
Queensland. Operational demonstration of 
TrainGuard was completed as planned in 
FY2020. Following this, the business decision 
to proceed with deployment of TrainGuard 
across Blackwater and Goonyella has been 
communicated to stakeholders. Preparations 
continue for TrainGuard’s deployment on the 
Blackwater mainline (Callemondah to Bluff) 
which is now scheduled for 2HFY2022.

Risk
Aurizon promotes a risk-aware culture with 
an emphasis on frontline accountability for 
effective risk management. Aurizon’s thinking 
is heavily informed by risk, from the framing 
of strategy through to informing decision-
making. The Board approved Enterprise 
Risk Management Framework and Appetite 
encompasses consideration not only of risks 
related to operational, legal, financial, safety, 
health and environment but also strategy 
execution, climate change, reputational and 
culture and conduct-related risks, ensuring that 
Aurizon continues to consider and develop 
strategies to manage the full scope of risks 
faced by our business. 

Risk reporting provided both to our Board 
and supporting Committees, facilitates the 
early identification and proactive management 
of emerging risks where the impacts and 
opportunities are continually evolving. Risk 
management procedures and templates 
deployed throughout the business, further 
integrate the assessment of safety and non-
safety risks, as well as supporting a consistent 
approach to the management of risks in a 
manner which is comprehensive and user-
friendly.

Risks to the delivery of strategy have been 
categorised into the three strategic levers of 
Optimise, Excel and Extend. 

Optimise strategic lever 

Delivery of Optimise initiatives 
Aurizon maintains a pipeline of efficiency 
initiatives that are expected to deliver a 
cost effective and customer aligned model. 
Failure to be the lowest cost or highest 
service provider may occur due to a lack of 
definition in the target state or unsuccessful 
implementation of the associated action plans. 
Impacts of non-delivery include not achieving 
budget, failure to maximise volumes within 
customer contracts, and sub-optimal return on 
capital deployed.

Operational agility 
A lack of operational agility would result 
in Aurizon’s inability to flex operations and 
support an alignment between costs and 
revenue. If operational agility is not achieved 
it may result in missed revenue during market 
upturns due to a lag in accessing the required 
resources, or static costs during downturns 
eroding financial performance. 

22

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Business interruption 
Aurizon may experience business interruption 
and consequential financial impacts from a 
range of circumstances including, but not 
limited to: 

 › Road vehicle incident — death or injuries to 
our people from operating road vehicles. 
 › Process safety incident — major process 

safety event leading to death or injuries to 
our people, significant distraction or loss of 
licence to operate. 

 › Illegal protest activity — safety risks to 

employees and individuals due to anti-coal 
protesters illegally entering the rail corridor 
and danger zone to conduct blockades.
 › Cyber-security incidents from external 
penetration of Aurizon’s corporate and 
operational systems.

 › Technology incidents — failure of technical 

infrastructure impacting technology-
dependent systems and operations. 
 › Adverse weather events could impact 

Aurizon’s operations, assets or customers. 

Pandemic — COVID-19
The global Coronavirus pandemic exposes 
Aurizon to two primary risks:

 › Reduced demand — due to export markets 
requiring less of the commodities we haul 
which could reduce Aurizon’s profitability.
 › Service delivery — employee health issues 
limiting our ability to provide services to 
customers. This risk extends to other supply 
chain participants such as mines and ports, 
and their ability to provide continuity of 
service.

Excel strategic lever 

Competition in current markets 
Aurizon may face competition from parties 
willing to compete at reduced margins and/or 
accept lower returns and greater risk positions 
than Aurizon. This may potentially negatively 
impact Aurizon’s competitiveness. Most of 
Aurizon’s significant customer contracts 
are secured on long-dated terms, however 
failure to win or retain customer contracts at 
acceptable rates will be a risk to future financial 
performance. Increased competition may be 
experienced from new entrants to Aurizon’s 
core markets in both above and below rail 
and includes existing customers in-sourcing 
Aurizon’s services. Competitors may also 
deploy technology or innovation more rapidly 
than Aurizon.

General regulatory risk 
Aurizon’s operations and financial performance 
are subject to legislative and regulatory 
oversight. Unfavourable changes may be 
experienced with respect to access regimes, 
safety accreditation, taxation, carbon 
reduction, environmental and industrial 
(including occupational health and safety) 
regulation, government policy, and approval 
processes. Implementation of these changes 
may have a material adverse impact on project 
investment, Aurizon’s profitability and business 
in general, as well as Aurizon’s customers.

Continued delays in the implementation of the 
UT5 obligation to publish an ICAR may also 
result in adverse financial outcomes.

Aurizon is also exposed to the risk of material 
regulatory breaches resulting in the loss of 
operating licences and financial penalties. In 
the event of a loss of licence, critical business 
operations may not be supplied to customers, 
impacting profitability and reputation. 

Counterparty risk
Aurizon’s earnings are concentrated in 
commodity markets across a relatively small 
number of customers and may be impacted 
by deterioration in counterparty credit 
quality, mine sale to a lower-tier party, mine 
profitability, contract renewals, supply chain 
disruptions and/or macro-industry issues. 

General economic conditions
Aurizon develops its own position regarding 
future coal demand through our Strategy in 
Uncertainty framework which includes a broad 
range of scenario analysis and portfolio stress-
testing. This process considers both short-term 
impacts as well as risks that emerge over the 
medium to long term, where the timing and 
magnitude are less certain. In developing 
our own scenario analysis, we assess global 
seaborne demand for metallurgical and thermal 
coal, driven primarily by steel production 
and energy generation respectively. Based 
on this addressable market, Australian 
supply is assessed considering the risks and 
opportunities for both current and future coal 
production. Given our customers' exposure 
(almost entirely) to export markets, trade, net-
zero emission strategies and geopolitical risk 
may impact demand for Aurizon services.

Geopolitical risk 
Recent geopolitical developments, particularly 
in relation to Australia’s trade relationship with 
China, have the potential to impact Australian 
coal and other bulk commodity exports to 
China. Prolonged uncertainty as to when 
Australian coal exports to China will resume 
could result in adverse financial impacts if 
export volumes cannot be reallocated to 
alternative markets.

Extend strategic lever 

Growth strategy execution risk 
Aurizon faces risks associated with the 
successful execution and delivery of the 
Enterprise Strategy and the ability to realise 
the future non-coal growth aspirations of the 
business. The recent non-coal investor day 
held in June 2021, signalled Aurizon’s intent to 
double the size of the Bulk business by 2030, 
which will largely depend upon Aurizon’s ability 
to identify and capitalise on suitable growth 
opportunities, both organic and inorganic, in an 
increasingly competitive environment.

Modern slavery risk 
Aurizon understands that modern slavery and 
human trafficking can occur in many forms 
and recognises that we may be exposed to 
modern-day slavery risks in our supply chain 
that we may not be able to fully mitigate. 
The Company is committed to operating 
responsibly and ensuring that robust standards 
and processes are in place to minimise and 
address modern slavery risks. Aurizon is also 
committed to providing transparency on its 
modern slavery risks and how they are being 
addressed. 

In October 2020, Aurizon published its first 
Modern Slavery Statement, which addresses 
the Company’s obligations contained in the 
Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). The purpose of 
the statement is to: 

 › describe the risk of modern slavery in 

Aurizon’s operations and supply chains 
 › explain actions taken to address those risks 
 › introduce the Company’s continuous 

improvement framework, against which the 
effectiveness of its actions will be assessed, 
and future commitments outlined. 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

23

Directors’ Report (continued)
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Physical risks
 › current and future disruption arising 

from increased severity and/or frequency 
of extreme weather events (higher 
temperatures, strong winds, flooding and 
associated erosion, bushfires, and others).

Since 2017, Aurizon has incorporated 
recommendations from the Financial Stability 
Board’s Final Report: Recommendation of 
the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD), in the Company’s annual 
Sustainability Report. In October 2020, 
Aurizon published its first CSAP, outlining 
the Company’s position on climate change, 
underpinned by long-term strategies and 
associated actions to mitigate climate risk 
and take advantage of climate-related 
opportunities, including a target of net-zero 
operational emissions by 2050. 

Progress towards Aurizon’s CSAP initiatives 
will be made available through the annual 
Sustainability Report.

Sustainability 
Aurizon takes a direct approach to reporting 
Environmental, Social and Governance 
(ESG) disclosures to stakeholders with the 
publication of its annual Sustainability Report. 
This Report is prepared with reference to the 
Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) standards to 
provide investors with comparable information 
relating to ESG performance. 

In May 2021, Aurizon maintained a 'Leading’ 
rating for the seventh consecutive year by the 
Australian Council of Superannuation Investors 
(ACSI) for Corporate Sustainability Reporting 
in Australia. Having received this rating for 
five or more consecutive years, Aurizon has 
again been considered a 'Leader' by ACSI. 
Further information on Aurizon’s approach to 
sustainability is included on page 8.

Climate change risk 
Aurizon acknowledges that climate change 
is affecting a wide range of industries around 
the world, resulting in financial implications. 
Through our Climate Strategy and Action Plan 
(CSAP) we are focusing on specific targets, 
initiatives and investments to reduce our 
carbon footprint. Transition risks, related to 
energy policy, regulation, technology, and 
market shifts (that are necessary to achieve the 
transition to a low-carbon economy) will affect 
the demand for the commodities that Aurizon 
hauls. Physical risks related to extreme weather 
events will also continue to affect Aurizon 
through supply chain disruptions. Along with 
the transition and physical risks of climate 
change, Aurizon faces the risk of not delivering 
on our commitments under the CSAP.

The long-term implications of climate change 
may impact Aurizon on several fronts. For 
example: 

Transition risks
 › demand for seaborne thermal coal is subject 

to energy policy and fuel-mix decisions 
driven by energy costs, energy security, 
and regulation of GHG emissions (including 
carbon pricing mechanisms) in coal import 
nations

 › demand for seaborne metallurgical coal 
is subject to factors such as economic 
development, steel-intensive growth, method 
of steel production (including emerging 
lower-carbon processes), import reliance, and 
regulation of GHG emissions (including carbon-
pricing mechanisms) in coal import nations

 › Australia’s supply of both metallurgical 
and thermal coal to seaborne export 
markets is subject to factors such as global 
competitiveness, operating coal mine 
production, and domestic climate policies
 › investor concern over climate-related risks 
may result in an inability for our business 
and customers to gain licences, funding or 
insurance for coal mining and transport and/
or an increased risk of litigation/social action 
against our business and customers
 › carbon liability under the Safeguard 

Mechanism Rule and potential penalties for 
inappropriate carbon reporting under the 
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting 
(NGER) Act 2007 (Cth).

24

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21People 
At Aurizon, our people are our greatest asset. 
We have more than 4,800 employees, with 
more than 80% living and working in regional 
Australia, including over a quarter of our senior 
management. Our Aurizon values (Safety, 
People, Integrity, Customer and Excellence) 
guide our people’s work, in delivering bulk 
commodities to the world, and are underpinned 
by a workplace culture of connection. 

Through our commitment to safe and efficient 
delivery for our customers, we are building our 
workforce for the future. Strong leadership, 
culture and values-aligned people practices lay 
the foundation to achieve this. During the year 
we progressed key initiatives, including: 

 › the continued roll-out of our three core 

Leadership programs designed to embed a 
safe and high performing culture where our 
people live our values and are engaged and 
enabled to do their best work

 › further improvements to our people, 
processes and systems with a focus 
on embedding a quality performance 
management cycle through the organisation 

 › continuing to strive towards creating an 

inclusive work environment by embedding 
flexible work practices, creating awareness 
and driving action for inclusion through 
employee representative groups (across 
gender, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 
and LGBTIQ inclusion), meeting workforce 
representation targets, actively reducing 
the gender pay gap and our continued 
commitment to employment of Veterans. 

Safety 

Environment

Aurizon’s vision is to deliver environmental 
value through effective management of 
material environmental risks and improved 
enterprise environmental performance. This 
vision is driven by proactive and evidence-
based management measures covering key 
environmental issues such as, climate change, 
rail noise, and clean air.

Aurizon continues to work collaboratively 
with supply chain partners to minimise coal 
dust emissions associated with Aurizon’s 
coal haulage operations. For further detail 
in relation to coal dust management and 
monitoring processes, refer to Aurizon’s annual 
Sustainability Report. 

As Bulk expands its service offering beyond 
core rail capacity into stevedoring at key 
locations along the East Coast, Aurizon’s 
environmental risk profile has changed. 
Accordingly, Aurizon’s management measures 
have been adapted to cater for additional 
activities (such as loading of bulk mineral 
concentrates) and compliance requirements 
following extensive due diligence. 

In FY2021 Aurizon had three notifiable 
environmental incidents. Remediation 
actions have been implemented as required 
and no ongoing environmental impacts are 
anticipated. 

At Aurizon, we are committed to protecting 
ourselves, each other, and our communities. 
We are determined to focus on managing what 
matters, with a specific focus on identifying 
and learning from events that have the 
potential for Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF). 

During FY2021, we have continued to embed 
an operational Critical Control Management 
(CCM) framework. CCM forms part of our 
enterprise approach to risk management. 
Combined with other safety, leadership and 
technical processes, it ensures we apply an 
effective and integrated approach. 

In FY2021, we have retained two primary safety 
metrics to measure safety outcomes across the 
enterprise including Total Recordable Injury 
Frequency Rate (TRIFR) and Rail Process 
Safety (RPS).

RPS, which measures operational safety 
including derailments, signals passed at danger 
and rollingstock collisions deteriorated 8% 
against the prior year to 5.13. Aurizon continues 
to progress several initiatives, including 
TrainGuard, to strengthen RPS, along with 
improving yard safety interfaces to reduce the 
number of yard incidents, a major contributor 
to RPS in FY2021. 

TRIFR was 10.21 injuries per million hours 
worked, which was a 3% deterioration against 
the prior period. This deterioration has been 
the result of an increase in low-severity strain 
and sprain injuries. These injuries are commonly 
caused by a high number of lower body strains 
and sprains while walking on uneven surfaces 
in the rail corridor, and an increase in upper 
body manual handling strains caused by lifting 
equipment, setting points, applying handbrakes 
and accessing/egressing locomotives. Aurizon 
is committed to a reduction in these types of 
injuries. We will be delivering a program using 
technology to review high-risk body stressing 
tasks, developing approaches to reduce risk 
exposure, and in FY2022 reviewing our injury 
management program holistically to improve 
our proactive and reactive injury management 
strategies. Lost time injuries continue to show 
improvements, with an 8% decrease in the 
frequency of these type of injuries (LTIFR) 
against the prior period.

In FY2022, we have a strong focus on initiatives 
to accelerate safety performance improvement 
through targeting the main contributors 
to TRIFR and RPS, and a specific focus on 
identifying and learning from events that have 
the potential for SIF.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

25

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

Dear fellow shareholders 

On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to present Aurizon’s Financial Year (FY) 2021 Remuneration Report. The Board believes that the Company has 
performed well and wishes to recognise the Leadership Team’s performance in executing our business strategy and for achieving key milestones during 
the year. The Board would also like to thank all employees for their commitment and contributions throughout the year.

Aurizon delivered Underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) in FY2021 of $903 million, including net earnings of $37 million relating to the 
favourable Queensland Court of Appeal decision on the Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP) fees. This was a solid result given the uncertain business 
environment. Aurizon’s ability to deliver at the top end of guidance demonstrates the resilience of our Company, and the ongoing efforts and dedication 
of our employees at a challenging time.

The turnaround of the operational and financial performance of the Bulk business has continued during FY2021. The Aurizon Port Services business was 
expanded with the acquisition of ConPorts in Newcastle, volume growth has continued and ongoing efficiency improvements have been implemented. In 
the space of four years, Bulk has improved its EBIT by more than $100 million, from negative $14 million in FY2017 to $112 million in FY2021.

The Coal business delivered 202 million tonnes (mt) for customers during FY2021 and an EBIT of $325 million. 

The Network business achieved an EBIT of $509 million in FY2021, including WIRP fees. Network achieved lower operating and maintenance costs 
compared to the prior comparative period despite increased Project Precision, legal and technology costs. Network achieved improved operational 
performance with below rail cancellations reducing to 1.6% in FY2021 from 2.5% in FY2020.

At Aurizon, we are committed to protecting ourselves, each other, and our communities. In FY2021, we have retained two primary safety metrics in our 
framework to measure safety outcomes across the enterprise including Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) and Rail Process Safety (RPS), 
which measures operational safety including derailments, signals passed at danger and rollingstock collisions. There has been a deterioration in both 
TRIFR and RPS during the year. While there was a significant improvement in TRIFR in the second half of the year, it is appropriate that no reward has 
been allocated for Safety performance in FY2021. Although not a primary measure, the Board notes the improvement in our Lost Time Injury Frequency 
Rate (LTIFR) which saw an 8% improvement in the frequency of injuries against the prior period.

A number of safety, health and wellbeing initiatives were delivered during the year, focusing on safety leadership and culture. Initiatives included the 
implementation of the new Safety Operating Model, a new second line of defense assurance program, our Leading for Safety leadership program, 
development of a new modern safety, health and environment reporting system, improvements in safety investigations, and the introduction of Aurizon’s 
first mental wellbeing survey. In FY2022, we aim to accelerate safety performance improvement by targeting the main contributors to TRIFR and RPS, 
with a specific focus on identifying, preventing and learning from events that have the potential for Serious Injury and Fatality. In line with the execution  
of the Safety Strategy, the Board will consider measures that drive improved safety performance for future Awards.

The Short Term Incentive (STI) Award for FY2021 continued to be based on annual performance measures of Underlying EBIT, Safety and Individual Key 
Deliverables. Business Unit earnings metrics also continue to be used for Bulk, Coal and Network. 

For the purposes of the FY2021 STI Award targets, the Board determined the receipt of retrospective WIRP fees would not contribute to FY2021 
Underlying EBIT but would be assessed separately as noted below. As such, group Underlying EBIT in FY2021 was slightly above Target performance 
with EBIT outcomes varying across the Business Units. Network achieved an Underlying EBIT outcome of Stretch, Bulk achieved above Target whilst Coal 
performance was between Threshold and Target. 

The mixed performance across the Enterprise and Business Unit earnings measures and individual measures is reflected directly in the STI payments for our 
Key Management Personnel (KMP). The Board has determined that an overall outcome above Target will be awarded to Bulk and Network participants; an 
overall outcome below Target will be awarded to Coal participants with the remaining participants receiving an overall outcome around Target.

In assessing the overall performance for FY2021, the Board acknowledged the receipt of the WIRP fees which were payable following the decision of 
the Queensland Court of Appeal. As a result, the FY2021 STI Award payment will include a separate amount related to the FY2016-FY2020 WIRP fees, 
collected and recognised in FY2021. This payment rewards current participants for lower past STI Award outcomes due to WIRP fees not being collected 
or recognised in those years. This amount does not exceed what would have been paid if the WIRP fees had been received in the respective periods 
(FY2016-FY2020). These retrospective cash payments amounted to 30% of eligible employees Target STI Award. In line with the framework, a cap has 
been applied where participants STI Award reached the maximum potential award (150% of target percentage). Any future collection of WIRP fees will be 
treated as Underlying Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA).

The Long Term Incentive (LTI) Award performance measures are Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) and relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR). During 
FY2021, the 2017 (4 year) Long Term Incentive (LTI) Award was subject to testing. No portion of the award will vest and these rights will lapse.

The Board considers that these overall remuneration outcomes reach an appropriate balance between business performance, shareholder outcomes and 
recognising the value-adding contribution of the MD & CEO and the Leadership Team.

During FY2021, the Board continued to review and refine Aurizon’s remuneration framework. To further align incentive structures with business strategy, a 
strategic transformation measure has been added to the 2021 LTI Award to reflect the growth aspirations of the Bulk business and other non-Coal investments. 
In addition, the Board is adopting EBITDA from FY2022 in place of EBIT in the STI Award to align with a similar shift in how guidance will be provided and the 
Company’s focus on cash flow. Further changes may be implemented from FY2023 to ensure the framework continues to deliver against our remuneration 
principles, long-term strategic outlook and to ensure it remains effective in driving strong performance.

We are grateful for your ongoing support.

Yours faithfully,

Tim Poole  
Chairman

26

Kate Vidgen 
Chair, Remuneration and People Committee

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
2.  Directors and Executives
The Key Management Personnel (KMP) of the Group (being those whose remuneration must be 
disclosed in this Report) include the Non-Executive Directors and those Executives who have the 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of Aurizon.

The Non-Executive Directors and Executives that formed part of the KMP for the Financial Year 
(FY) as at 30 June 2021 are identified in Table 2. 

TABLE 2 – KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

NAME

POSITION

NON‑EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

T Poole

M Bastos

R Caplan

M Fraser

S Lewis

S Ryan

L Strambi

K Vidgen

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt

C McDonald

E McKeiver

Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Group Executive Network

Chief Financial Officer & Group Executive Strategy

Group Executive Bulk

Group Executive Coal

1. 
 Remuneration Report Introduction
Aurizon’s remuneration practices are aligned 
with the Company’s strategy of providing 
rewards that drive and reflect the creation 
of shareholder value while attracting and 
retaining Directors and Executives with the 
right capability to achieve results.

The Remuneration Report for the year ended 
30 June 2021 is set out as per Table 1. The 
information in this Report has been audited.

TABLE 1 – TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Remuneration Report 
Introduction

Directors and Executives

Remuneration 
Framework Components

Company Performance 
Financial Year 2021

Take Home Pay

Short Term Incentive 
Award

Long Term Incentive 
Award

Executive Employment 
Agreements

Non-Executive Director 
Remuneration

Executive Remuneration 
Financial Year 2021

PAGE

27

27

28

30

31

32

34

36

37

38

REMUNERATION REPORT

27

 
Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

3.   Remuneration Framework 

Components 

Total Potential Remuneration 
Aurizon’s Remuneration Framework for each 
Executive comprises three components:

 › Fixed remuneration (not ‘at risk’) that 
comprises salary and other benefits, 
including superannuation

 › Short Term Incentive Award (STIA) (‘at risk’ 
component, awarded on the achievement 
of performance conditions over a 12-month 
period) that comprises both a cash 
component and a component deferred  
for 12 months into equity

 › Long Term Incentive Award (LTIA) (‘at risk’ 
component, awarded on the achievement  
of performance conditions over a four- 
year period) that comprises only an  
equity component.

The structure is intended to provide an 
appropriate mix of fixed and variable 
remuneration, and provide a combination 
of incentives intended to drive performance 
against the Company’s short and longer-term 
business objectives.

The mix of potential remuneration components 
for FY2021 for the MD & CEO and Executive 
KMP is set out in Figure 1: Total Potential 
Remuneration. This diagram demonstrates 
the revised remuneration mix for the MD 
& CEO that was implemented in FY2021 
where a greater portion of the total potential 
remuneration is weighted towards the LTIA 
(from 120% to 150%). The remuneration mix for 
the other Executive KMP remains unchanged.

Executive Remuneration Governance
Figure 2 represents Aurizon’s remuneration 
governance framework. Details on the 
composition of the Remuneration and  
People Committee (Committee) are set out on  
page 9 of this report. The Committee’s Charter 
is available in the Governance section of the 
Company’s website at www.aurizon.com.au

28

FIGURE 1 – TOTAL POTENTIAL REMUNERATION1,2

MD & CEO: CASH COMPONENT: 47% 

EQUITY COMPONENT: 53%

24%

23%

15%

38%

EXECUTIVE KMP: CASH COMPONENT: 51%

EQUITY COMPONENT: 49%

30%

21%

14%

35%

Fixed Remuneration

STIA

Deferred STIA

LTIA

1   Assumes achievement of the stretch performance hurdle outcomes for STIA, full vesting of the Deferred STIA and 
LTIA at a value equal to the maximum opportunity of the original award i.e. assuming no share price appreciation

2  Does not include the WIRP fee component payable in FY2021 as cash

FIGURE 2 – REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

BOARD
The Board:
 › Approves the overall remuneration policy and 

ensures it is competitive, fair and aligned with the 
long-term interests of the Company

 › Approves Non-Executive Director remuneration, MD 

& CEO and Executive Committee remuneration

 › Assesses the performance of, and determines the 

STIA outcome for, the MD & CEO giving due weight 
to objective performance measures while retaining 
discretion to determine final outcomes
80

100

60

20

40

0

 › Considers and determines the STIA outcomes 
of the Executive Committee based on the 
recommendations of the MD & CEO.

REMUNERATION AND PEOPLE COMMITTEE
The Remuneration and People Committee is delegated 
responsibility by the Board to review and make 
recommendations on:

 › The remuneration policies and framework for  

the Company

 › Non-Executive Director remuneration

 › Remuneration for MD & CEO and Executive Committee

 › Executive incentive arrangements.

MANAGEMENT
 › Provides information relevant to remuneration decisions 
and makes recommendations to the Remuneration and 
People Committee

 › Obtains remuneration information from external 
advisors to assist the Remuneration and People 
Committee (i.e. market data, legal advice, accounting 
advice, tax advice).

CONSULTATION WITH 
SHAREHOLDERS AND 
OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

REMUNERATION 
CONSULTANTS AND 
OTHER EXTERNAL 
ADVISORS
In performing duties and 
making recommendations to 
the Board, the Remuneration 
and People Committee may 
from time to time appoint 
and engage independent 
advisors directly in relation 
to remuneration matters. 

These advisors:

 › Review and provide 

recommendations on the 
appropriateness of the 
MD & CEO and Executive 
remuneration

 › Provide independent 

advice, information and 
recommendations relevant 
to remuneration decisions.

Any advice or 
recommendations provided 
by external advisors are 
used to assist the Board –  
they do not substitute for 
the Board and Remuneration 
and People Committee 
processes.

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
Remuneration Framework and objectives Financial Year 2021

The Board is continuing to review and refine Aurizon’s remuneration framework. Summarised in Figure 3 are the changes that were implemented in 
FY2021 and the changes being implemented in FY2022. Further changes may be implemented from FY2023 to ensure the framework continues to 
deliver against our remuneration principles, long-term strategic outlook and to ensure it remains effective in driving strong performance. 

FIGURE 3 – REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK AND OBJECTIVES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2021

PERFORMANCE MEASURE

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND  
LINK TO PERFORMANCE

FY2021 AND FY2022  
FRAMEWORK CHANGES

D
E
X
F

I

I

N
O
T
A
R
E
N
U
M
E
R

M
R
E
T
T
R
O
H
S

D
R
A
W
A
E
V
T
N
E
C
N

I

I

Considerations:
 › Experience and qualifications
 › Role and responsibility
 › Retain key capability
 › Reference to remuneration paid by similar 
sized companies in similar industry sectors

 ›

Internal and external relativities.

 › Underlying EBIT (Enterprise and, if 
applicable, Business Unit) (60%)

 › Safety (10%)
 ›

Individual (30%)

Measured over a one-year performance period

Participants can earn up to a maximum of 
150% of “at-target” percentage

STIA at Risk:
MD & CEO: Target 100% of Fixed  
Remuneration and maximum 150% of  
Fixed Remuneration

Other Executive KMP: Target 75% of  
Fixed Remuneration and maximum 112.5%  
of Fixed Remuneration.

 › Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 

(50%)

 › Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) (50%)

Measured over a four-year performance 
period

LTIA at Risk (Maximum):
MD & CEO: 150% of Fixed Remuneration

Other Executive KMP: 112.5% of Fixed 
Remuneration.

M
R
E
T
G
N
O
L

D
R
A
W
A
E
V
T
N
E
C
N

I

I

 › To attract and retain Executives with 
the right capability to achieve results.

 › The Executive KMP did not 

receive a fixed remuneration 
increase in FY2021. 

The financial and non-financial 
performance measures were  
chosen because:

 › Underlying EBIT delivers direct 

financial benefits to shareholders
 › Safety drives a continuous safety 

 ›

improvement culture and embeds safe, 
efficient and effective processes across 
all aspects of a heavy industry business
Individual aligns employee contribution 
to the achievement of Aurizon’s 
strategy. At the start of the performance 
year the Board determines the MD & 
CEO individual deliverables. Relevant 
measures are cascaded to the Executive 
Committee and throughout the 
organisation.

 › Relative TSR is a measure of the 
return generated for Aurizon’s 
shareholders over the performance 
period relative to a specific peer 
group of companies (from the 
ASX100 Index)

 › ROIC reflects the fact that Aurizon 

operates a capital-intensive 
business and our focus should be 
on maximising the level of return 
generated on the capital we invest

Note: Minimum shareholding 
requirements for Executive KMP and the 
remainder of the Executive Committee 
encourages retention of shares and 
alignment with shareholder interests.

 › From FY2022 the financial 

performance measure will be 
adjusted to Underlying EBITDA 
in place of EBIT in line with 
guidance reporting.

 › For the MD & CEO, from FY2021, 
the maximum opportunity of the 
LTI was increased from 120% to 
150% of Fixed Remuneration

 › From the 2021 Award, the Relative 
TSR peer group has been adjusted 
from company classification to 
industry sectors. Peer group will 
now include companies in the 
Industrials, Energy, Materials, Real 
Estate and Utilities Industry Sectors

 › From the 2021 Award, 

introduction of a strategic 
transformation measure (25% 
weighting) reducing the portion 
of the award weighted towards 
Relative TSR (from 50% to 25% 
weighting). ROIC weighting 
remains at 50%.

Total Remuneration 
Overall, Executive remuneration is designed to support the delivery of superior shareholder returns by placing a significant proportion of an 
Executive’s total potential remuneration at risk and awarding a significant portion of at risk pay in equity.

REMUNERATION REPORT

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

4.   Company Performance for Financial Year 2021
Aurizon reported Group Underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) of $903 million for continuing operations for year ended 30 June 2021. 

As an essential service provider to the Australian economy, Aurizon has also continued to operate throughout the challenging coronavirus pandemic 
(COVID-19) period, with the health and wellbeing of our employees our highest priority. Progress in refining and executing the business strategy and 
achieving key milestones during FY2021 has provided long-term certainty for the business. 

Table 3 shows historical Company performance across a range of key measures. Performance across earnings and individual measures is reflected 
directly in STIA payments. Detail related to performance against the FY2021 STIA performance measures is provided in Table 5 (page 33). Table 7 
(page 34) provides additional information related to the LTIA performance outcomes.

TABLE 3 – HISTORICAL COMPANY PERFORMANCE AGAINST KEY MEASURES 

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES

DESCRIPTION

FY2021

FY2020

FY2019

FY2018

FY2017

Group Underlying EBIT1

Bulk Underlying EBIT2

Coal Underlying EBIT2

Network Underlying EBIT2

Return on invested capital

$m

$m

$m

$m

%

Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR)3

per million work hours

Rail Process Safety (RPS)4

per million train kilometres

Total Shareholder Return (TSR)

3-year TSR

4-year TSR5

Share Buy Back

Dividends6

%

%

%

$m

$m

903

112

325

509

10.7

10.21

5.13

-14.9

1.2

-11.1

300

533

909

90

411

469

10.9

9.92

4.74

-9.6

6.0

400

529

829

37

415

400

9.7

11.07

4.38

28.2

25.5

–

474

941

50

429

481

10.9

10.02

5.08

-13.6

-5.5

300

540

884

9.3

7.12

15.8

26.3

–

462

1   Continuing operations
2  Business Unit model was introduced from FY2018 
3  From FY2018, TRIFR definition has been redefined and contractor statistics have been included. Performance unaudited prior to FY2018.
4  Rail Process Safety (Total Accident Rate and Signals Passed at Danger) was introduced from FY2018
5  Reporting on 4-year TSR was aligned with the commencement of a 4-year performance period from the 2017 LTIA
6  Dividends for each Financial Year (the final dividend is paid in the following financial year)

30

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–215.  Take Home Pay 
Table 4 identifies the actual remuneration earned during FY2021 for Executive KMP.

The table has not been prepared in accordance with accounting standards but has been provided to ensure shareholders are able to clearly understand 
the remuneration outcomes for Executive KMP. Remuneration outcomes, which are prepared in accordance with the accounting standards, are 
provided in Section 10 (page 38).

The Executive KMP did not receive a fixed remuneration increase during FY2021. 

The remuneration outcomes identified in Table 4 are directly linked to the Company performance described in Section 6 (page 32) and Section 7  
(page 34).

The actual STIA is dependent on Aurizon, Business Unit and individual performance as described in Section 6.

In assessing the overall performance for FY2021, the Board acknowledged the receipt of the WIRP fees which were payable following the decision  
of the Queensland Court of Appeal. Further information in relation to the WIRP Component can be found in Section 6.

Varying performance across our key measures is also reflected directly in the payments for our Executive KMP, which range from 79% to 100% of  
their potential maximum.

The actual vesting of the LTIA is dependent on Aurizon’s performance and the outcomes are further described in Section 7.

During FY2021, the 2017 Award (4 year) was subject to testing. However, Aurizon’s performance resulted in no portion of this Award vesting. 

Movement in the Aurizon share price over the various performance periods is reflected in the remuneration outcomes for Executive KMP through  
the deferred portion of the STIA into equity. This aligns the Executive KMP outcomes with the shareholder experience.

TABLE 4 – REMUNERATION EARNED IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2021 

FIXED 
REMUNERATION  
$’000

NON‑MONETARY 
BENEFITS1  
$’000

STIA  
CASH2 
$’000

STIA DEFERRED  
FROM PRIOR YEAR3 
$’000

WIRP 
COMPONENT4 
$’000

LTIA  
VESTING5 
$’000

SHARE PRICE 
DEPRECIATION6 
$’000

ACTUAL FY2021 
REMUNERATION  
OUTCOMES $’000

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt

C McDonald

E McKeiver

1,717

788

700

667

683

-

-

-

10

4

1,139

469

334

385

274

654

218

-

263

134

515

105

158

109

154

-

-

-

-

-

(88)

(29)

-

(35)

(18)

3,937

1,551

1,192

1,399

1,231

1  Non-monetary benefits represent the value of Reportable Fringe Benefits for the respective FBT year ending 31 March
2  The amount relates to the cash component (60%) of the FY2021 STIA which will be paid in September 2021 
3   The amount relates to the deferred component (40%) of the FY2020 STIA which was awarded in performance rights and will become unrestricted in September 2021 

(calculation assumes a share price of $4.30 at time of award). G Lippiatt was not remunerated as an Executive KMP for FY2020 therefore his STIA was awarded  
entirely as cash

4   In assessing the overall performance for FY2021, the Board acknowledged the receipt of the WIRP fees which were payable following the decision of the Queensland 
Court of Appeal. The Board determined that a cash payment would be made to recognise the WIRP fees payable between FY2016 – FY2020 but collected in FY2021. 
This amounted to 30% of eligible employees Target STIA

5  The amount is the value of rights from the 2017 Award (4-year) which would have vested in August 2021. As the performance hurdles were not met no rights vested 
6   The amount is the number of rights from the deferred FY2020 STIA which vest multiplied by the decrease in the Aurizon share price over the period ended 30 June 2021 

(calculation assumes share price depreciation of $0.58) 

REMUNERATION REPORT

31

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

6.  Short Term Incentive Award 

What is the STIA and who participates? 
The STIA is ‘at risk’ remuneration subject to the 
achievement of pre-defined Company, Business 
Unit and individual performance measures 
which are set annually by the Board at the 
beginning of the performance period. 

For each component of the STIA, three 
performance levels are set:

 › Threshold, below which no STIA is paid for 

that component

 › Target, which typically aligns to relevant 
corporate plans and budgets, a business 
improvement targeted outcome or reflects 
an improvement on historical achievement

 › Stretch, outcomes which are materially 

better than Target

The STIA applies in a similar manner to 
eligible non-enterprise agreement employees. 
For the MD & CEO, Executive KMP and the 
remaining Executive Committee (direct reports 
to the MD & CEO) a portion (40%) will be 
deferred into equity for a period of 12 months, 
which is subject to claw-back for financial 
misstatements and misconduct.

What are the Company performance 
measures?
The performance measures which apply to all 
participants are Underlying EBIT, Safety and 
Individual performance. 

Business Unit measures are included in the 
scorecard for Bulk, Coal and Network. 

Each measure has a defined level of 
performance. The measures drive a continuous 
safety improvement culture, strengthen and 
grow our current business while continuing to 
transform the Enterprise. 

This is achieved through a focus on people 
and asset efficiencies whist at the same time 
delivering benefits to shareholders. 

Individual performance measures relate to 
each specific role and measure an individual’s 
contribution against a range of operational and 
strategic performance measures (including 
additional safety measures). At the start of the 
performance year the Board determines the 
MD & CEO individual deliverables. Relevant 
deliverables are cascaded to the Executive 
Committee and throughout the organisation as 
reflected in Figure 4.

What is the amount that participants 
can earn through an STIA?
The employment agreements specify a target 
STIA, expressed as a percentage of Fixed 
Remuneration (100% for the MD & CEO and 
75% for the remaining Executive KMP). Each 
participant can earn between 0% up to a 
maximum of 150% of this target percentage, 
depending on performance and subject to 
Board discretion. Depending on performance 
assessed at year end, participants may earn for 
each enterprise measure: 0% for performance 
below Threshold, 50% at Threshold (for 
measures other than Underlying EBIT, for 
which Threshold earnings are 30%) with a 
linear scale up to 100% at Target performance; 
and a further linear scale to 200% at Stretch 
performance.

STIA outcomes are determined by calculating 
the performance outcome against the 
relevant weighted performance measure. 
Figure 5 provides an example of an at-target 
performance outcome.

What are the outcomes for FY2021?
Table 5 identifies the performance measures, 
relevant weightings and outcomes for FY2021. 
These measures were assessed excluding 
net earnings of $37 million related to WIRP 
fees payable between FY2016 – FY2020. An 
outcome slightly above Target performance 
was achieved for Group Underlying EBIT. 

Underlying EBIT outcomes varied across the 
Business Units, with Network achieving Stretch 
performance, Bulk achieving an outcome 
just below Stretch performance while Coal 
performance was between Threshold and Target.

There has been a deterioration in both TRIFR 
and RPS during the year. While there was a 
significant improvement in TRIFR in the second 
half of the year, it is appropriate that no reward 
has been allocated for Safety performance 
in FY2021. Aurizon continues to progress 
a number of initiatives to accelerate safety 
performance improvement. 

In assessing the overall performance for FY2021, 
the Board acknowledged the receipt of the 
WIRP fees which were payable following the 
decision of the Queensland Court of Appeal.  
As a result, the FY2021 STIA payment will 
include a separate amount related to the 
WIRP fees payable during FY2016 – FY2020, 
collected and recognised in FY2021. This 
payment rewards current participants for lower 
past STIA outcomes due to WIRP fees not 
being collected or recognised in those years. 

This amount does not exceed what would have 
been paid if the WIRP fees had been received 
in the respective periods (FY2016-FY2020). 
These respective cash payments amounted to 
30% of the eligible employees Target STIA. In 
line with the framework, a cap has been applied, 
where participants STIA reached the maximum 
potential award (150% of target percentage).

Any future collection of WIRP fees will be 
treated as Underlying Earnings Before Interest, 
Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA). 

The FY2021 actual outcomes for Executive 
KMP are identified within Table 6. Figure 6 
provides an example of how the WIRP fees will 
be applied on top of the STIA performance 
outcome calculation.

FIGURE 4 –  
STRATEGIC MEASURES CASCADING PROCESS

FIGURE 5 –  
STIA PERFORMANCE OUTCOME CALCULATION

FIGURE 6 –  
STIA + WIRP PAYMENT

i

f
e
h
C
&
r
o
t
c
e
r
i
D
g
n
g
a
n
a
M

i

r
e
c
ffi
O
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E

e
e
t
t
i

m
m
o
C
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E

e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
e
h
t
o
t

s
t
r
o
p
e
R
t
c
e
r
i
D

e
e
t
t
i

m
m
o
C

s
t
n
a
p
i
c
i
t
r
a
P
A
I
T
S
r
e
h
t
O

MD & CEO AND SUPPORT FUNCTION PARTICIPANTS

WIRP PAYMENT

60%

+ 10%

+

30%

=

100%

+

30%

=

130%

BUSINESS UNIT PARTICIPANTS

30%

+

10%

+

30%

+

30%

=

100%

+

30%

=

130%

Enterprise 
Measures
(EBIT)

Enterprise 
Safety
Measures
(TRIFR, RPS)

Business 
Unit 
Measures
(EBIT)

Individual 
Deliverable 
Measures
(varied)

STIA 
OUTCOME

WIRP
Payment

WIRP ADJUSTED
STIA OUTCOME

OPTIMISE

EXCEL

EXTEND

32

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE 5 – SHORT TERM INCENTIVE AWARD FINANCIAL YEAR 2021 OBJECTIVES1,2 

PERFORMANCE MEASURE

ENTERPRISE

Group EBIT: Underlying EBIT delivers financial benefit to shareholder through the 
achievement of underlying operating earnings 

Group Safety: The measures drive a commitment to delivering a continuous 
safety improvement culture across all of the Company measured through equally 
weighted parameters which include:
 › Total Reportable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR)
 › Rail Process Safety (Total Accident Rate and Signals Passed at Danger)

BUSINESS UNIT

Coal EBIT:

Bulk EBIT:

Network EBIT:

WEIGHTING 

MD & CEO 
& CFO

COAL, 
BULK & 
NETWORK

TARGET

FY2021 PERFORMANCE 
OUTCOME

60%

30%

$863m

$866m

5%

5%

5%

5%

–

30%

8.43

4.03

$344m

$101m

$419m

10.21

5.13

$325m

$112m

$460m

INDIVIDUAL: At the start of the performance year the Board determines the 
MD & CEO individual deliverables. These individual deliverables are based on 
the Aurizon strategy of continuing to optimise, excel and extend the business. 
Relevant measures are subsequently cascaded to the Executive Committee and 
throughout the organisation. During FY2021 some of the key deliverables for the  
MD & CEO and across the organisation were:
 › Deliver key operational efficiency  

 › Grow Bulk contract book 
 › Continue inorganic growth
 › Continue safety and performance 

improvement programs (including Project  
Precision and Network Optimisation Program)
 › Implement Aurizon climate & ESG response plan 

TOTAL OUTCOME

30%

30% Individual performance 
targets vary for each 
specific role

Personal outcomes 
for MD & CEO and 
Executive KMP varied 
between above Target 
and Stretch depending 
on performance against 
individual KPIs 

culture transformation plan

100%

100%

MD & CEO, CFO, Bulk & Network 
Coal

1   Company performance hurdles relate to continuing operations
2  Underlying EBIT for the purpose of the scorecard excludes WIRP fees

 Stretch   Between Target & Stretch   Target   Between Threshold & Target   Threshold   Below Threshold

TABLE 6 – SHORT TERM INCENTIVE AWARDED IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2021 

NAME

TARGET STIA 
$’000

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt

C McDonald

E McKeiver

1,717

591

525

500

512

MAXIMUM 
POTENTIAL 
STIA $’000

STIA CASH 
COMPONENT

STIA  
DEFERRED SHARE 
COMPONENT1

WIRP 
COMPONENT2

TOTAL 
STIA 
PAYMENT

% OF  
TARGET STIA

% OF  
MAXIMUM STIA3

AWARDED FY2021 $’000

2,576

887

788

750

768

1,139

469

334

385

274

760

313

223

256

182

515

105

158

109

154

2,414

887

715

750

610

141

150

136

150

119

94

100

91

100

79

1    A portion (40%) of the STIA awarded in the form of rights to shares, which vest on the first anniversary of payment of the cash component subject to Board’s ability to 

‘claw-back’

2   In assessing the overall performance for FY2021, the Board acknowledged the receipt of the WIRP fees which were payable following the decision of the Queensland 
Court of Appeal. The Board determined that a cash payment would be made to recognise the WIRP fees payable between FY2016 – FY2020 but collected in FY2021. 
The value of this cash payment equates to 30% of the Executives Target STIA, with a cap applied where participants STIA reached the maximum potential award  
(150% of target percentage) 

3  Executives have forfeited between 0% and 21% of their maximum potential outcomes 

REMUNERATION REPORT 

33

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

7.  Long Term Incentive Award

What is the LTIA and who participates? 
The LTIA is the component of Total Potential 
Remuneration linked to providing long-term 
incentives for selected Executives whom the 
Board has identified as being able to contribute 
directly to the generation of long-term 
shareholder returns. This includes the MD & 
CEO, Executive KMP, the remaining Executive 
Committee (direct reports to the MD & CEO) and 
a number of other management employees.

What is the amount that Executives can 
earn through an LTIA?
The maximum potential remuneration (expressed 
as a percentage of Fixed Remuneration) available 
through the LTIA is 150% in the case of the MD & 
CEO and 112.5% for the remaining Executive KMP.

What is the performance period?
The company hurdles for the LTIA are measured 
over a four year period. Retesting does not form 
part of any award.

What are the performance hurdles?
The outstanding LTIA (2017 Award – 2020 
Award) have two performance hurdles - Relative 
Total Shareholder Return and Average Return 
on Invested Capital. From the 2021 Award an 
additional Non-Coal Gross Revenue Growth 
measure has been introduced as outlined in  
Table 8.

How is the LTIA determined?
The number of performance rights issued 
under the LTIA to each Executive is calculated 
by dividing their respective LTIA potential 
remuneration (expressed as a percentage of 
Fixed Remuneration) by the five-day Volume 
Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of Aurizon 
shares at the time of their award.

Each performance right is a right to receive 
one share in Aurizon upon vesting. The number 
of performance rights that vest is determined 
by performance outcomes compared against 
predetermined company hurdles as described in 
Table 7 and Table 8.

What happens when performance 
rights vest?
Performance rights awarded under the LTIA 
vest subject to the satisfaction of company 
hurdles. Rights vest and the resulting shares are 
transferred to the Executive at no cost to the 
Executive. Value of the award will be subject 
to movements in the Aurizon share price over 
the performance period, aligning Executive 
outcomes and shareholder experience. 

Company performance and vesting outcomes 
for the 2017 LTIA (4 year) is identified in Table 7. 
Aurizon’s performance resulted in no component 
of this Award vesting.

TABLE 7 – COMPANY PERFORMANCE AGAINST LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS SUBJECT TO TESTING IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2021 

COMPANY HURDLE AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT PERIOD

WEIGHTING

RESULT

%  
VESTED

% 
LAPSED

2017 AWARD (4 YEAR): 01 JULY 2017 – 30 JUNE 20211

Relative TSR: against peer 
group within ASX100 Index

30% of rights vest at the 50th percentile, 75% at the 
62.5th percentile up to 100% at the 75th percentile

ROIC: average annual ROIC 
FY2018 – FY20212

50% of rights vest with an average ROIC of 10.5%,  
up to 100% at 11.5%

50%

Below Median 

50%

9.5%

0%

0%

100%

100%

1   From the 2017 Award, company hurdles are measured over an extended performance period, which increased from a three-year performance period to a four-year 

performance period. In order to facilitate this transition two awards were issued at 75% of the maximum vesting opportunity in FY2018

2  Following the expected Network regulatory outcomes, the Board has determined that no adjustment will be made to the hurdles for 2017 and 2018 Awards

 Maximum   Between Minimum and Maximum   Minimum   Below Minimum 

34

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
TABLE 8 – LONG TERM INCENTIVE AWARD PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW AND HURDLES FOR FUTURE AWARDS

DEFINITION

RELATIVE TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN

Measures the growth in share price plus cash distributions notionally 
reinvested in shares and is:
 › Conditional on Aurizon’s TSR performance relative to a peer group of 

companies in the ASX 100 index that are broadly comparable to Aurizon 
(i.e. with which Aurizon competes for capital and/or capability)

 › From the 2021 Award, companies in the industrials, energy, materials, 

real estate and utilities Industry Sectors are included in the peer group 
(approximately 50)1

 › Determined by reference to a VWAP over a period to smooth any short-

term ‘peaks’ or ‘troughs’

 › Verified by an independent expert.

RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL

For the purposes of LTIA, ROIC is underlying EBIT divided by Invested 
Capital and will be calculated on the same basis as published ROIC with the 
following exceptions:
 › Adjusted, for Invested Capital, to exclude major (infrastructure 

investments with an approved budget capital expenditure over $250m) 
assets under construction until these investments are planned to 
generate income, subject to Board discretion (for example, in the case of 
a delay judged to be outside the control of management and not able to 
be foreseen or mitigated)

 › Adjusted (add-back depreciation charge and invested capital) to reflect 

asset impairments which occur during the performance period, excluding 
asset impairments driven by continued efficiency and productivity 
improvements.

VESTING THRESHOLDS

Vesting Thresholds are consistent across all outstanding Awards

WEIGHTING

Outstanding  
2018 Award

2019 Award

2020 Award

Future  
2021 Award 

50%

50%

50%

25%

MINIMUM 
VESTING

30% of 
rights vest 
at the 50th 
percentile

MAXIMUM  
VESTING

75% of 
rights 
vest at 
the 62.5th 
percentile

100% of 
rights  
vest at 
the 75th 
percentile

All rights will vest pro-rata on a straight-line basis between the  
minimum and maximum vesting points

Vesting Thresholds vary across outstanding Awards

WEIGHTING

MINIMUM 
VESTING

MAXIMUM  
VESTING

50% of Rights 
vest with an 
average ROIC of:

100% of Rights  
vest with an  
average ROIC of:

Outstanding  
2018 Award2

2019 Award3,4

2020 Award3,4

Future  
2021 Award3,4

50%

50%

50%

9%

9.5%

9.5%

50%

9.5%

10%

10.5%

10.5%

10.5%

All rights will vest pro-rata on a straight-line basis between the  
minimum and maximum vesting points

NON‑COAL GROSS REVENUE GROWTH

Measures the growth of revenue in the bulk business and other revenues  
not driven by coal markets. 

WEIGHTING

MINIMUM 
VESTING

MAXIMUM  
VESTING

Aligns with the long-term strategic direction to double the size of the bulk 
business by expanding across the bulk commodities supply chain. 

Future 
2021 Award

25%

Determined by reference to non-coal gross revenue growth over the 
performance period in line with strategic objective for FY2030.

50% of Rights 
vest with 
non-coal gross 
revenue growth 
of 29%

100% of Rights  
vest with non-coal 
gross revenue 
growth of 43%

All rights will vest pro-rata on a straight-line basis between the minimum 
and maximum vesting points

1    An adjustment was made to the peer group in the 2021 Award which resulted in a shift from company classifications to industry sectors. Companies in the financial, 

healthcare, biotechnology, casinos and gaming companies were excluded from the peer group for the 2018 Award, 2019 Award and 2020 Award

2  Following the expected Network regulatory outcomes, the Board has determined that no adjustment will be made to the hurdles for 2017 Award and 2018 Awards
3   With the introduction of the new lease accounting standard effective from 1 July 2019 which had the effect of bringing leases on balance sheet, in FY2020 we completed 

a review the ROIC calculation and simplified the definition of invested capital

4  ROIC hurdles have been set taking into account the current business outlook and the expected Network regulatory outcomes

How does Aurizon utilise Retention awards? 
In some circumstances, as approved by the Board, Management may recommend using retention awards where the services of an individual are 
considered critical to Aurizon over the short-to-medium term and the existing remuneration arrangements are thought to be insufficient to retain those 
services. Retention awards may be time-based or project-based and are governed by stringent performance conditions and may be cash-based or 
equity-based. In FY2018, an award was issued to an Executive who has subsequently been appointed to the Executive Committee (CFO & GE Strategy) 
and which subsequently vested during FY2021. During FY2021, no retention awards were issued to Executive KMP and 46,296 performance rights were 
issued to one employee. Further information is available in note 28 of the Financial Report (page 94). 

REMUNERATION REPORT 

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

8.  Executive Employment Agreements

Executive Employment Agreements 
Remuneration and other terms of employment 
for the MD & CEO and Executive KMP are 
formalised in an Employment Agreement as 
summarised in Table 9.

Minimum Shareholding policy 
for Executives
To align KMP and the Executive Committee 
(direct reports to the MD & CEO) with 
shareholders, the Company requires:

 › Non-Executive Directors to accumulate and 
maintain one year’s Total Directors’ fees 
(consisting of Directors’ fee plus applicable 
Committee fee/s) of shares in the Company
 › the MD & CEO to accumulate and maintain 
one year’s Fixed Remuneration of shares in 
the Company

 › the remaining Executive KMP and Executive 
Committee to accumulate and maintain 50% 
of one year’s Fixed Remuneration of shares 
in the Company.

This is to be achieved within six years of 
the date of their appointment. This will be 
calculated with reference to the Total Directors’ 
fees and Executives’ Fixed Remuneration 
during the period divided by the number of 
years.

Details of KMP shareholdings as at 30 June 
2021 are set out in Table 10.

Hedging and margin lending policies
Aurizon has in place a policy that prohibits 
Executives from hedging economic exposure to 
unvested rights that have been issued pursuant 
to a Company employee share plan. The policy 
also prohibits margin loan arrangements for 
the purpose of purchasing Aurizon shares. 
Adherence to this policy is monitored regularly 
and involves each Executive signing an annual 
declaration of compliance with the policy.

TABLE 9 – EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS 

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt

C McDonald

E McKeiver

DURATION OF  
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

FIXED REMUNERATION AT 
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 
20211

NOTICE PERIOD2

BY EXECUTIVE

BY COMPANY3

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

1,717,000

788,000

700,000

667,000

683,000

6 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

3 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

1   Fixed remuneration includes a superannuation component
2  Post employment restraints in any competitor business in Australia is aligned to the notice period
3  Any termination payment will be subject to compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and will not exceed 12 months

TABLE 10 ‑ KMP SHAREHOLDINGS AS AT 30 JUNE 2021 

NAME

NON–EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

BALANCE  
AT THE START  
OF THE YEAR

RECEIVED  
DURING THE YEAR  
ON VESTING

OTHER  
CHANGES DURING  
THE YEAR

BALANCE  
AT THE END  
OF THE YEAR

% OF FIXED 
REMUNERATION1

T Poole2

M Bastos

R Caplan2

M Fraser2

S Lewis2

S Ryan

L Strambi

K Vidgen

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt

C McDonald

E McKeiver

110,500

25,947

82,132

70,000

43,025

13,000

5,355

40,000

316,997

51,369

11,935

94,410

56,929

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

219,528

74,763

51,024

61,332

63,152

25,000

20,000

-

-

20,000

35,000

37,432

-

40,000

-

5,000

259

-

135,500

45,947

82,132

70,000

63,025

48,000

42,787

40,000

576,525

126,132

67,959

156,001

120,081

103%

76%

147%

114%

103%

86%

77%

66%

125%

60%

36%

87%

65%

1   Assumes Total Directors’ Fees and Fixed Remuneration as at 30 June 2021 and the calculation assumes a share price of $3.72
2  KMP required to meet the minimum shareholding requirement due to length of service in a KMP role being longer than six years

36

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–219.   Non‑Executive Director 

Remuneration

Fees for Non-Executive Directors are set at a 
level to attract and retain Directors with the 
necessary skills and experience to allow the 
Board to have a proper understanding of, and 
competence to deal with, current and emerging 
issues for Aurizon.

Remuneration for Non-Executive Directors 
is reviewed by the Committee and set by 
the Board, taking into account external 
benchmarking. Fees and payments to Non-
Executive Directors are reviewed annually 
by the Board and reflect the demands which 
are made on, and the responsibilities of, the 
Directors.

The Chairman’s fees are determined 
independently to the fees of Non-Executive 
Directors, based on comparative roles in 
the external market. The Chairman does not 
participate in any discussions relating to the 
determination of his own remuneration.

Fee Structure
The current annual base fees for the Non-
Executive Directors are set out in Table 11. 

The Chairman’s fee is inclusive of fees for 
Committee memberships. 

In addition, to the base Directors’ fee, the other 
Non-Executive Directors receive the applicable 
fee component for chairperson and/or 
membership responsibilities. These Committee 
fees are set out in Table 12.

The base Directors’ fee and Committees fees 
include both cash and any contributions to 
a fund for the purposes of superannuation 
benefits. There are no other retirement 
benefits in place for Non-Executive Directors. 
Non-Executive Directors do not receive 
performance pay. 

The actual remuneration outcomes for the 
Non-Executive Directors of the Company is 
summarised in Table 13. Details of the Non-
Executive Director membership is disclosed on 
page 9.

What are the aggregate fees approved  
by shareholders? 
$2.5 million. The cap does not include 
remuneration for performing additional or 
special duties for Aurizon at the request of the 
Board or reasonable travelling, accommodation 
and other expenses of Directors in attending 
meetings and carrying out their duties.

TABLE 11 – DIRECTORS’ FEES

DIRECTORS

Chairman 

TERM

Directors’ fees (inclusive of  
all responsibilities  
and superannuation)

FEES

$490,000

Other Non-Executive Directors Directors’ fees (inclusive of  

$170,000

all responsibilities  
and superannuation)

TABLE 12 – COMMITTEE FEES

NETWORK 
BOARD

AUDIT AND RISK 
COMMITTEE

$40,000

$20,000

$40,000

$20,000

REMUNERATION 
AND PEOPLE 
COMMITTEE

SAFETY, 
HEALTH AND 
ENVIRONMENT 
COMMITTEE

$35,000

$17,500

$35,000

$17,500

Chairperson

Member

TABLE 13 – NON‑EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

SHORT‑TERM 
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

POST‑EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

SALARY 
AND 
FEES1 
$’000

NON‑
MONETARY 
BENEFITS2 
$’000

SUPERANNUATION  
$’000

TOTAL 
REMUNERATION 
$’000

NAME

YEAR

NON‑EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

T Poole

M Bastos

R Caplan

M Fraser

S Lewis

S Ryan

L Strambi

K Vidgen

Total

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

468

479

205

205

208

200

208

208

222

208

208

115

189

102

205

203

1,913

1,720

‑

3

‑

-

‑

-

‑

-

‑

3

‑

-

‑

-

‑

-

‑

6

22

11

20

20

‑

9

20

20

6

20

‑

1

18

10

20

19

106

110

490

493

225

225

208

209

228

228

228

231

208

116

207

112

225

222

2,019

1,836

1   Salary and fees include any salary sacrificed benefits
2   Non-monetary benefits represent the value of Reportable Fringe Benefits for the respective FBT year  

ending 31 March

REMUNERATION REPORT 

37

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

10. Executive Remuneration for Financial Year 2021
The table below details the number and value of movements in equity awards during FY2021.

TABLE 14 – RIGHTS GRANTED AS COMPENSATION 

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP
A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt

C McDonald

E McKeiver

INCENTIVE  
PLAN

BALANCE AT 
BEGINNING 
OF YEAR

 RIGHTS 
AWARDED 
DURING THE 
YEAR1 

VALUE OF 
RIGHTS 
GRANTED IN 
YEAR

VESTED IN 
YEAR

EXERCISED 
DURING THE 
YEAR 

FORFEITED IN 
YEAR

FORFEITED IN 
YEAR

NO.

 NO. 

$’000

%

NO.

NO.

%

VALUE OF RIGHTS  

BALANCE AT END 

VALUE PER RIGHT 

FORFEITED IN YEAR

OF YEAR

AT GRANT DATE

GRANT  

DATE 

DATE ON WHICH 

GRANT VESTS

EXPIRY  

DATE

WEIGHTED FAIR 

2017 (3 year)2
2017 (4 year)3
2018
2019 STIAD4
2019
2020 STIAD5
2020
2017 (3 year)2
2017 (4 year)3
2018
2019 STIAD4
2019
2020 STIAD5
2020
2017 (3 year)2
2017 (4 year)3
2018 – Ret6
2018
2019
2020
2017 (3 year)2
2017 (4 year)3
2018
2019 STIAD4
2019
2020 STIAD5
2020
2017 (3 year)2
2017 (4 year)3
2018
2019 STIAD4
2019
2020 STIAD5
2020

295,938
295,938
459,911
170,846
347,454
-
-
114,241
114,241
188,337
55,970
149,494
-
-
37,573
37,573
44,843
62,500
48,799
-
97,921
97,921
152,176
45,224
126,539
-
-
104,449
104,449
165,737
45,970
129,574
-
-

152,134
556,263

654
1,396

50,754
191,469

218
481

16%

(48,682)

(247,256)

84%

100%

(170,846)

16%

(18,793)

(95,448)

84%

100%

(55,970)

16%

(6,181)

(31,392)

84%

100%

(44,843)

170,086

427

16%

(16,108)

(81,813)

84%

100%

(45,224)

16%

(17,182)

(87,267)

84%

100%

(45,970)

61,077
162,068

263
407

31,092
165,956

134
417

$’000

764

304

100

260

278

NO.

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

295,938

459,911

347,454

152,134

556,263

114,241

188,337

149,494

50,754

191,469

37,573

62,500

48,799

170,086

97,921

152,176

126,539

61,077

162,068

104,449

165,737

129,574

31,092

165,956

$

3.09

2.99

2.58

6.03

3.95

4.30

2.51

3.18

3.07

2.56

6.03

3.95

4.30

2.51

3.18

3.07

4.46

2.56

3.95

2.51

3.18

3.07

2.56

6.03

3.95

4.30

2.51

3.18

3.07

2.56

6.03

3.95

4.30

2.51

18-Oct-17

18-Oct-17

18-Oct-18

30-Sept-19

17-Oct-19

28-Sep-20

14-Oct-20

6-Oct-17

6-Oct 17

5-Oct-18

30-Sept-19

17-Oct-19

28-Sep-20

14-Oct-20

6-Oct-17

6-Oct 17

10-Aug-18

5-Oct-18

17-Oct-19

14-Oct-20

6-Oct-17

6-Oct 17

5-Oct-18

30-Sept-19

17-Oct-19

28-Sep-20

14-Oct-20

6-Oct-17

6-Oct 17

5-Oct-18

30-Sept-19

17-Oct-19

28-Sep-20

14-Oct-20

18-Oct-20

18-Oct-21

18-Oct-22

30-Sept-20

17-Oct-23

28-Sep-21

14-Oct-24

6-Oct-20

6-Oct 21

5-Oct-22

30-Sept-20

17-Oct-23

28-Sep-21

14-Oct-24

6-Oct-20

6-Oct 21

13-Aug-20

5-Oct-22

17-Oct-23

14-Oct-24

6-Oct-20

6-Oct 21

5-Oct-22

30-Sept-20

17-Oct-23

28-Sep-21

14-Oct-24

6-Oct-20

6-Oct 21

5-Oct-22

30-Sept-20

17-Oct-23

28-Sep-21

14-Oct-24

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-22

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-24

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-22

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-24

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-22

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-24

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-22

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-24

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-22

31-Dec-20

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-24

1    The number of performance rights awarded, as described in Section 7, is a function of the market price (5-day VWAP) at the time of the award, that is, ‘face value’.  

For remuneration purposes, Aurizon does not use fair value to determine LTI Awards

2  Details of the vesting outcomes are described in Table 8 in the FY2020 Remuneration Report
3  Details of the vesting outcomes are described in Table 7
4  Deferred STIA component as described in Section 3 and Section 5 of this report and Table 6 in the FY2019 Remuneration Report
5  Deferred STIA component as described in Section 3 and Section 5 of this report and Table 7 in the FY2020 Remuneration Report
6  Retention Award as described in Section 7 in the FY2018 Remuneration Report 

3838

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2110. Executive Remuneration for Financial Year 2021

The table below details the number and value of movements in equity awards during FY2021.

TABLE 14 – RIGHTS GRANTED AS COMPENSATION 

NAME

INCENTIVE  

PLAN

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

BALANCE AT 

BEGINNING 

OF YEAR

NO.

 RIGHTS 

AWARDED 

VALUE OF 

RIGHTS 

EXERCISED 

DURING THE 

GRANTED IN 

VESTED IN 

DURING THE 

FORFEITED IN 

FORFEITED IN 

YEAR1 

 NO. 

YEAR

$’000

YEAR

%

YEAR 

NO.

YEAR

NO.

YEAR

%

16%

(48,682)

(247,256)

84%

P Bains

16%

(18,793)

(95,448)

84%

G Lippiatt

16%

(6,181)

(31,392)

84%

C McDonald

16%

(16,108)

(81,813)

84%

2017 (3 year)2

2017 (4 year)3

2019 STIAD4

2020 STIAD5

2017 (3 year)2

2017 (4 year)3

2019 STIAD4

2020 STIAD5

2017 (3 year)2

2017 (4 year)3

2018 – Ret6

2017 (3 year)2

2017 (4 year)3

2019 STIAD4

2020 STIAD5

2017 (3 year)2

2017 (4 year)3

2019 STIAD4

2020 STIAD5

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

2018

2019

2020

295,938

295,938

459,911

170,846

347,454

114,241

114,241

188,337

55,970

149,494

37,573

37,573

44,843

62,500

48,799

97,921

97,921

152,176

45,224

126,539

104,449

104,449

165,737

45,970

129,574

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

152,134

556,263

654

1,396

50,754

191,469

218

481

170,086

427

61,077

162,068

263

407

31,092

165,956

134

417

100%

(170,846)

100%

(55,970)

100%

(44,843)

100%

(45,224)

100%

(45,970)

E McKeiver

16%

(17,182)

(87,267)

84%

1    The number of performance rights awarded, as described in Section 7, is a function of the market price (5-day VWAP) at the time of the award, that is, ‘face value’.  

For remuneration purposes, Aurizon does not use fair value to determine LTI Awards

2  Details of the vesting outcomes are described in Table 8 in the FY2020 Remuneration Report

3  Details of the vesting outcomes are described in Table 7

4  Deferred STIA component as described in Section 3 and Section 5 of this report and Table 6 in the FY2019 Remuneration Report

5  Deferred STIA component as described in Section 3 and Section 5 of this report and Table 7 in the FY2020 Remuneration Report

6  Retention Award as described in Section 7 in the FY2018 Remuneration Report 

VALUE OF RIGHTS  
FORFEITED IN YEAR

BALANCE AT END 
OF YEAR

WEIGHTED FAIR 
VALUE PER RIGHT 
AT GRANT DATE

GRANT  
DATE 

DATE ON WHICH 
GRANT VESTS

EXPIRY  
DATE

$’000

764

304

100

260

278

NO.

-
295,938
459,911
-
347,454
152,134
556,263
-
114,241
188,337
-
149,494
50,754
191,469
-
37,573
-
62,500
48,799
170,086
-
97,921
152,176
-
126,539
61,077
162,068
-
104,449
165,737
-
129,574
31,092
165,956

$

3.09
2.99
2.58
6.03
3.95
4.30
2.51
3.18
3.07
2.56
6.03
3.95
4.30
2.51
3.18
3.07
4.46
2.56
3.95
2.51
3.18
3.07
2.56
6.03
3.95
4.30
2.51
3.18
3.07
2.56
6.03
3.95
4.30
2.51

18-Oct-17
18-Oct-17
18-Oct-18
30-Sept-19
17-Oct-19
28-Sep-20
14-Oct-20
6-Oct-17
6-Oct 17
5-Oct-18
30-Sept-19
17-Oct-19
28-Sep-20
14-Oct-20
6-Oct-17
6-Oct 17
10-Aug-18
5-Oct-18
17-Oct-19
14-Oct-20
6-Oct-17
6-Oct 17
5-Oct-18
30-Sept-19
17-Oct-19
28-Sep-20
14-Oct-20
6-Oct-17
6-Oct 17
5-Oct-18
30-Sept-19
17-Oct-19
28-Sep-20
14-Oct-20

18-Oct-20
18-Oct-21
18-Oct-22
30-Sept-20
17-Oct-23
28-Sep-21
14-Oct-24
6-Oct-20
6-Oct 21
5-Oct-22
30-Sept-20
17-Oct-23
28-Sep-21
14-Oct-24
6-Oct-20
6-Oct 21
13-Aug-20
5-Oct-22
17-Oct-23
14-Oct-24
6-Oct-20
6-Oct 21
5-Oct-22
30-Sept-20
17-Oct-23
28-Sep-21
14-Oct-24
6-Oct-20
6-Oct 21
5-Oct-22
30-Sept-20
17-Oct-23
28-Sep-21
14-Oct-24

31-Dec-20
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-22
31-Dec-20
31-Dec-23
31-Dec-21
31-Dec-24

REMUNERATION REPORT 

39

Directors’ Report (continued)
REMUNERATION REPORT

Details of the remuneration paid to Executives are set out below and has been prepared in accordance with the accounting standards. 

TABLE 15 – EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION 

SHORT‑TERM EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

POST‑ 
EMPLOYMENT 
BENEFITS

LONG‑
TERM 
BENEFITS

EQUITY‑ 
SETTLED 
SHARE‑BASED 
PAYMENTS

NAME

EXECUTIVE KMP

A Harding

P Bains

G Lippiatt8

C McDonald

E McKeiver

CASH 
SALARY 
AND FEES1 
$’000

A

1,695

1,696

763

764

678

122

645

646

661

662

YEAR

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

CASH 
BONUS 
$’000

B

1,139

981

469

328

334

61

385

394

274

200

Total Executive KMP 
compensation (group) 

2021

4,442

2020

3,890

2,601

1,964

1  Cash salary and fees include any salary sacrifice benefits

ANNUAL 
LEAVE2 
$’000

NON‑ 
MONETARY 
BENEFITS3 
$’000

OTHER4 
$’000

SUPER‑ 
ANNUATION5 
$’000

LONG‑ 
SERVICE 
LEAVE 
$’000

RIGHTS6 
$’000

TOTAL 
$’000

PROPORTION OF  
COMPENSATION 
PERFORMANCE  
RELATED7 %

REMUNERATION 
CONSISTING  
OF RIGHTS FOR  
THE YEAR %

C

98

51

(28)

22

35

(6)

10

34

(21)

(2)

94

99

D

‑

-

‑

5

‑

-

10

29

4

3

E

515

-

105

-

158

-

109

-

154

-

14 1,041

37

-

F

22

21

25

24

22

7

22

21

22

21

113

94

G

44

32

18

46

68

28

13

24

11

(23)

154

107

H

1,426

1,560

528

543

165

32

482

461

393

477

I

4,939

4,341

1,880

1,732

1,460

244

1,676

1,609

1,498

1,338

2,995

11,454

3,073

9,264

J

62

59

59

50

45

38

58

53

55

51

58

54

K

29

36

28

31

11

13

29

29

26

36

26

33

2 

 Annual leave represents annual leave accrued or utilised during the financial year and excludes periods of unpaid annual leave. Negative amounts represent the 
utilisation of annual leave

3    Non-monetary benefits represent the value of Reportable Fringe Benefits for the respective FBT year ending 31 March

4    In assessing the overall performance for FY2021, the Board acknowledged the receipt of the WIRP fees which were payable following the decision of the Queensland 
Court of Appeal. The Board determined that a cash payment would be made to recognise the WIRP fees payable between FY2016 – FY2020 but collected in FY2021. 

5    Superannuation amounts represent employers’ contribution to superannuation

6    The accounting expense recognised in relation to rights granted in the year is the fair value independently calculated at grant date using an expected outcome model. 
This was consistent with the Monte-Carlo simulation conducted in the prior year and resulted in similar outcomes. This amount is progressively expensed over the 
vesting period. Refer to note 28 for further details regarding the fair value of Rights. These values may not represent the future value that the Executive will receive,  
as the vesting of the Rights is subject to the achievement of performance conditions. This includes the cost of deferred short-term incentives and long-term incentives

7    The short-term incentives (cash bonus), deferred short-term incentives and long-term incentives (equity settled share-based payments) represent the at-risk 

performance related remuneration

8    G Lippiatt was appointed Chief Financial Officer & Group Executive Strategy on 9 March 2020 in an acting capacity, and permanently on 30 June 2020. The FY2020 
cash salary and fees (column A) and cash bonus (column B) reflect the salary and STIA attributable to the Chief Financial Officer & Group Executive Strategy role

40

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
As lead auditor for the audit of Aurizon Holdings Limited for the year ended 30 June 2021, I declare 
that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:  

(a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

relation to the audit; and 

(b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Aurizon Holdings Limited and the entities it controlled during the 
period. 

Nadia Carlin 
Partner 
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Brisbane 
9 August 2021 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE  QLD  4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE  QLD  4001 
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

41

  
  
 
  
Corporate Governance Statement

Aurizon Holdings Limited and the entities it controls (Aurizon Holdings or Company) believe corporate governance is a critical pillar on which business 
objectives and, in turn, shareholder value must be built.

The Board has adopted a suite of charters and key corporate governance documents which articulate the policies and procedures followed by Aurizon 
Holdings. These documents are available in the Governance section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au. These documents are reviewed 
periodically to address any changes in governance practices and the law. 

This Statement explains how Aurizon Holdings complies with the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations – 4th Edition (ASX Principles and Recommendations), and all the practices outlined in this Statement unless otherwise stated, have 
been in place for the full reporting period.

This Statement was adopted by the Board on 6 August 2021.

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 Role of Board and 
management which 
is set out in a Board 
Charter

1.2 Information 
regarding election 
and re‑election of 
Director candidates and 
appropriate checks are 
undertaken on Director 
and senior executive 
appointments

1.3 Written agreements 
setting out terms of 
appointment

1.4 Company Secretary

The Board has established a clear distinction between the functions and responsibilities reserved for the Board 
and those delegated to management, which are set out in the Aurizon Holdings Board Charter (Charter).

The Charter also provides an overview of the roles of the Chairman, individual Directors, the Managing Director & 
CEO and the Company Secretary.

A copy of the Charter is available in the Governance section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

Aurizon carefully considers the character, experience, education, skill set as well as interests and associations of 
potential candidates for appointment to the Board and conducts appropriate checks to verify the suitability of 
each candidate prior to their appointment.

Aurizon has appropriate procedures in place to ensure material information relevant to a decision to elect or  
re-elect a Director is disclosed in the Notice of Meeting provided to shareholders. Aurizon also conducts checks 
in relation to character, experience, education, criminal records and bankruptcy history of each candidate before 
appointing a new Director or a senior executive (eg. the Managing Director & CEO and their direct reports). 

In addition to being set out in the Charter, the roles and responsibilities of Directors are also formalised in a letter 
of appointment which each Director receives and commits to on their appointment. The letters of appointment 
specify the term of appointment, time commitment envisaged, expectations in relation to committee work and 
any other special duties attached to the position (if any), reporting lines, remuneration arrangements, disclosure 
obligations in relation to personal interests, confidentiality obligations, insurance and indemnity entitlements and 
details of the Company’s key governance policies, such as the Securities Dealing Policy.

A copy of the Company’s key governance policies can be found on the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

Each senior executive enters into a service contract which sets out the material terms of employment, including a 
description of the senior executive’s position and duties, reporting lines, remuneration arrangements, termination 
rights and entitlements. The details and experience of each senior executive (known as the Executive Committee) 
is listed in the Leadership section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

The material terms of the appointment of those senior executives who are Key Management Personnel can be 
found on page 36 of the Annual Report.

Each Company Secretary is directly accountable to the Board, through the Chairman, for facilitating and advising 
on the Company’s corporate governance processes and on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the 
Board. Each Director is entitled to access the advice and services of each Company Secretary. The Board Charter 
also sets out the responsibilities of the Company Secretary.

In accordance with the Company’s Constitution and Board Charter, the appointment or removal of a Company 
Secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole. Details of each Company Secretary’s experience and qualifications 
are set out on page 7 of the Annual Report.

P

P

P

P

42

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight (continued)

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

1.5 Diversity 

Aurizon Holdings has had a Diversity and Inclusion Policy since 2011 which is reviewed periodically, and which sets 
out its objectives including its stated values and reporting practices with respect to inclusion and diversity and is 
available in the Governance section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

P

Executive Committee movements during FY2021 have resulted in a reduction of female representation in senior 
roles from 33.3% to 20%. The Board and Management remain committed to increasing female representation at all 
levels within the Company.

The measurable objectives and outcomes for diversity, agreed by the Aurizon Holdings Board for FY2021, are set 
out below:

ENTERPRISE MEASURES

FY21 TARGET

FY21 ACTUAL

Gender representation on the Board Minimum 30% (each gender)

38% women/62% men

Representation of women in senior 
executive roles (direct reports to 
the MD & CEO)

Representation of women in 
the workforce

Representation of Aboriginal and 
Torres Strait Islander men and 
women in Aurizon

30%

23%

5.5%

20%

23%

6.6%

1.6 Board reviews

In compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, Aurizon Holdings submitted its annual compliance 
reports to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency in 2021. Aurizon’s most recent Gender Equality Indicators (as 
defined in the WGE Act) are available on the Workplace Gender Equality Agency website. 

Further details on the Company’s inclusion and diversity performance and activities can be found on the Company 
website aurizon.com.au, including within Aurizon’s Sustainability Report.

A performance review is undertaken annually in relation to the Board and the Board Committees. Periodically 
the Board reviews the individual performance of the Directors (including the Chairman) and engages a 
professional independent consultant experienced in Board reviews to conduct a review of the Board and its 
Committees, and the effectiveness of the Board as a whole.

In relation to FY21 the Board conducted an internal review of its Board (and its Chairman) and Committees and 
their effectiveness, with the findings presented to Board.

1.7 Management 
reviews

Each year the Board sets financial, operational, management and individual targets for the Managing Director 
& CEO. The Managing Director & CEO (in consultation with the Board) in turn, sets targets for senior executives.

Performance against these targets is assessed periodically throughout the year, and a formal performance 
evaluation for senior executives is completed for the year-end. The Company’s Remuneration and People 
Committee reviews the remuneration and performance management frameworks during the year. In addition, the 
Managing Director & CEO and each senior executive presents to the Board on the status, progress made and their 
performance against their set key deliverables.

A performance evaluation as described was undertaken for all senior executives in FY21. In respect of the 
Managing Director & CEO, the evaluation was led by the Chair and discussed with the Remuneration and People 
Committee.

Principle 2: Structure the Board to be effective and add value 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 Nominations 
Committee 

The Nomination & Succession Committee comprises three members (including the Chairman), all of whom are 
Independent Non-Executive Directors. Details of the membership of the Nomination & Succession Committee, 
including the names and qualifications of the Committee members, are set out on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Report.

The number of meetings held and attended by each member of the Nomination & Succession Committee during the 
financial year are set out on page 9 of the Directors’ Report within the Annual Report.

The Charter governing the conduct of the Nomination & Succession Committee is reviewed annually and is available in 
the Governance section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au. Aurizon also has in place a policy on election and 
appointment of Non-Executive Directors, which is reviewed annually.

2.2 Board skills

The skills listed below have been identified as the optimum skills Aurizon Holdings seeks to achieve across its Board 
membership. The Aurizon Holdings Board possesses a good blend of these skills. 

P

P

P

P

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

43

Corporate Governance Statement 
(continued)

Principle 2: Structure the Board to be effective and add value (continued)

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

General
 › Board experience
 › Senior management experience
 › ASX-listed company governance
 › Risk management.

Industry 
 › Transport and logistics
 › Mining and resources
 › Government relations
 › Safety, health and environment.

Technical
 › Finance and accounting
 › Regulatory
 › Corporate strategy
 › Capital allocation including  
acquisitions and divestments

 › Information and operational technology
 › Capital markets
 › Engineering and construction
 › Human resources.

2.3 Disclose 
independence and 
length of service

Further details regarding the skills and experience of each Director are included on pages 4 to 7 of the Report.

Details regarding which Directors are considered independent and the length of their service are set out on page 4 
of the Annual Report.

In FY2021, Mr Caplan will have served as a Director of Aurizon Holdings for over 10 years. The Board remains 
satisfied that the interests of security holders are well served as Mr Caplan continues to bring independent 
judgment and deep operational understanding of the Company to bear on issues before the Board. 

Only the Managing Director & CEO is not considered independent, by virtue of the role being an Executive of  
the Company.

2.4 Majority of 
Directors independent

In accordance with the Board Charter, the majority of Directors are considered to be independent, and Directors abstain 
from participating in discussion or voting on matters in which they have a material personal interest. Details regarding 
which Directors are considered independent and the length of their service are set out on page 4 of the Annual Report 
and in response to Recommendation 2.3 above..

2.5 Chair independent 

The Chairman, Tim Poole, is an Independent Non-Executive Director. The role of Managing Director & CEO is 
performed by another Director.

2.6 Induction 
and professional 
development

Further details regarding the Directors are set out on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Report.

An induction process including appointment letters and ongoing education exists to promote early, active and 
relevant involvement of new and existing members of the Board.

In addition to peer review, interaction and networking with other Directors and industry leaders, Aurizon Holdings’ 
Directors participate, from time-to-time, in Aurizon Holdings’ leadership forums and actively engage with Aurizon 
Holdings’ employees by visiting operational sites to gain an understanding of the Company’s operating environment.

During the year, Directors receive accounting policy updates, especially around the time the Board considers the 
half-year and full-year financial statements.

The Board also receives briefings from time-to-time on legal, accounting, regulation, developments in 
communication and human resource management and technology.

Directors are encouraged and given the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the business by visiting offices 
and sites in different locations. During the financial year, Directors made visits to operational sites in Queensland and 
virtually in New South Wales.

Principle 3: Instil a culture of acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 The values of 
the Company are 
articulated and 
disclosed

3.2 Code of Conduct

The Company has a clear set of core values. These core values are Safety, People, Integrity, Customer and 
Excellence. A description of these values is set out in the Company’s Code of Conduct and the Company’s Annual 
Report. The Company’s values, their articulation and acknowledgment are embedded in all meetings of the Board, 
Board Committee and the Managing Director & CEO’s Executive meetings and form part of the performance and 
remuneration framework of the Company.

The Board has a Code of Conduct for its Directors, senior executives and employees, a copy of which is available in 
the Governance section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au. The Company’s Code of Conduct forms part of 
the induction of Directors as well as new employees. The code is reviewed periodically by the Board. The Board is 
informed of any material breaches of the code either through the whistleblower reports or the governance reports 
that are presented from time to time to the Company’s Audit, Governance and Risk Management Committee.

3.3 Whistleblower 
Policy

The Company has a Whistleblower Policy, a copy of which is available in the Governance section of the Company’s 
website aurizon.com.au and the Board, through the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee, reviews 
reports on concerns raised or material breaches under the Whistleblower Policy.

3.4 Anti‑Bribery and 
Corruption Policy

The Company has an Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy a copy of which is available in the Governance section of the 
Company’s website aurizon.com.au and the Board, through the Audit, Governance and Risk Management Committee, 
receives an update annually on any material breaches of this policy through the Governance report to the Committee.

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

44

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Principle 4: Safeguard the integrity of corporate reports 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Audit Committee 

The Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee comprises four members, all of whom are Independent  
Non-Executive Directors. Details of the membership of the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee, 
including the names and qualifications of the Committee members, are set out on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Report.

In addition to the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee members, the Managing Director & CEO, CFO, 
Head of Risk & Assurance, external auditors and each Company Secretary attend the Audit, Governance & Risk 
Management Committee meetings.

The number of meetings held and attended by each member of the Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee during the financial year are set out on page 9 of the Annual Report.

The Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee Charter is reviewed annually and is available on the 
Company’s website aurizon.com.au. Among other things, the Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee 
reviews the processes that validate the Directors' Report and the Annual Report. The Board, as a whole, has 
oversight of other corporate reporting, such as investor presentations prepared for full-year and half-year results 
briefings or at other times.

4.2 CEO and CFO  
certification of 
financial statements

The Board has obtained a written assurance from the Managing Director & CEO and CFO that the declaration 
provided under Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 (and for the purposes of Recommendation 4.2) is 
founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control, and that the system is operating effectively in 
all material respects in relation to financial reporting and material business risks.

4.3 Disclose processes 
to verify the integrity 
of periodic corporate 
reports released to 
the market

The periodic corporate reports, being the half-year and full-year financial statements, including the Company’s 
Annual Report, are underpinned by a certification process whereby each Group Executive and finance partner for 
each Business Unit responds to set questionnaires and signs a certification. This process provides verification and 
sign off for the Managing Director & CEO and CFO then to provide a signed representation letter to the external 
auditors and also a signed declaration to the Board that supports that the accounts provide a true and fair view, and 
that there is integrity in the statements that the financial statements comply with the Corporations Act 2001 and 
relevant Accounting standards. The certification process is reviewed annually with the view that it remains current 
having regard to any changes in the Corporations Act 2001, accountings standards or governance. 

In FY2021, the Company also provided quarterly above rail volume reports to the market. These reports are verified 
by each of the respective business unit Group Executives. 

For other types of periodic corporate reports (including the annual Director’s Report), the Company conducts an 
internal review and verification process to ensure that such reports, are materially accurate, balanced and provide 
investors with appropriate information. Where applicable, the relevant reports will be approved in accordance with 
the Company's Disclosure and Communication Policy.

The annual Sustainability Report draws upon information that is verified by respective Business Units through 
existing verification processes as described above, and undergoes an internal review process. In addition, Aurizon’s 
greenhouse gas emissions data (scope 1, 2 and 3) provided in the Sustainability Report also undergoes an external, 
independent assurance process. A statement of limited assurance is provided in the annual Sustainability Report.

Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Disclosure and 
Communications 
Policy

Aurizon Holdings has a Disclosure and Communications Policy which sets out the processes and practices to ensure 
compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements under the ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act 2001.

Aurizon Holdings has guidelines to assist officers and employees of the Company comply with the Company’s 
Disclosure and Communications Policy. A copy of the policy is available on the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

5.2 Material Market 
Announcements

The Board receives a copy of all announcements under Listing Rule 3.1 immediately prior to those announcements 
being made to the ASX (noting that the Board may not approve or authorise all announcements made to the ASX).

5.3 New and 
substantive investor or 
analyst presentation 
materials to be released 
to the ASX ahead of 
the presentation

Aurizon releases new and substantive presentations to the ASX prior to them being presented. This will typically 
occur at the half-year and full-year results briefings, prior to the Annual General Meeting, and when an investor day 
is held.

Where practicable, shareholders are provided with the opportunity to participate in such presentations, for example, 
by providing dial-in details.

P

P

P

P

P

P

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

45

 
 
Corporate Governance Statement 
(continued)

Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Information  
on website 

6.2 Investor relations 
programs

6.3 Facilitate 
and encourage 
participation at 
meetings of security 
holders

6.4 Resolutions 
decided by Poll

6.5 Option to receive 
communications 
electronically

Aurizon Holdings keeps investors informed of its corporate governance, financial performance and prospects via 
announcements to the ASX and Aurizon's website. Investors can access copies of all announcements to the ASX, 
notices of meetings, annual reports, investor presentations, webcasts and/or transcripts of those presentations and 
a key event calendar via the ‘Investors’ tab. Investors can access general information regarding the Company and 
the structure of its business under the ‘Company’, ‘What we deliver’ and ‘Sustainability’ tabs.

Aurizon Holdings conducts regular market briefings including in relation to its half-year and full-year results 
announcements, investor days, site visits, and attends regional and industry-specific conferences in order to 
facilitate effective two-way communication with investors and other financial markets participants. Access 
to senior executives and operational management is provided to investors and analysts at these events, with 
separate one-on-one or group meetings offered, whenever possible. The presentation material provided at these 
events is sent to the ASX prior to commencement and subsequently posted on the ‘Investors’ tab on Aurizon’s 
website, including the webcast and transcript, if applicable.

Aurizon Holdings uses technology to facilitate the participation of security holders in meetings including webcasting 
of the Annual General Meeting. In 2020, Aurizon Holdings hosted the Annual General Meeting virtually giving 
security holders the opportunity to attend, ask questions and vote online or by proxy.

Shareholders are encouraged to participate and are given an opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its 
auditor at the Annual General Meeting.

All resolutions put to shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting are determined by Poll.

Aurizon provides shareholders the option to receive communications from, and send communications to, the Company 
and the share registry electronically.

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk 

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Risk Committee 

Aurizon Holdings’ Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee oversees the process for identifying and managing 
material risks faced by the Company in accordance with the Aurizon Risk Management Framework (Risk Policy), 
and undertakes the functions of a risk committee as set out in the ASX Principles and Recommendations.

7.2 Annual risk review 

Further details regarding the Committee, its membership, charter, and the number of meetings held during the 
financial year and attendence at those meetings, is set out in response to Recommendation 4.1 and on page 9  
of the Annual Report.

The Board reviews Aurizon Holdings’ Enterprise Risk Management Framework and Appetite at least annually to 
approve updates, where required. In FY2021, the Board considered updates to and reviewed the Enterprise Risk 
Management Framework. The Audit, Governance & Risk Management Committee also monitors management’s 
performance against the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework, including whether it is operating 
within the risk appetite set by the Board. The Executive Committee regularly reviews and updates the enterprise 
risk profile to satisfy itself that Aurizon is operating with due regard to the risk appetite set by the Board. The 
Company’s Risk and Assurance Function is responsible for providing oversight of the risk management framework 
and assurance on the management of significant risks to the Managing Director & CEO and the Board.

7.3 Internal audit 

The Company has an Assurance (internal audit) function that operates under a Board-approved Internal Audit Charter.

The Assurance function is independent of management and the external auditor and is overseen by the Audit, 
Governance & Risk Management Committee. In accordance with the Committee Charter, the Committe’s role includes 
making recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment or removal of the Head of Risk & Assurance.

The Head of Risk & Assurance provides ongoing Assurance reports to the Audit, Governance & Risk Management 
Committee, as well as an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s control processes 
and risk management procedures.

Aurizon Holdings discloses material exposures to environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and associated 
risk management strategies through our annual Sustainability Report. During FY2021, the Company published 
its seventh Sustainability Report (for the period ended 30 June 2020). A copy of this report is available in the 
Sustainability section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

Aurizon Holdings’ FY2021 Sustainability Report will be published in October 2021. This will be the fifth reporting 
period in which Aurizon incorporates recommendations from the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) Final Report: 
Recommendation of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), released in June 2017.

Aurizon Holdings acknowledges and supports the objectives of the Paris Agreement to find a pathway to limiting 
global warming to below 2°C. Aurizon Holdings also acknowledges the objectives of the Paris Agreement to pursue 
efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C. Climate change is affecting a wide range of industries 
globally, resulting in financial implications. Transition risks, related to energy policy, regulation, technology and 
market shifts (that are necessary to achieve the transition to a low-carbon economy) will affect the demand for the 
commodities that Aurizon Holdings hauls.

7.4 Sustainability risks

46

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk (continued)

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

7.4 Sustainability risks 
(continued)

Physical risks related to extreme weather events will also continue to affect Aurizon Holdings through supply chain 
disruptions. The Company’s primary channel for engaging with stakeholders on all ESG matters, including our climate-
related disclosures, is through the publication of our Sustainability Report, which is updated and issued annually. 

During FY2021, Aurizon Holdings published its inaugural Climate Strategy and Action Plan which consolidated 
Aurizon’s position on climate change underpinned by long-term strategies, actions and targets to mitigate climate 
risk and leverage emerging opportunities.

A copy of the Company’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan is available in the Sustainability section of the 
Company’s website. 

Aurizon Holdings commits to supporting and respecting the protection of internationally proclaimed human 
rights, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 10 principles of the United Nations 
Global Compact. Aurizon Holdings understands its responsibility to respect human rights and has committed to 
providing transparency on any risks that exist in the Company's supply chain and how they are being addressed. In 
accordance with legislation, in FY2021, the Company published its first Modern Slavery Statement, which described 
the modern slavery risks associated with its business activities and actions taken to address those risks. A copy of 
the Modern Slavery Statement is available in the Sustainability section of the Aurizon website. 

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly  

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Remuneration 
Committee

Aurizon Holdings’ remuneration function is performed by the Remuneration and People Committee, comprising  
four members, all of whom are Independent Non-Executive Directors. Details of the membership of the 
Remuneration and People Committee, including the names and qualifications of the Committee members, are  
set out on pages 4 to 7 of the Annual Report.

8.2 Disclosure 
of Executive and 
Non‑Executive 
Director remuneration 
policy

The number of meetings held and attended by each member of the Remuneration and People Committee during 
the financial year are set out on page 9 of the Annual Report.

The Charter governing the conduct of the Remuneration and People Committee is reviewed annually and is 
available in the Governance section of the Company’s website aurizon.com.au.

The Company seeks to attract and retain high performing Directors and senior executives with appropriate skills, 
qualifications and experience to add value to the Company and fulfil the roles and responsibilities required.

It reviews requirements for additional capabilities at least annually.

Executive remuneration is to reflect performance and accordingly, remuneration is structured with a fixed 
component and a performance-based component.

Non-Executive Directors are paid fixed fees for their services in accordance with the Company’s Constitution.  
The Chairman’s fee is inclusive of fees for Committee membership and the other Non-Executive Directors are paid a 
fixed base fee plus Committee fees, as applicable. Further detail is set out in the Remuneration Report on page 37.

The Company has in place a Share Holding and Retention Policy which applies to Non-Executive Directors, the 
Managing Director & CEO and the direct reports of the Managing Director & CEO.

Further details regarding remuneration and share retention policies, and the remuneration of senior executives and 
Non-Executive Directors, are set out on pages 26 to 40 of the Annual Report. The Company also has in place a 
Related Party Transaction Policy. The policy and disclosures under that policy are reviewed annually by the Board. 
During the year, there were no agreements entered for the provision of consulting or similar services by a Director 
or senior executive, or by a related party of a Director or senior executive.

P

P

8.3 Policy on hedging 
equity incentive 
schemes

Aurizon Holdings’ Executives must not enter into any hedge arrangement in relation to any performance rights they 
may be granted or otherwise entitled to under an incentive scheme or plan, prior to exercising those rights or, once 
exercised, while the securities are subject to a transfer restriction.

P

For the purposes of this policy, hedging includes the entry into any transaction, arrangement or financial product 
which operates to limit the economic risk of a security holding in the Company and includes financial instruments 
such as equity swaps and contracts for differences. The term ‘Executive’ is broadly defined to include the 
Managing Director & CEO and his direct reports and any other person entitled to participate in an Aurizon Holdings 
performance rights plan. Further details regarding the Company’s hedging policy are set out in the Company’s 
Securities Dealing Policy which is available on the Governance section of the website aurizon.com.au.

Principle 9: Additional recommendations

RECOMMENDATION

AURIZON HOLDINGS’ COMPLIANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS

9.1 – 9.3 Additional 
recommendations

Recommendations 9.1 – 9.3 of the ASX Principle and Recommendations do not apply to Aurizon Holdings, and did not at any 
stage during FY21, and are therefore not relevant to the period.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

47

 
Financial Report
for the year ended 30 June 2021

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

About this report 

–  Significant judgements and estimates 

–  Key events and transactions for the reporting period 

Results for  
the year

Operating assets 
and liabilities

Capital and 
financial risk 
management

Group  
structure

Other  
notes

1. 

 Segment 
information

6.   Trade and other 
receivables

14.  Capital risk 

management

19.   Associates and 
joint ventures

2.   Revenue

7. 

 Inventories

15. Dividends

20.  Material 

3.  Expenses

4.  Income tax 

5.   Earnings  
per share

16.  Equity

17. Borrowings

18.  Financial risk 
management

8.   Property, plant 
and equipment

9.   Intangible 
assets

10.  Other assets

11.   Trade and other 

payables

12.   Provisions

13.  Other liabilities

subsidiaries

21.   Parent entity 
disclosures

22.  Acquisition of 

subsidiaries and 
interests in joint 
ventures

23.  Discontinued 
operations

24.  Assets 

classified as 
held for sale

25.  Notes to the 
consolidated 
statement of 
cash flows

26.  Related party 

transactions 

27.  Key 

Management 
Personnel

28.  Share-based 
payments

29.  Auditor’s 

remuneration

30.  Summary of 

other significant 
accounting 
policies

Page 49

Page 50

Page 51

Page 52

Page 53

Page 54 

Page 54 

Page 54

Unrecognised  
items and events 
after reporting date

31.   Commitments 

and 
contingencies

32.  Events 

occurring after 
the reporting 
period

SIGNED REPORTS

Directors’ declaration 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Aurizon Holdings Limited 

ASX INFORMATION

Non-IFRS Financial Information 

Page 99

Page 100

Page 107

48

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 30 June 2021

Revenue from continuing operations

Other income

Total revenue and other income

Employee benefits expense

Energy and fuel

Track access

Consumables

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment losses

Other expenses

Share of net profit/(loss) of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

Operating profit

Finance income

Finance expenses

Net finance costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit from continuing operations after tax

Profit from discontinued operations after tax

Profit for the year attributable to owners of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Earnings per share for profit from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders  
of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

The above consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Notes

2

3

3

3

4

23

5

5

2021 
$m

3,005.9

21.6

3,027.5

(836.2)

(191.4)

(81.1)

(416.2)

(579.1)

(3.1)

(9.4)

0.3

911.3

4.1

(149.4)

(145.3)

766.0

(159.3)

606.7

123.6

730.3

Cents

32.5

32.4

39.1

39.0

2020 
$m

3,061.6

108.4

3,170.0

(791.6)

(231.3)

(107.2)

(440.7)

(558.6)

(5.7)

(20.4)

(0.1)

1,014.4

2.5

(151.0)

(148.5)

865.9

(260.8)

605.1

10.8

615.9

Cents

31.0

30.9

31.5

31.5

49

FINANCIAL REPORT   
Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income
for the year ended 30 June 2021

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges

Income tax relating to changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Reclassification to profit or loss on disposal of shares in associate

Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of tax

Notes

16(b)

16(b)

16(b)

16(b)

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to owners of Aurizon Holdings Limited

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

2021 
$m

730.3

22.1

(6.6)

(0.1)

1.8

17.2

747.5

2020 
$m

615.9

(35.7)

10.7

–

–

(25.0)

590.9

50

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Consolidated balance sheet
as at 30 June 2021

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax receivables

Other assets

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Other assets

Investments accounted for using the equity method

Total non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

The above consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Notes

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

6

7

18(a)

10

24

7

18(a)

8

9

10

19

11

17

18(a)

12

13

17

18(a)

4(c)

12

13

16(a)

16(b)

148.8

483.8

150.4

0.1

8.5

15.3

5.0

811.9

45.9

125.0

8,483.2

193.9

78.6

26.1

8,952.7

9,764.6

269.1

59.0

0.6

–

296.9

91.6

–

717.2

29.3

460.1

145.8

0.2

–

14.8

65.1

715.3

38.1

220.8

8,537.1

187.5

70.5

2.7

9,056.7

9,772.0

323.0

657.6

35.1

83.4

271.3

101.3

0.7

1,472.4

3,679.0

2,949.6

66.6

705.9

64.2

257.1

4,772.8

5,490.0

4,274.6

206.6

3,410.5

657.5

4,274.6

45.7

605.3

64.0

277.3

3,941.9

5,414.3

4,357.7

506.6

3,395.1

456.0

4,357.7

51

FINANCIAL REPORT  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 30 June 2021

Balance at 1 July 2020

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Dividends provided for or paid

Share-based payments

Balance at 30 June 2021

Balance at 1 July 2019

Adjustment on adoption of AASB 16

Total equity at the beginning of the financial year

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Dividends provided for or paid

Share-based payments

Balance at 30 June 2020

Attributable to owners of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Contributed 
equity 
$m

Notes

Reserves 
$m

Retained 
earnings 
$m

16(b)

16(a)

15

16(b)

16(b)

16(a)

15

16(b)

506.6

3,395.1

–

–

–

(300.0)

–

–

(300.0)

206.6

906.6

–

906.6

–

–

–

–

17.2

17.2

 –

–

(1.8)

(1.8)

3,410.5

3,418.5

–

3,418.5

–

(25.0)

(25.0)

(400.0)

(0.4)

–

–

(400.0)

506.6

–

2.0

1.6

3,395.1

456.0

730.3

–

730.3

–

(528.8)

–

(528.8)

657.5

352.3

1.6

353.9

615.9

–

615.9

–

(513.8)

–

(513.8)

456.0

Total  
equity 
$m

4,357.7

730.3

17.2

747.5

(300.0)

(528.8)

(1.8)

(830.6)

4,274.6

4,677.4

1.6

4,679.0

615.9

(25.0)

590.9

(400.4)

(513.8)

2.0

(912.2)

4,357.7

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

52

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 30 June 2021

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST)

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) 

Interest received

Income taxes paid

Principal elements of lease receipts

Net cash inflow from operating activities from continuing operations

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities from discontinued operations

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Payment for acquisition of subsidiary (net of cash acquired) and investment in joint venture

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of business and shares held in associate

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Payments for intangibles

Interest paid on qualifying assets

Distributions received from associates

Net cash outflow from investing activities from continuing operations

Net cash inflow from investing activities from discontinued operations

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Payments of transaction costs related to borrowings 

Principal elements of lease payments 

Interest paid

Payments for buy-back of ordinary shares

Payments of transaction costs for buy-back of ordinary shares

Payments for shares acquired for share-based payments

Dividends paid to Company’s shareholders

Net cash outflow from financing activities from continuing operations

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities from discontinued operations

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Notes

25

23

22

3

23

15

23

23

2021 
$m

3,326.3

(1,884.4)

4.2

(175.6)

6.5

1,277.0

(23.0)

1,254.0

(63.5)

(496.6)

10.0

38.5

(18.2)

(3.7)

0.4

(533.1)

168.8

(364.3)

1,130.6

(889.0)

(5.4)

(16.4)

(155.3)

(300.0)

(0.3)

(5.7)

(528.8)

(770.3)

–

(770.3)

(26.4)

145.8

29.3

0.1

148.8

2020 
$m

3,407.6

(2,032.1)

2.8

(146.5)

5.7

1,237.5

9.9

1,247.4

(24.5)

(492.3)

165.3

15.8

(32.1)

(3.9)

–

(371.7)

0.4

(371.3)

702.0

(486.0)

(4.8)

(14.6)

(151.1)

(400.0)

(0.4)

(3.2)

(513.8)

(871.9)

–

(871.9)

(6.1)

10.3

25.2

(0.1)

29.3

53

FINANCIAL REPORT  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021

About this report

Aurizon Holdings Limited (the Company) is a for-profit entity for the 
purpose of preparing this financial report and is domiciled in Australia. 
The consolidated financial report comprises the financial statements  
of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the  
Group or Aurizon).

The financial report is a general purpose financial report which:

 ›  has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and 
Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board 
(AASB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB);

 ›  has been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by 
the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 
instruments) at fair value;

 ›  is presented in Australian dollars, with values rounded to the nearest 

$100,000 unless otherwise stated, in accordance with the ASIC 
Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 
2016/191;

 ›  presents reclassified comparative information where required for 

consistency with current year presentation;

 ›  adopts all new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations 
issued by the AASB that are relevant to the operations of the Group 
and effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2020; 
and

 ›  has applied the Group accounting policies consistently to all periods 

presented.

The general purpose financial report for the Group for the year ended 
30 June 2021 (FY2021) has been authorised for issue in accordance with 
a resolution of the Directors on 9 August 2021. The Directors have the 
power to amend and reissue the financial report.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the financial statements requires management 
to exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting policies. 
It also requires the use of estimates and assumptions of assets, 
liabilities, income and expense.
The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity are 
set out below and in more detail in the related notes:

Revenue

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of cash generating units (CGUs)  
and goodwill

Note
2

8

8

9

Other accounting policies
Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the 
measurement basis used, and are relevant to an understanding of the 
financial statements, are provided throughout the notes to the financial 
statements.

The notes to the financial statements
The following notes include information which is material and relevant 
to the operations, financial position and performance of the Group. 
Information is considered material and relevant due to its size and nature 
or if the information:

 › is important for understanding the Group’s current period results;
 › provides an explanation of significant changes in the Group’s business —  

for example acquisitions or divestments; or

 › relates to an aspect of the Group’s operations that are important to its 

future performance.

Key events and transactions for the 
reporting period

(a)  Access revenue
2017 Access Undertaking
The Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) applied under the 2017 Access 
Undertaking is 5.90%, increasing to 6.30% upon completion of an independent 
capacity assessment of the Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN). In the 
event that a capacity deficit is identified, the WACC increase to 6.30% will 
commence when Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of the 
Group) notifies relevant parties of proposed options to address the deficit. 
The Independent Expert continues the development of the Initial Capacity 
Assessment Report (ICAR) with the assistance of external consultants. The 
Independent Expert has advised that the ICAR is expected to be completed  
at the end of September 2021.

The 2017 Access Undertaking assumed the independent capacity assessment 
would be complete by 1 March 2020 and therefore, a WACC of 6.30% applied 
for FY2021. As a result of the delay in the independent capacity assessment, 
there has been an over-collection of access charges in FY2021 (the difference 
between 5.90% and 6.30%). The over-collection of access charges in FY2021 
has been partially offset by lower revenue resulting from reduced actual 
volumes (net of Take-or-Pay triggering in four rail network systems). A net 
under or over recovery of access charges by system after adjustments forms 
part of the revenue adjustment amount (revenue cap). The FY2021 net 
revenue cap adjustment is a recovery by customers of up to $16.0 million 
through tariff adjustments in FY2023. The FY2021 revenue cap adjustment 
is subject to approval by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA).

Access revenue for the period has been recognised based on the 2017 
Access Undertaking applying a WACC rate of 6.30% (2020: average WACC 
rate of 6.03%).

54

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21(d)  Debt refinancing
During the year, Aurizon Network Pty Ltd:

 ›  issued a $500.0 million 10-year fixed Medium-Term Note (Network 

AMTN 4) maturing 2 September 2030;

 ›  repaid a $525.0 million fixed Medium-Term Note (Network AMTN 1) 

maturing 28 October 2020;

 › reduced the $850.0 million Bilateral Facility maturing 5 June 2023 by 

$100.0 million to $750.0 million;

 ›  issued a $75.0 million 10.5-year fixed Private Placement (Network 

AMTN 5) maturing 15 December 2031; and

 ›  re-financed an existing $100.0 million Working Capital Facility in 

December 2020 until June 2021, which was subsequently extended to 
June 2022 at a limit of $75.0 million.

During the year, Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd:

 ›  added $175.0 million to the existing $450.0 million Bilateral Facilities in 

November 2020, increasing total limits across the facilities to  
$625.0 million. The existing $450.0 million facilities mature  
26 November 2023. The additional facilities mature 5 June 2023  
($50.0 million), 3 November 2023 ($50.0 million) and 3 November 
2025 ($75.0 million);

 ›  issued a $500.0 million seven-year fixed Medium-Term Note (Finance 

AMTN 1) maturing 9 March 2028; and

 ›  re-financed an existing $150.0 million Working Capital Facility in 

December 2020 until June 2021, which was subsequently extended to 
June 2022 at a limit of $125.0 million.

(e)  On-market share buy-back scheme
The Group completed an on-market share buy-back program on  
15 March 2021. The Group acquired 73.9 million shares for total 
consideration of $300.0 million.

Key events and transactions for  
reporting period (continued)

(a)  Access revenue (continued)

Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP)
On 1 September 2020, the Queensland Court of Appeal affirmed the 
Supreme Court decision in the Group’s favour and the WIRP customers 
did not seek leave to appeal that decision. As a result, the Group was 
able to charge customers non-regulated WIRP fees with effect from 
March 2016 and commenced billing in November 2020.

The WIRP customers previously initiated other disputes under 
their respective WIRP Deeds which were the subject of an Expert 
Determination in February 2019. The Expert’s Determination was 
issued on 4 June 2019 and found that the WIRP fee should be partially 
reduced. Aurizon Network Pty Ltd lodged proceedings against the WIRP 
customers in the Supreme Court of Queensland on 18 December 2020 
to appeal the Expert’s Determination and the WIRP customers filed their 
defence on 1 March 2021.

The amount of WIRP fees ultimately payable by WIRP customers will be 
dependent upon finalisation of the appeal of the Expert’s Determination 
and finalisation of a cost variation factor related to WIRP project costs. 
WIRP fees of $60.3 million, including $48.9 million of historical fees 
(relating to FY2016 – FY2020), have been recognised in FY2021  
(2020: $nil).

(b)  Disposals
 › On 26 March 2021, the Group completed the sale of the Acacia Ridge 
Intermodal Terminal to Pacific National. The net gain on sale before 
income tax of $161.1 million has been classified as a significant item in 
discontinued operations.

 › On 26 May 2021, the Group sold its shares held in Aquila Resources 
Limited to Mineral Resources Limited for $10.0 million. As a result of 
the sale, the Group has recognised a tax benefit of $67.8 million for 
a previously unrecognised deferred tax asset associated with the 
impairment of the carrying amount of the shares held in FY2016. The 
net gain on sale before income tax of $8.2 million has been classified as 
a significant item in earnings before income tax (EBIT). The net income 
tax benefit of $65.3 million has been recognised as a significant item in 
profit after tax.

(c)  Acquisition of subsidiaries and interests in joint ventures
During the year, the Group:

 › acquired a 41.67% investment in Ox Mountain Limited (UK registered), 
a maintenance software developer and provider, for consideration of 
$22.4 million on 28 August 2020. The investment is accounted for 
using the equity method of accounting; and

 › acquired 100% of the issued shares in ConPorts Pty Ltd (renamed to 
Aurizon Port Services NSW Pty Ltd), a shiploading services provider 
in Newcastle, for consideration of $42.7 million on 31 December 2020. 
The acquisition includes long-term leases at the Port of Newcastle with 
shiploading facilities adjacent to rail lines.

Refer to note 22 for further information.

55

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  Results for the year

IN THIS SECTION

Results for the year provides segment information and a 
breakdown of individual line items in the consolidated income 
statement that the Directors consider most relevant, including a 
summary of the accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
relevant to understanding these line items.

1 

Segment information 

2  Revenue  

3  Expenses 

4 

Income tax 

5  Earnings per share 

Page 57

Page 60

Page 62

Page 63

Page 64

56

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

1  Segment information

The Group determines and presents operating segments on a business unit 
structure basis as this is how the results are reported internally and how 
the business is managed. The Managing Director & CEO and the Executive 
Committee (the chief operating decision-makers) assess the performance 
of the Group based on underlying earnings before net interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and underlying EBIT.

The following segment information has been presented for continuing 
operations only. Refer to note 23 for the financial results of the divested 
Intermodal business.

(a)  Description of reportable segments
The following summary describes the operations of each reportable 
segment:

Network
This segment manages the provision of access to, and operation of, the 
CQCN, provision of maintenance and renewal of Network assets.

Coal
This segment provides transport of coal from mines in Queensland and 
New South Wales to end customers and ports.

Bulk
This segment provides integrated supply chain services, including rail 
and road transportation, port services and material handling for a range 
of mining, metal, industrial and agricultural customers throughout 
Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.

Other
This segment includes provision of services to internal and external 
customers and central costs not allocated such as Board, Managing 
Director & CEO, Company Secretary, strategy and investor relations.

FINANCIAL REPORT  57

1  Segment information (continued)

(b)  Segment information
The results of the reportable segments are set out as below:

30 June 2021

External revenue

Revenue from external customers

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Other revenue

Total revenue from external customers

Internal revenue

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Total internal revenue

Total external and internal revenue

Other income

Total revenue and other income

Internal revenue elimination

Consolidated revenue and other income

Continuing EBITDA (Underlying)1

Depreciation and amortisation

Continuing EBIT (Underlying)1

Significant adjustments (note 1(c))

EBIT1

Net finance costs

Profit before income tax from continuing operations

1   Refer to page 107 for Non-IFRS Financial Information.

Network
$m

Coal
$m

Bulk
$m

Other
$m

Total continuing 
operations
$m

721.3

–

9.3

31.2

761.8

457.6

–

5.5

463.1

1,224.9

–

1,224.9

445.1

1,163.6

–

3.4

1,612.1

–

–

–

–

1,612.1

–

1,612.1

–

594.8

20.3

1.3

616.4

–

17.4

1.0

18.4

634.8

–

634.8

–

–

6.0

9.6

15.6

–

–

3.4

3.4

19.0

13.4

32.4

848.8

(339.7)

509.1

533.3

(208.7)

324.6

139.9

(27.9)

112.0

(39.8)

(2.8)

(42.6)

1,166.4

1,758.4

35.6

45.5

3,005.9

457.6

17.4

9.9

484.9

3,490.8

13.4

3,504.2

(484.9)

3,019.3

1,482.2

(579.1)

903.1

8.2

911.3

(145.3)

766.0

58

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–211  Segment information (continued)

(b)  Segment information (continued)

Network
$m

Coal
$m

Bulk
$m

Other
$m

Total continuing 
operations
$m

30 June 2020

External revenue

Revenue from external customers

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Other revenue

Total revenue from external customers

Internal revenue

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Total internal revenue

Total external and internal revenue

Other income

Total revenue and other income

Internal revenue elimination

Consolidated revenue and other income

Continuing EBITDA (Underlying)1

Depreciation and amortisation

Continuing EBIT (Underlying)1

Significant adjustments (note 1(c))

EBIT1

Net finance costs

Profit before income tax from continuing operations

1  Refer to page 107 for Non-IFRS Financial Information.

617.4

–

18.7

29.0

665.1

514.3

–

9.1

523.4

1,188.5

–

1,188.5

798.1

(329.3)

468.8

512.8

1,260.3

–

2.2

1,775.3

–

–

–

–

1,775.3

–

1,775.3

616.4

(205.8)

410.6

–

568.8

23.1

1.0

592.9

–

14.6

1.3

15.9

608.8

–

608.8

–

–

16.2

12.1

28.3

–

–

9.4

9.4

37.7

3.0

40.7

110.1

(20.2)

89.9

(57.0)

(3.3)

(60.3)

1,130.2

1,829.1

58.0

44.3

3,061.6

514.3

14.6

19.8

548.7

3,610.3

3.0

3,613.3

(548.7)

3,064.6 

1,467.6

(558.6)

909.0

105.4

1,014.4

(148.5)

865.9

59

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT    
  
1  Segment information (continued)

(c)  Significant adjustments

The Group’s underlying results differ from the statutory results.  
The exclusion of certain items permits a more appropriate and 
meaningful analysis of the Group’s underlying performance on a 
comparative basis.

Net gain on sale of shares in Aquila (before 
income tax)

Net gain on sale of Rail Grinding business 
(before income tax)

2021  
$m

2020  
$m

8.2

–

8.2

–

105.4

105.4

Total significant adjustments from continuing operations net of tax is 
$73.5 million (2020: $73.8 million) and is reconciled in the Non-IFRS 
Financial Information on page 107.

(d)  Customer disclosure
The nature of the Group’s business is that it enters into long-term 
contracts with key customers. Two customers each contribute more than 
10% of the Group’s total revenue as detailed below:

(a)   Disaggregation of revenue from contracts 

with customers

The Group derives revenue from the provision of services over time. 
Revenue is disaggregated by the Group’s reportable segments, refer  
to note 1(b).

(b)  Contract assets and liabilities

(i)  Contract assets

The Group has recognised the following revenue-related contract assets:

2021
$m

2020
$m

Current

Contract assets for freight transport

2.1

1.3

Non-current

Contract assets for freight transport

37.1

21.9

Contract assets primarily represent incremental costs incurred to secure 
new, or extensions to existing, customer contracts. These amounts 
are capitalised and amortised against revenue as the performance 
obligations are satisfied over time. No provision for impairment of 
contracts assets has been recognised, refer to accounting policy in 
note 6 (2020: $nil).

2020 
$m

2021 
credit rating

2020 
credit rating

Within one year

522.2

438.2

960.4

A

BBB+

A

BBB+

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years

2021
$m

2.1

32.9

4.2

39.2

2020
$m

1.3

16.3

5.6

23.2

2021 
$m

530.5

418.8

949.3

Customer 1

Customer 2

Total

2  Revenue

(ii)  Contract liabilities
The Group has recognised the following revenue-related 
contract liabilities:

Current

Advances for track access

Advances for freight transport

Advances for other services

Non-current

Advances for freight transport

Advances for other services

2021
$m

2020
$m

26.3

4.8

25.4

56.5

11.8

123.2

135.0

–

2.0

26.5

28.5

14.4

136.0

150.4

Contract liabilities primarily represent amounts received from customers 
as advances for track access and the provision of services under 
agreements for mine-specific infrastructure. These amounts are deferred 
and earned over the term of the agreements using the output method as 
performance obligations are satisfied.

The Group recognises revenue primarily from the provision 
of access to the CQCN and the provision of freight haulage 
services across Australia.

The Group derives the following types of revenue:

Services revenue

Track access

Freight transport

Other services

Other revenue

2021  
$m

2020  
$m

1,166.4

1,758.4

35.6

45.5

1,130.2

1,829.1

58.0

44.3

Total revenue from continuing operations

3,005.9

3,061.6

60

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
 
 
 
2  Revenue (continued)

(b)  Contract assets and liabilities (continued)

(ii)  Contract liabilities (continued)

Within one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years

2021
$m

56.5

99.8

35.2

191.5

2020
$m

28.5

109.7

40.7

178.9

The increase in contract liabilities represents revenue received in advance 
for non-regulated track access charges, offset by revenue recognised for 
prepayments from future access charges in previous financial years.

(iii)  Revenue recognised in relation to contract liabilities
The following table shows how much of the revenue recognised in the 
current reporting period relates to carried-forward contract liabilities.

Revenue recognised that was included in the 
contract liability balance at the beginning of 
the year

Advances for freight transport

Advances for other services

2021
$m

2020
$m

4.5

26.5

31.0

0.4

26.8 

27.2 

(iv)  Unsatisfied performance obligations
The Group has a number of long-term contracts to provide services to 
customers in future periods. Revenue is recognised on an as-invoiced 
basis, except for contracts that have a contract asset or a contract 
liability balance. For all other contracts, the right to consideration from a 
customer corresponds directly with the Group’s performance obligations 
completed to date.

Long-term track access and freight transport contracts are considered 
to be a series of annual performance obligations that are satisfied within 
each financial year. Any amounts received in advance are recognised 
over the term of the agreement as performance obligations are satisfied. 
The Group applies the practical expedient in paragraph 121 of AASB 15 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (AASB 15) and does not disclose 
information on the transaction price allocated to performance obligations 
that are unsatisfied.

All other track access and freight transport contracts for periods of 
one year or less are billed monthly based on the services provided. 
As permitted under AASB 15 the transaction price allocated to these 
unsatisfied performance obligations are not disclosed.

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES  

Take-or-Pay revenue 
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd is able to recover in the financial year part 
of an Allowable Revenue shortfall through Take-or-Pay clauses which 
may trigger when annual volumes railed are less than the regulatory 
forecast. Take-or-Pay is calculated based on management’s judgement 
of below rail cause and above rail operator and/or mine cancellations. 
This judgement impacts the calculation of Take-or-Pay and the 
receivable recognised in the year that the contractual railings were not 
achieved. Take-or-Pay revenue of $77.5 million has been recognised at 
30 June 2021 (2020: $25.6 million).

Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP) Access Revenue
On 1 September 2020, the Queensland Court of Appeal affirmed 
the Supreme Court decision in the Group’s favour and the WIRP 
customers did not seek leave to appeal that decision. As a result, the 
Group was able to charge customers non-regulated WIRP fees with 
effect from March 2016 and commenced billing in November 2020.

The WIRP customers previously initiated other disputes under 
their respective WIRP Deeds which were the subject of an Expert 
Determination in February 2019. The Expert’s Determination was 
issued on 4 June 2019 and found that the WIRP fee should be partially 
reduced. Aurizon Network Pty Ltd lodged proceedings against the 
WIRP customers in the Supreme Court of Queensland on 18 December 
2020 to appeal the Expert’s Determination and the WIRP customers 
filed their defence on 1 March 2021.

The amount of WIRP fees ultimately payable by WIRP customers 
will be dependent upon finalisation of the appeal of the Expert’s 
Determination and finalisation of a cost variation factor related to the 
WIRP project costs. WIRP fees of $60.3 million, including $48.9 million 
of historical fees (relating to FY2016 – FY2020), have been recognised 
in FY2021 (2020: $nil).

Freight Transport Contract Modifications 
Modifications to existing agreements where there is also a new 
agreement put in place are assessed based on the facts and substance 
of the individual contractual arrangements, and will be accounted 
for as either combined or separate contracts in accordance with 
AASB 15. There is significant judgement exercised in determining if a 
modification to an existing agreement should be treated as a combined 
or a separate contract. Judgement, including expected volumes to 
be railed in individual contract years and whether the contract price 
represents the market price in the respective contract period, is applied 
in determining the calculation of contract assets or contract liabilities 
recorded. These judgements impact the timing of revenue recognised 
over the term of the individual contract.

(c)  Accounting policies
The Group recognises revenue as performance obligations are satisfied. 
Revenue includes the provision of track access and freight transport 
services as described below.

(i)  Track access
Track access revenue is generated from the provision of access to, and 
operation of, the CQCN under an approved Access Undertaking. Track 
access revenue is recognised over time as access to the rail network 
is provided and is measured on a number of operating parameters 
including volumes hauled applied to regulator approved tariffs. 

61

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  (iii)  Capitalisation of customer contract costs
Where incremental costs are incurred to secure a new contract or an 
extension to an existing customer contract, these costs are capitalised 
as a contract asset and amortised against revenue as the performance 
obligations are satisfied over time.

Where an arrangement contains a significant financing component, 
the transaction price is adjusted to reflect the effects of the financing 
component, and a contract asset is recognised and amortised against 
revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied over time.

3  Expenses

Profit before income tax from continuing operations includes the 
following specific expenses:

2021 
$m

2020  
$m

Employee benefits expense

Salaries, wages and allowances including on-costs

753.2

707.5

Defined contribution superannuation expense

Defined benefit superannuation expense

Redundancies

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Amortisation of intangibles

59.4

9.7

13.9

57.9

10.2

16.0

836.2

791.6

547.8

31.3

579.1

530.8

27.8

558.6

Finance expenses

Interest and finance charges paid/payable

149.8

152.3

Discounting on land rehabilitation provision

Interest paid on lease liability

Amortisation of capitalised borrowing costs

Amortisation of AMTN 2 fair value adjustment

Counterparty credit risk adjustments

Capitalised interest paid on qualifying assets

0.2

5.1

4.2

(2.4)

(3.8)

153.1

(3.7)

149.4

–

5.1

3.8

(2.4)

(3.9)

154.9

(3.9)

151.0

2  Revenue (continued)

(c)   Accounting policies (continued)

(i)  Track access (continued)
The tariffs charged are determined with reference to the total allowable 
revenue, applied to the regulatory approved annual volume forecast for 
each rail system. At each balance date, track access revenue includes an 
amount of revenue for which performance obligations have been met 
under the respective contract but have not yet settled. These amounts  
are recognised as trade receivables.

Where annual volumes railed are less than the regulatory forecast,  
Take-or-Pay may trigger. Take-or-Pay is recognised as revenue and a 
receivable in the year that the contractual railings were not achieved as  
the related performance obligations have been satisfied.

Regulated access revenue is subject to a revenue cap mechanism that 
serves to ensure the rail network recovers its Allowable Revenue over the 
regulatory period. A revenue adjustment event results in the under or over 
recovery of regulatory access revenue (net of Take-or-Pay revenue) for a 
financial year being recognised in the accounting revenues of the second 
financial year following the financial year in which the event occurred as 
per the Access Undertaking.

Access revenue for the financial year has been recognised based on the 
2017 Access Undertaking applying a WACC rate of 6.30% (2020: average 
WACC rate of 6.03%). Refer to key events and transactions for the 
reporting period for further information.

A contract liability is recorded for revenue received in advance of 
satisfying a performance obligation and is subsequently recognised in 
profit and loss as revenue, as the performance obligation is satisfied during 
the term of the contract.

(ii)  Freight transport
Freight transport revenue is recognised as the relevant performance 
obligations are satisfied over time, being the provision of freight 
transport services.

Freight transport revenue is billed monthly in arrears and recognised 
at rates specified in each contractual agreement, and adjusted for the 
amortisation of customer contract assets or contract liabilities. At each 
balance date, freight transport revenue includes an amount of revenue 
for which performance obligations have been met under the respective 
contract but have not yet settled. These amounts are recognised as trade 
receivables.

A contract modification is a separate contract if the scope of services is 
increased by distinct additional services and the total price increases by 
the market rate for those services over the remaining contract period. 
Where the distinct services don’t indicate market prices, weighted-
average contract rates are applied, which may result in the recognition of 
a contract asset or a contract liability that amortise over the term of the 
individual contract. Modifications to existing agreements where there is 
also a new agreement put in place are assessed based on the facts and 
substance of the individual contractual arrangements, and are accounted 
for as either combined or separate contracts.

A contract asset is recorded for revenue when the Group does not 
have an unconditional right to invoice the customer for performance 
obligations satisfied. A contract liability is recorded for revenue received 
in advance of satisfying a performance obligation and is recognised over 
the term of the contract.

62

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–214  Income tax

Income tax comprises current and deferred tax 
recognised in profit or loss or directly in equity or other 
comprehensive income.

(a)  Income tax expense

Current tax

Deferred tax

Current tax relating to prior periods

Deferred tax relating to prior periods

Income tax expense is attributable to:

2021 
$m

153.4

60.2

(31.5)

29.6

211.7

2020 
$m

186.6

81.2

1.1

(3.7)

265.2

(c)  Deferred tax balances

The table below outlines the items which comprise the deferred tax 
balances:

Deferred tax assets

Inventories

Provisions and accruals

Contract liabilities and income received  
in advance

Financial instruments

Lease liabilities

Other items

Total deferred tax assets

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

0.2

112.2

4.4

63.6

41.8

10.6

232.8

9.1

106.3

9.0

100.9

43.0

15.4

283.7

Set-off against deferred tax liabilities

(232.8)

(283.7)

Net deferred tax assets

–

–

Profit from continuing operations

159.3

260.8

Deferred tax liabilities

Profit from discontinued operations  
(note 23(b))

Deferred income tax expense included in 
income tax expense comprises:

Decrease in deferred tax assets

Increase in deferred tax liabilities

Property, plant and equipment

848.4

768.2

52.4

211.7

4.4

265.2

43.6

46.2

89.8

11.8

65.7

77.5

Intangible assets

Financial instruments

Other items

Total deferred tax liabilities

Set-off of deferred tax assets

Net deferred tax liabilities

32.9

37.5

19.9

33.3

66.3

21.2

938.7

889.0

(232.8)

(283.7)

705.9

605.3

(b)   Numerical reconciliation of income tax expense to prima 

facie tax payable

The table below outlines the items which comprise deferred tax expense:

Profit before income tax expense from 
continuing operations

Profit before income tax expense from 
discontinued operations

Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30%  
(2020: 30%)

Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible 
(taxable) in calculating taxable income:

Capital losses not recognised

Unrecognised deferred tax asset arising 
from previous impairment1

Other

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

Inventories

Provisions and accruals

766.0

865.9

Customer contracts

176.0

942.0

15.2

881.1

Contract liabilities and income received in 
advance

Financial instruments

Lease liabilities

282.6

264.3

Other items

–

(67.8)

(1.2)

(1.9)

211.7

1.1

–

2.4

(2.6)

265.2

Decrease in deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Financial instruments

Other items

Increase in deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred income tax expense

1   The Group sold its shares in Aquila Resources Limited on 26 May 2021. As a 

result of the sale, the Group has recognised a tax benefit of $67.8 million relating 
to an unrecognised deferred tax asset associated with the impairment of the 
carrying amount of the shares held in FY2016. The FY2021 net income tax 
benefit (including the tax effect of the net gain on sale) is $65.3 million.

2021 
$m

8.9

(5.6)

–

4.6

30.7

4.1

0.9

43.6

76.7

(0.4)

(28.8)

(1.3)

46.2

89.8

2020 
$m

(2.1)

2.6

7.3

3.2

(5.1)

1.8

4.1

11.8

38.0

20.4

7.0

0.3

65.7

77.5

63

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

4  Income tax (continued)

(d)  Accounting policies
The tax position is calculated based on the tax rates and laws enacted 
or substantively enacted at the reporting date, in the relevant operating 
jurisdiction. The tax laws and accounting standards have different rules 
in respect of timing and recognition of income and expense, resulting 
in temporary differences (which reverse over time) and non-temporary 
differences (which do not reverse over time or are temporary differences 
that do not meet the recognition criteria under the accounting 
standards).

Income tax expense is calculated as the profit/(loss) before tax, 
multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and adjusted for non-temporary 
differences. Income tax expense includes a current tax and deferred tax 
component and is recognised in the profit or loss, except to the extent 
that it relates to items recognised in equity or in other comprehensive 
income.

(i)  Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable for the period, and any 
adjustment to tax payable in respect of prior periods. Current tax 
includes both temporary differences and non-temporary differences.

The positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which 
applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation are periodically 
evaluated and provisions are provided where appropriate based on 
amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Current tax assets and liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally 
enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or 
to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

(ii)  Deferred tax
Deferred tax represents taxes to be paid or deductions available in future 
income years and any adjustment to deferred tax amounts in respect 
of prior periods. Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences 
arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities, and their carrying 
amounts in the consolidated financial statements, except:

 ›  when arising on the initial recognition of goodwill;
 ›  when arising from the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a 

transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither 
accounting or taxable profit; or

 ›  where it is not probable that future amounts will be available to utilise 

those temporary differences or carried-forward tax losses.

(iii)  Offsetting deferred tax balances
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset and when the deferred tax balances relate to 
taxes levied by the same tax authority.

(iv)  Tax consolidation legislation
The Company and its wholly owned Australian entities elected to form a 
tax consolidated group, and are taxed as a single entity. The head entity 
of the tax consolidated group is Aurizon Holdings Limited.

The Company and the entities in the tax consolidated group account 
for their own current and deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are 
measured as if each entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be 
a stand-alone taxpayer.

In addition to its own current and deferred tax amounts, the Company 
also recognises the current tax liabilities (or assets) and the deferred tax 
assets arising from unused tax losses and unused tax credits assumed 
from entities in the tax consolidated group.

The entities have entered into tax sharing and tax funding agreements. 
The tax funding agreement sets out the funding obligations of members 
of the tax consolidated group in respect of income tax amounts and 
requires payments to the Company equal to the current tax liability 
assumed by the Company. The Company is required to make payments 
equal to the current tax asset or deferred tax asset arising from unused 
tax losses and tax credits assumed from a subsidiary member. The tax 
funding arrangement results in the Company recognising a current  
inter-entity receivable/payable equal to the tax liability/asset assumed.

The tax sharing agreement limits the joint and several liability of the 
wholly owned entities in the case of a default by the Company.

5  Earnings per share

Earnings per share (EPS) is the amount of post-tax 
profit attributable to each share. Basic EPS is calculated 
by dividing the profit attributable to the owners of the 
Company by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing 
the profit attributable to the owners of the Company by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding 
after adjustment for the effects of all dilutive potential 
ordinary shares.

Earnings per share for continuing operations

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Weighted average number of ordinary 
shares for basic earnings per share

Dilution due to rights issued pursuant to 
performance rights plans

2021 
Cents

2020 
Cents

32.5

32.4

39.1

39.0

31.0

30.9

31.5

31.5

2021  
Number  
‘000

2020  
Number  
‘000

1,868,553

1,952,895 

1,909

2,918

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
for diluted earnings per share

1,870,462

1,955,813 

64 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

Operating assets  
and liabilities

IN THIS SECTION

Operating assets and liabilities provides information about the 
working capital of the Group and major balance sheet items, 
including the accounting policies, judgements and estimates 
relevant to understanding these items.

6  Trade and other receivables 

7 

Inventories 

8  Property, plant and equipment 

9 

Intangible assets 

10  Other assets 

11  Trade and other payables 

12  Provisions 

13  Other liabilities 

Page 66

Page 66

Page 67

Page 71

Page 73

Page 73

Page 74

Page 75

FINANCIAL REPORT 
FINANCIAL REPORT 

65

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

6  Trade and other receivables

7  Inventories

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

Current

Trade receivables

Provision for impairment 

Net trade receivables

Other receivables1

329.0

(2.4)

326.6

157.2

483.8

344.4

115.7 

460.1 

1   Other receivables include revenue for services performed but not yet invoiced 
under contracts including external construction contracts, Take-or-Pay and 
annual GAPE fees.

Current

352.1

Raw materials and stores – at cost

(7.7)

Provision for inventory obsolescence

Non-current

Raw materials and stores – at cost

Provision for inventory obsolescence

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

160.0

(9.6)

150.4

59.0

(13.1)

45.9

155.9

(10.1)

145.8

50.5

(12.4)

38.1

The Group has recognised a net reduction of $5.3 million (2020: 
net increase of $1.9 million) in the provision for impairment of trade 
receivables, including $3.0 million (2020: $nil) written off in the  
financial year.

(a)  Accounting policies
Inventories includes infrastructure and rollingstock items held in 
centralised stores, workshops and depots. Items expected to be 
consumed after more than 12 months are classified as non-current.

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  
The cost of individual items of inventory are determined using weighted 
average cost.

The Group recognises a provision for inventory obsolescence based 
on an assessment of damaged stock, slow-moving stock and stock 
that has become obsolete. The amount of the provision for inventory 
obsolescence is recognised in profit or loss in other expenses.

(a)  Accounting policies

(i)  Trade receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Trade receivables 
are generally due for settlement within 31 days and are therefore 
classified as current.

(ii)  Provision for impairment
The collectability of trade and other receivables is reviewed on an 
ongoing basis. Individual debts which are known to be uncollectable are 
written off when identified.

The Group recognises a provision for impairment based on expected 
lifetime losses of trade receivables. The amount of the provision for 
impairment is recognised in profit or loss in other expenses.

(b)  Credit risks related to receivables
In assessing an appropriate provision for impairment of trade receivables, 
consideration is given to historical experience of bad debts, the aging 
of receivables, knowledge of debtor insolvency and individual account 
assessment.

The Group’s trade receivables exhibit similar credit risk characteristics 
and exposures. Customer credit risk is managed in accordance with the 
procedures and controls set out in the Group’s credit risk management 
policy. Credit limits are established for all customers based on external 
and internal credit rating criteria. For some trade receivables, the Group 
may also obtain security in the form of guarantees, deeds of undertaking 
or letter of credit which can be called upon if the counterparty is in 
default under the terms of the agreement.

66 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

8  Property, plant and equipment

Assets under 
construction 
$m

Land 
$m

Buildings 
$m

Plant and 
equipment 
$m

Rollingstock 
$m

Infrastructure 
$m

Right-
of-use
$m

Total 
$m

2021

Opening net book amount

301.1

124.3

211.4

270.1

2,178.9

5,356.9

94.4

8,537.1

Additions

Transfers between asset classes

Acquisition of subsidiary

Disposals

Adjustments to leased assets

Assets classified as held for sale

Depreciation

Impairment

482.3

(514.0)

0.1

–

–

(1.2)

–

–

–

2.5

–

–

31.3

9.3

(2.8)

(2.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(12.7)

(1.5)

Closing net book amount

268.3

124.0

235.6

–

31.8

10.7

(2.3)

–

–

(41.5)

(0.3)

268.5

0.7

163.9

–

(3.6)

–

–

(169.1)

–

–

281.9

2.7

(5.2)

–

(1.7)

(311.8)

(1.3)

3.4

–

9.7

–

(0.3)

–

486.4

(2.6)

32.5

(16.1)

(0.3)

(2.9)

(12.7)

(547.8)

–

(3.1)

2,170.8

5,321.5

94.5

8,483.2

At 30 June 2021

Cost

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment

268.3

124.0

494.2

699.3

5,432.7

8,177.3

133.3

15,329.1

–

–

(258.6)

(430.8)

(3,261.9)

(2,855.8)

(38.8)

(6,845.9)

Net book amount

268.3

124.0

235.6

268.5

2,170.8

5,321.5

94.5

8,483.2

2020

Opening net book amount

281.7

138.9

266.1

285.7

2,202.0

5,361.9

–

8,536.3

Adjustment for change in 
accounting policy

–

–

(48.9)

Restated opening net book amount

281.7

138.9

217.2

Additions

Transfers between asset classes

Acquisition of subsidiary

Disposals

494.6

(473.9)

–

–

–

0.3

–

(1.1)

Assets classified as held for sale

(1.3)

(13.8)

Depreciation1

Impairment

–

–

–

–

Closing net book amount

301.1

124.3

–

10.5

6.1

(2.6)

(7.2)

(12.6)

–

211.4

–

285.7

–

20.5

11.6

(1.9)

(0.1)

(43.8)

(1.9)

270.1

–

–

102.2

53.3

2,202.0

5,361.9

102.2

8,589.6

–

139.4

–

(0.1)

–

(162.4)

–

2,178.9

–

303.3

0.9

(5.4)

(5.8)

0.3

–

14.6

(4.7)

–

494.6

0.1

33.2

(15.8)

(28.2)

(298.0)

(14.2)

(531.0)

–

(3.8)

(5.7)

5,356.9

94.4

8,537.1

At 30 June 2020

Cost

Accumulated depreciation 
and impairment

301.1

124.3

461.1

670.1

5,284.7

7,917.6

120.0

14,878.9

–

–

(249.7)

(400.0)

(3,105.8)

(2,560.7)

(25.6)

(6,341.8)

Net book amount

301.1

124.3

211.4

270.1

2,178.9

5,356.9

94.4

8,537.1

1   Depreciation includes continuing operations $530.8 million (note 3) and discontinued operations $0.2 million (note 23).

67

FINANCIAL REPORT  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

8   Property, plant and equipment (continued)

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

Useful lives

Context of judgements
Aurizon’s business is primarily linked to the demand for and supply of 
Australian commodities, almost entirely destined for export markets in 
Asia. As part of Aurizon’s Strategy in Uncertainty framework, scenario 
analysis is used to test market drivers and evaluate capital, fleet and 
haulage opportunities and sustainability in the context of climate 
change risks. A key component of this analysis is understanding the 
drivers of demand and supply for commodities transported. This 
process considers short-term impacts as well as risks that emerge 
over the medium to long term, where the timing and magnitude 
is less certain. In addition to the fundamental drivers of Australian 
commodities, more subjective factors are also considered including 
government policy and trade considerations.

Useful lives of infrastructure assets
The useful lives of infrastructure assets are determined based on 
the expected engineering life, capped at the remaining term of 
the infrastructure leases and are reviewed annually. Infrastructure 
predominantly relates to CQCN assets. Aurizon Network Pty Ltd 
(Network) is responsible for the provision of access to, and operation 
of, the below rail regulated CQCN which connects 40 mines to five 
export terminals as well as to domestic customers.

Access to the rail network is managed under a process approved by 
the QCA. The QCA determines Network’s access pricing based on the 
estimated value of our assets, which is known as the Regulatory Asset 
Base (RAB). Economic depreciation considered for regulatory purposes 
within Allowable Revenue varies from depreciation applied for statutory 
reporting purposes as a result of an accelerated depreciation profile 
and differences in applied asset lives. For example, under the 2017 
Access Undertaking, the QCA determined that the existing depreciation 
approach would be retained, including 20-year rolling depreciation for 
assets included in the RAB post 1 July 2009.

Demand for Australian coal is dependent on seaborne-traded markets 
which are increasingly concentrated in Asia. Metallurgical coal is 
primarily used to produce steel and thermal coal is used as a heat 
source in energy generation. Around 70% of volumes hauled across 
the network is considered to be metallurgical coal (remaining 30% 
thermal coal), with demand linked to Asian steel production. Therefore, 
the useful life of infrastructure assets will be impacted primarily by the 
future demand for Australian metallurgical coal which is dependent 
on economic development in Asia including steel intensive growth, 
alternatives to steel and current steel production methods, competing 
supply of metallurgical coal, changes in government policies (for 
example, domestic/imported coal preferences and net-zero emission 
targets) and technological advancements.

During the period, major import nations of Australian coal have set 
net-zero emissions targets and include China (2060), Japan (2050) and 
South Korea (2050). India, who is also a significant export market for 
Australian coal, is yet to set a long-term emissions target.

In performing its annual review of the appropriateness of the useful 
lives of infrastructure assets, management monitors and assesses a 
range of indicators of global coal demand over the short, medium, and 
long term. Indicators include the following:
 › Asian GDP growth and steel-related demand
 › crude steel production method and scrap metal availability
 › global supply competitiveness and Australian supply constraints for 

metallurgical coal

 › climate policy targets and how they are intended to be met at both  

a country and corporate level

 › the viability of new and alternative technologies that are developed 

to reduce emissions targets such as carbon capture, utilisation 
and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen-based steel making, that may 
positively or negatively impact future coal demand

 › the ability of customers to gain regulatory approvals and raise 

funding to support development of their resource base.

The impact of the above indicators and other factors that may emerge 
on global coal demand and Australian coal supply are uncertain at 
this time and difficult to predict. Consequently, there is a risk that the 
engineering useful lives assigned to infrastructure assets may require 
revision to an alternate benchmark in the future, resulting in a change in 
depreciation rates on a prospective basis. As an indication of sensitivity, 
if the useful life of assets with a remaining life greater than 50 years 
were capped at 60 to 70 years, annual depreciation would increase by 
$4.0 – $9.0 million per annum.

Useful lives of rollingstock
Rollingstock assets are predominantly used by the Coal and Bulk 
business units to transport bulk commodities to end customers and 
ports. The useful lives of rollingstock assets are determined based on 
the expected engineering life and are reviewed annually.

In performing the annual review of the appropriateness of the useful 
lives of rollingstock assets, management monitors and assesses a range 
of indicators influencing demand and supply of rollingstock over the 
short, medium and long term. Indicators include the following:
 › long-term market and commodity demand under six scenarios 

developed under our Strategy in Uncertainty framework

 › our contract position in key markets
 › flexibility of fleet capacity, including the ability to shift standard 

gauge fleet between New South Wales and Western Australia (WA), 
narrow gauge fleet between Queensland and WA, and between 
commodities within states

 › competitors fleet mix and their associated investment profile over time
 › the risk of obsolescence as alternative technologies are developed
 › continuous improvement in fleet investment strategies such as 

those predicated on condition-based and preventative maintenance 
approaches, as well as advancements in component change-out models.

The impact of the above indicators, and other factors that may emerge, 
on demand and supply of rollingstock are uncertain. Consequently, 
there is a risk (both upside and downside) that the engineering useful 
lives assigned to rollingstock assets may require revision to an alternate 
benchmark in the future, resulting in a change in depreciation rates on 
a prospective basis.

Impairment tests for property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount 
may not be recoverable. The level of rollingstock required is determined 
with consideration of the Group’s Enterprise Fleet Plan (EFP). Key 
assumptions include forecast volumes, productivity and contingent 
fleet requirements. There is a risk that the key assumptions applied 
in the EFP may be impacted by the effects of indicators described 
in the useful lives judgements, and do not reflect actual rollingstock 
requirements. For further information on impairment test for cash-
generating units refer to note 9.

68

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

8   Property, plant and equipment 

(continued)

(a)  Leases

Right-of-use assets
The Group primarily leases buildings with terms mostly ranging from 
one to 20 years. The leases generally provide the Group with the right 
to renewal at which time the lease terms are renegotiated. The Group 
applies the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

 › payments for short-term leases of less than 12 months are recognised 

as an expense in profit or loss as incurred; and

 › payments for leases for which the underlying asset is of a low value are 

recognised as an expense in profit or loss as incurred.

Coal infrastructure
The Group leases infrastructure assets including:

 › CQCN from the State of Queensland; and
 › North Coast Line owned by Queensland Rail.

The coal infrastructure assets are leased to Aurizon Network Pty Ltd. The 
term of each lease is 99 years, expiring on 30 June 2109, at a rental of 
$1 per year if demanded. The State of Queensland and Queensland Rail 
(Infrastructure Lessors) have an option to extend the infrastructure leases 
by a further 99 years, with at least 20 years notice prior to expiry of the 
existing term. As the rental is only payable if demanded, no lease liability 
is recognised on the balance sheet for coal infrastructure assets.

Corridor land and buildings
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd, leases corridor land and buildings owned by 
the State of Queensland. The leases expire on 30 June 2109 and rental is 
$1 per year if demanded. As the total rental is minimal and only payable 
if demanded, no lease liability is recognised on the balance sheet for 
corridor land and buildings.

(i)  Amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet
The consolidated balance sheet includes the following amounts relating to 
leased assets:

Right-of-use assets

Buildings

Equipment

Other leased assets1

Coal infrastructure

Corridor land

Buildings

Total leased assets

Lease liabilities

Current

Non-current

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

91.5

3.0

94.5

88.8

5.6

94.4

4,341.1

4,371.4

25.8

1.8

25.8

1.9

4,368.7

4,399.1

4,463.2

4,493.5

17.0

120.7

137.7

17.4

125.4

142.8

1   CQCN and North Coast Line assets.

(ii)  Amounts recognised in consolidated income statement
The consolidated income statement includes the following amounts 
relating to leased assets:

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Buildings

Equipment

Depreciation of other leased assets

Coal infrastructure

Buildings

Total leased assets depreciation

Interest expense

Expenses relating to short-term leases

Expenses relating to variable lease payments 
not included in lease liabilities

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

10.1

2.6

12.7

257.3

0.2

257.5

270.2

5.1

1.6

5.9

13.5

0.7

14.2

245.7

0.2

245.9

260.1

5.1

1.4

4.8

The total cash outflow for leases during the financial year was  
$29.0 million (2020: $25.9 million).

FINANCIAL REPORT  69

8   Property, plant and equipment  

(continued)

(b)  Accounting policies

(i)  Property, plant and equipment

Carrying value
Property, plant and equipment (including leased coal infrastructure, 
corridor land and buildings) is stated at historical cost, less any 
accumulated depreciation and impairment. Costs include expenditure 
that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items and borrowing 
costs that are related to the acquisition or construction of an asset. 
Costs may also include transfers from equity of any gains or losses on 
qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, 
plant and equipment.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset only when it is probable that future 
economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group. All 
repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the financial 
period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis, except for motor 
vehicles included in plant and equipment for which depreciation is 
calculated on a diminishing value method. Straight-line allocates the 
cost of an item of property, plant and equipment net of residual values 
over the expected useful life of each asset. Estimates of remaining useful 
life and residual values are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, on an 
annual basis.

The useful lives applied for each class of assets are:

Infrastructure, including:

– Tracks

– Track turnouts

– Ballast

– Civil works

– Bridges

– Electrification

– Field signals

Buildings

Rollingstock, including:

– Locomotives

– Locomotives componentisation

– Wagons

– Wagon componentisation

Plant and equipment

7 – 50 years

20 – 25 years

8 – 20 years

20 – 88 years

30 – 88 years

20 – 50 years

15 – 40 years

10 – 40 years

25 – 35 years

8 – 12 years

25 – 35 years

10 – 17 years

3 – 20 years

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable 
amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated 
recoverable amount.

(ii)  Leases
Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding 
liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the 
Group. Where the Group is a sub-lessor and the sub-lease is for the 
duration of the head lease, the right-of-use asset recognised from the 
head lease is derecognised and a lease receivable equal to the present 
value of future lease payments receivable is recognised.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a 
present-value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the 
following lease payments:

 › fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease 

incentives receivable;

 › variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate; and
 › payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term 

reflects the lessee exercising that option.

The lease payments are discounted using the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate, being the rate that the Group would have to pay to 
borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar 
economic environment with similar terms and conditions.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

 › the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability;
 › any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less 

any lease incentives received; and

 › any initial direct costs.

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful 
life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. Depreciation is calculated 
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life which varies 
from two to 20 years.

(iii)  Impairment tests for property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment subject to depreciation is reviewed for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

In testing for impairment, the recoverable amount is estimated for an 
individual asset or, if it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount 
for the individual asset, the recoverable amount for the cash generating 
unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. CGUs are the smallest identifiable 
group of assets that generate cash flows that are largely independent 
from the cash flows of other assets or group of assets. Each CGU is no 
larger than a reportable segment.

Assets are impaired if their carrying value exceeds their recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is determined as the 
higher of its fair value less cost of disposal or value-in-use.

An impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss if the carrying amount 
of the asset or a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses 
recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying 
amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU (group of CGUs) and then to 
reduce the carrying amount of other assets in the CGU (group of CGUs).

Where there is an indicator that previously recognised impairment 
losses may no longer exist or may have decreased, the asset is tested for 
impairment. The impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in 
the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount of the asset and 
is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset does 
not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depreciation or amortisation, had no impairment loss been recognised.

70

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–219  Intangible assets

2021

Opening net book amount

Additions

Transfers between asset classes

Acquisition of subsidiary (note 22)

Amortisation

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2021

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

2020

Opening net book amount

Additions

Transfers between asset classes

Acquisition of subsidiary (note 22)

Amortisation

Closing net book amount

At 30 June 2020

Cost

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book amount

Goodwill 
$m

Software 
$m

Software under 
development 
$m

5.2

–

–

19.7

–

24.9

24.9

–

24.9

–

–

–

5.2

–

5.2

5.2

–

5.2

160.1

–

33.8

–

(31.3)

162.6

404.4

(241.8)

162.6

158.2

–

29.7

–

(27.8)

160.1

371.3

(211.2)

160.1

22.2

15.4

(31.2)

–

–

6.4

6.4

–

6.4

18.7

33.3

(29.8)

–

–

22.2

22.2

–

22.2

Total 
$m

187.5

15.4

2.6

19.7

(31.3)

193.9

435.7

(241.8)

193.9

176.9

33.3

(0.1)

5.2

(27.8)

187.5

398.7

(211.2)

187.5

71

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  Western Australia CGU
The recoverable amount of the Western Australia CGU has been 
determined based on VIU methodology. The calculation uses a four-
year cash flow projection, a pre-tax discount rate of 10.8% (2020: 
10.4%) and a long-term growth rate of 2.0% (2020: 2.0%). The Western 
Australia CGU was tested for sensitivity of the pre-tax discount rate as 
well as other factors noted below.

The Western Australia CGU has a small number of customers and 
the recoverable amount is sensitive to changes in iron ore customer 
contractual arrangements. The recoverable amount of the CGU was 
determined taking into consideration expected expiry of iron ore 
customer contracts. Should contracts with iron ore customers not 
be renewed or the iron ore customers either cease to operate before 
the expected end-of-mine life or be unable to comply with current 
contractual arrangements, it may result in a change to the impairment 
recorded for the CGU. The recoverable amount of the CGU supports 
the carrying amount, therefore no further impairment has been 
recognised. Due to the carrying value being highly sensitive to the iron 
ore customer assumptions, no reversal of previous impairments has 
been recognised.

Bulk QLD CGU
The recoverable amount of the Bulk QLD CGU has been determined 
based on VIU methodology and the cash flow projection, pre-tax 
discount rate and long-term growth rate as described in note 9(a). The 
Bulk QLD CGU was tested for sensitivity of the pre-tax discount rate 
and changes in customer contractual arrangements.

The recoverable amount is sensitive to changes in customer 
contractual arrangements and should any major contracts not be 
renewed it may result in a reduction to the recoverable amount of 
the CGU. The recoverable amount of the CGU supports the carrying 
amount, including goodwill, therefore no further impairment has 
been recognised. Due to the sensitivity of the recoverable amount 
to the renewal of major customer contracts, no reversal of previous 
impairments has been recognised.

Bulk NSW CGU
The Bulk NSW CGU includes goodwill recognised on acquisition of a 
subsidiary (refer to note 22(a)) in FY2021. The recoverable amount of the 
CGU has been determined based on FVLCD methodology and the cash 
flow projection, post-tax discount rate and a long-term growth rate as 
described in note 9(a). The recoverable amount of the CGU supports the 
carrying amount, therefore no impairment has been recognised.

9  Intangible assets (continued)

(a)  Impairment tests for goodwill
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to CGUs 
according to the level at which management monitors goodwill. Goodwill 
is tested annually or more regularly if there are indicators of impairment.

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on the higher 
of the value-in-use (VIU) method or the fair value less cost of disposal 
(FVLCD) method, both of which require the use of assumptions. These 
calculations use cash flow projections extrapolated using estimated 
growth rates.

The following table presents a summary of the goodwill allocation and 
the key assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount:

2021

Goodwill allocation ($m)

Valuation approach

Discount rate basis

Discount rate (%)

Cash flow projection (years)

Long-term growth rate (%)

2020

Goodwill allocation ($m)

Valuation approach

Discount rate basis

Discount rate (%)

Cash flow projection (years)

Long-term growth rate (%)

Bulk 
NSW

Bulk 
QLD

19.7

FVLCD

5.2

VIU

Post-tax

Pre-tax

8.5

20

2.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

10.8

4

2.0

5.2

VIU

Pre-tax

10.4

4

2.0

SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES  

Impairment tests for cash generating units (CGUs) and goodwill
Following the acquisition of ConPorts Pty Ltd on 31 December 2020 
(refer to note 22(a)), the existing NSW CGU was separated into Bulk NSW 
and Coal NSW, and the existing Bulk East CGU was renamed Bulk QLD.

CGUs are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. CGUs 
containing goodwill are tested for impairment annually, or more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might 
be impaired. CGUs that have previously recognised an impairment to 
the carrying amount are reviewed for impairment reversal whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the recoverable 
amount may exceed the carrying amount.

Indicators of impairment reversal were identified for the Western Australia 
CGU. The carrying amount of the Bulk QLD and Bulk NSW CGUs contain 
goodwill and have therefore also been tested for impairment.

There is a risk that the assumptions applied in calculating the 
recoverable amount of the CGUs may be impacted by the effects of 
indicators described in the useful lives judgements and as a result 
change the estimated recoverable amount.

72

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

(b)  Accounting policies

(i)  Goodwill
The goodwill recognised by the Group is a result of business 
combinations and represents the future economic benefits that arise 
from assets that are not capable of being individually identified and 
separately recognised. Goodwill is initially measured as the amount the 
Group paid to acquire a business over and above the fair value of net 
assets acquired.

(ii)  Software
Costs incurred in developing products or systems, and costs incurred 
in acquiring software and licenses that will contribute to future period 
financial benefits through revenue generation and/or cost reduction are 
capitalised to software and systems. Costs capitalised include external 
direct costs of materials and service, employee costs and an appropriate 
portion of relevant overheads. Software development costs include only 
those costs directly attributable to the development phase, and are only 
recognised following completion of technical feasibility and where the 
Group has an intention and ability to use the asset.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) arrangements are service contracts which 
provide the right to access the cloud provider’s application software 
over the contract period. Costs incurred to configure or customise, and 
the ongoing licence fees, are recognised as an expense in profit or loss. 
Some of these costs incurred are for the development of software code 
that enhances or creates additional capability to existing systems and are 
recognised as an intangible asset when the recognition criteria are met.

Software is stated at historical cost, less any accumulated amortisation 
or impairment. Amortisation is calculated using the straight-line method 
over the estimated useful life which varies from three to 11 years.

10 Other assets

Current

Contract assets (a)

Lease receivable (b)

Other current assets

Non-current

Contract assets (a)

Lease receivable (b)

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2.1

7.2

6.0

15.3

37.1

41.5

78.6

1.3

6.5

7.0

14.8

21.9

48.6

70.5

(a)  Contract assets
Refer to note 2(b) for further information relating to contract assets.

(b)  Lease receivable
Lease receivables represent the present value of future lease payments 
receivable on sub-lease arrangements where the expiry of the term of 
the sub-lease is the same as the head lease.

Minimum lease payments receivable on sub-leases are as follows:

Within one year

Later than one year but not later than five years

Later than five years

Less: Unearned interest income 

Total lease receivables

Interest income relating to  
sub-lease arrangements

Income relating to variable lease  
payments received

2021 
$m

8.7

28.6

18.2

55.5

(6.8)

48.7

1.8

7.1

2020 
$m

8.2

32.9

22.6

63.7

(8.6)

55.1

1.9

7.6

The total cash inflow for sub-leases in the financial year was $15.4 million 
(2020: $15.2 million).

11  Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables

Other payables

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

234.0

35.1

269.1

289.0

34.0

323.0

(a)  Accounting policies
Trade and other payables represent liabilities for goods and services 
provided to the Group prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. 
The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 45 days or within 
the terms agreed with the supplier.

73

12  Provisions

Current

Employee benefits (a)

Provision for insurance claims

Litigation and workers compensation provision

Other provisions

Non-current

Employee benefits (a)

Litigation and workers compensation provision

Decommissioning/make good

Land rehabilitation

Total provisions

(a)   Employee benefits

Annual leave

Long service leave

Other

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

255.1

13.7

25.0

3.1

296.9

13.9

12.3

2.7

35.3

64.2

361.1

229.3

8.6

20.9

12.5

271.3

13.4

9.7

2.9

38.0

64.0

335.3

2021 
$m

68.0

117.8

83.2

269.0

2020 
$m

67.1

112.0

63.6

242.7

Long service leave includes all unconditional entitlements where 
employees have completed the required period of service and a provision 
for the probability that employees will reach the required period of 
service. The Group does not expect all employees to take the full amount 
of accrued leave or require payment within the next 12 months based on 
past experience. The current provision for employee benefits includes 
$109.5 million (2020: $105.6 million) that is not expected to be taken or 
paid within the next 12 months.

(i)  Superannuation
The Group pays an employer subsidy to the Government Superannuation 
Office in respect of employees who are contributors to the Public Sector 
Superannuation (QSuper) scheme.

Employer contributions to the QSuper Defined Benefit Fund are 
determined by the State of Queensland Treasurer having regard to advice 
from the State Actuary. The primary obligation to fund the defined 
benefits obligations are that of the State, however the Treasurer has 
the discretion to request contributions from employers that contribute 
to the defined benefit category of QSuper. No liability is recognised for 
accruing superannuation benefits as this liability is held on a whole-of-
Government basis and reported in the whole-of-Government financial 
statements. The State Actuary performs a full actuarial valuation of the 
assets and liabilities of the fund at least every three years. The latest 
valuation was completed as at 30 June 2020 and the State Actuary 
found the fund was in surplus from a whole-of-Government perspective. 
The Defined Benefit Fund was closed to new members in 2007, therefore 
any potential future deficit would be diluted as membership decreases. 
Accordingly, no asset or liability is recognised for the Group’s share of 
any potential surplus or deficit of the QSuper Defined Benefit Fund. The 
State has provided the Group with an indemnity if the Treasurer requires 
the Group to pay any amounts required to meet any potential deficit. The 
indemnity is subject to the Group not taking any unilateral action, other 
than with the approval of the State that causes a significant increase in 
unfunded liabilities.

The Group also makes superannuation guarantee payments into 
the QSuper Accumulation Fund (Non-Contributory) and QSuper 
Accumulation Fund (Contributory) administered by the Government 
Superannuation Office and to other complying Superannuation Funds 
designated by employees nominating Choice of Fund.

(b)  Accounting policies
A provision is recognised when the Group has a present legal or 
constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an 
outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the 
amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions are measured at the 
present value of the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle 
the present obligation at the reporting date.

74

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

12  Provisions (continued)

13  Other liabilities

Current

Contract liabilities (a)

Income received in advance

Lease liabilities (b)

Other current liabilities

Non-current

Contract liabilities (a)

Lease liabilities (b)

Other non-current liabilities

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

56.5

1.3

17.0

16.8

91.6

135.0

120.7

1.4

257.1

28.5

36.9

17.4

18.5

101.3

150.4

125.4

1.5

277.3

(a)  Contract liabilities
Refer to note 2(b) for further information relating to contract liabilities.

(b)  Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities represent the present value of future lease payments.

Minimum lease payments are as follows:

Within one year

Later than one year but not later than  
five years

Later than five years

Less: Discounted using Group’s incremental 
borrowing rate

Total lease liabilities

2021 
$m

21.8

70.4

71.7

163.9

(26.2)

137.7

2020 
$m

22.3

72.6

75.8

170.7

(27.9)

142.8

(b)  Accounting policies (continued)

(i)  Employee benefits
The provision for employee benefits includes accrued annual leave, leave 
loading, retirement allowances, long service leave, short-term incentive 
plans and termination benefits.

Liabilities for wages, salaries and accumulating non-monetary benefits 
expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date, are 
recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the end of the 
reporting date. They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid 
when the liabilities are settled.

Liabilities for annual leave and long service leave are measured as the 
present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of 
services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting date. 
Expected future payments that are not expected to be settled within 
12 months are discounted using market yield at the reporting date of 
Australian corporate bond rates and reflects the terms to maturity. 
Remeasurements as a result of adjustments and changes in actuarial 
assumptions are recognised in profit or loss.

A liability for short-term incentive plans is recognised based on a formula 
that takes into consideration the Group and individual key performance 
indicators. The Group recognises a provision where contractually 
obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive 
obligation.

A termination benefit is payable when the Group decides to terminate 
the employment, or when an employee accepts redundancy in exchange 
for these benefits. A provision is recognised at the earlier of when the 
Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits or when 
the Group recognises costs for restructuring and is measured using 
the present value of the expected amounts to be paid to settle the 
obligation.

Employee benefits are presented as current liabilities in the balance sheet 
if the Group does not have any unconditional right to defer settlement 
for at least 12 months after the reporting period, regardless of when the 
actual settlement is expected to occur.

(ii)  Provision for insurance claims
A provision for insurance claims is raised for insurance claims external 
to the Group and represents the aggregate deductible component in 
relation to loss or damage to property, plant and equipment.

(iii)  Litigation and workers compensation provision
A provision is made for the estimated liability for workers’ compensation 
and litigation claims. Claims are assessed separately for common law, 
statutory and asbestos claims. Estimates are made based on the average 
number of claims and average claim payments over a specified period of 
time. Claims that are Incurred But Not Reported are also included in the 
estimate.

(iv)  Land rehabilitation
A provision is recognised for the present value of estimated costs of land 
rehabilitation where the Group has a legal or constructive obligation to 
restore a site.

An inflation rate of 2.4% (2020: 1.6%) is applied to estimate future land 
rehabilitation costs. This estimate is discounted at a weighted average 
discount rate of 2.0% (2020: 1.2%) to determine the present value of the 
provision. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in profit or loss in 
finance costs.

75

Capital and financial  
risk management

IN THIS SECTION

Capital and financial risk management provides information  
about the capital management practices of the Group and  
shareholder returns for the year, and discusses the Group’s  
exposure to various financial risks, explains how these affect  
the Group’s financial position and performance, and what  
the Group does to manage these risks.

14  Capital risk management 

15  Dividends 

16  Equity 

17  Borrowings 

18  Financial risk management 

Page 77

Page 77

Page 77

Page 79

Page 80

76
76 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

14 Capital risk management

15 Dividends

The Group’s objective is to maintain a strong capital base 
so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence, 
and to sustain future development of the business. The 
Group and the Company monitor its capital structure by 
reference to its gearing ratio, ability to generate free cash 
flow and credit rating.

Net debt consists of borrowings (both current and non-current) less cash 
and cash equivalents. Net debt excludes lease liabilities. Net gearing ratio 
is defined as Net debt divided by Net debt plus Equity. Net debt and Net 
gearing ratio are measures of the Group’s indebtedness and provides an 
indicator of the balance sheet strength. An alternative net gearing ratio is 
also disclosed and includes derivative financial instruments used to hedge 
market risk on borrowings and is reconciled in the Non-IFRS Financial 
Information on page 107.

Declared and paid during the period

For the year ended 30 June 2021

Final dividend for 2020 (70% franked)

Interim dividend for 2021 (70% franked)

For the year ended 30 June 2020 

Final dividend for 2019 (70% franked)

Interim dividend for 2020 (70% franked)

Proposed and unrecognised at period end

For the year ended 30 June 2021 

Cents 
per
share

$m

13.7

14.4

12.4

13.7

262.3

266.5

528.8

246.8

267.0 

513.8 

Total borrowings

Notes

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

17

3,738.0

3,607.2

Final dividend for 2021 (70% franked)

14.4

266.2

For the year ended 30 June 2020

Final dividend for 2020 (70% franked)

13.7

262.3

Less: cash and cash equivalents

(148.8)

(29.3) 

Net debt

Total equity

Total capital

Net gearing ratio

Alternative net gearing ratio

3,589.2

3,577.9

4,274.6

4,357.7 

7,863.8

7,935.6 

45.6%

44.6%

45.1%

43.2%

Franked dividends 
Franking credits are available to shareholders of the Company at the 30% 
(2020: 30%) corporate tax rate. The balance of franking credits available 
as at 30 June 2021 is $57.2 million (2020: $92.6 million). The amounts 
are calculated from the balance of the franking account as at the end of 
the reporting period, adjusted for franking credits that will arise from the 
payment or refund of the amount of the provision for income tax.

16 Equity
(a)  Contributed equity

At 1 July 2019

On-market share buy-back

At 30 June 2020

On-market share buy-back

At 30 June 2021

Number 
of shares 
‘000

$m

1,990,128

906.6

(75,485)

(400.0)

1,914,643

506.6

(73,939)

(300.0)

1,840,704

206.6

Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. The Company does not have 
authorised capital or par value in respect of its issued shares. All issued 
shares are fully paid. Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in 
dividends, as declared from time to time, and are entitled to one vote 
per share at meetings of the Company. Where the Company purchases 
ordinary shares as a result of a share buy-back, the consideration paid, 
net of any related income tax benefits, is deducted from contributed 
equity and the ordinary shares are cancelled.

At 30 June the Company held 407,694 treasury shares to satisfy 
performance rights plans, which are reported in contributed equity 
(2020: nil).

77

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
16 Equity (continued)

(b)  Reserves

Balance at 1 July 2020

Fair value gains/(losses) taken to equity

Fair value (gains)/losses transferred to property, plant 
and equipment

Tax expense/(benefit) relating to items of other 
comprehensive income

Other currency translation differences

Reclassification to profit or loss on disposal of shares in 
associate

Other comprehensive income

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Share-based payments expense

28

Purchase of share for performance rights plans

Aggregate deferred tax debited/(credited) to equity

Balance at 30 June 2021

Balance at 1 July 2019

Fair value gains/(losses) taken to equity

Fair value (gains)/losses transferred to property, plant 
and equipment

Tax expense/(benefit) relating to items of other 
comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Share-based payments expense

28

Purchase of share for performance rights plans

Aggregate deferred tax debited/(credited) to equity

Share 
of an 
associate’s 
OCI
$m

Notes

Cash 
flow 
hedges 
$m

Share- 
based 
payments 
$m

Capital 
reserves 
$m

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
$m

Total 
$m

(1.8)

(72.0)

1.4

3,467.1

0.4

3,395.1

–

–

–

–

1.8

1.8

–

–

–

–

–

(1.8)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

25.7

(3.6)

(6.6)

–

–

15.5

–

–

–

–

(56.5)

(47.0)

(39.3)

3.6

10.7

(25.0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.9

(5.7)

(1.0)

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

–

–

–

–

25.7

(3.6)

(6.6)

(0.1)

1.8

17.2

(0.3)

4.9

(5.7)

(0.7)

3,467.1

0.3

3,410.5

(0.6)

3,467.5

0.4

3,418.5

–

–

–

–

–

5.9

(3.2)

(0.7)

1.4

–

–

–

–

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(39.3)

3.6

10.7

(25.0)

(0.4)

5.9

(3.2)

(0.7)

3,467.1

0.4

3,395.1

Balance at 30 June 2020

(1.8)

(72.0)

78

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2116 Equity (continued)

17  Borrowings

(i)  Cash flow hedge reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of the 
cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments 
related to hedge transactions that have not yet occurred.

(ii)  Share-based payment reserve
The share-based payment reserve is used to recognise the fair value of 
rights recognised as an expense. Refer to note 28 for further details of 
the Group’s performance rights plans.

The fair value of rights granted are recognised as an employee benefits 
expense in profit or loss with a corresponding increase in the share-
based payment reserve in equity and is spread over the vesting period 
during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the right.

Where the Company purchases ordinary shares to satisfy performance 
rights plans, the consideration paid is deducted from the share-based 
payment reserve.

(iii)  Capital reserve
The capital reserve represents capital contributions from the Queensland 
State Government prior to the listing of the Company on the ASX. 
Incremental costs attributable to share buy-backs and certain on-market 
share buy-backs are deducted from capital reserves.

(iv)  Foreign currency translation reserve
On consolidation all exchange differences arising from translation of 
controlled entities with a financial currency that is not Australian dollars 
are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in 
the foreign currency translation reserve. When a foreign operation is 
disposed, the cumulative amount recognised within the reserve relating 
to that foreign operation is transferred to profit or loss.

The Group borrows money through bank debt facilities  
and the issuance of debt securities in capital markets.

The carrying amount of the Group’s borrowings are as follows:

Current — Unsecured

Medium-Term Notes

Bank debt facilities

Non-current — Unsecured

Medium-Term Notes

Bank debt facilities

Capitalised borrowing costs

Total borrowings

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

–

59.0

59.0

524.6

133.0

657.6

3,210.4

2,249.8

480.0

(11.4)

710.0

(10.2)

3,679.0

2,949.6

3,738.0

3,607.2

The Group’s bank debt facilities contain financial covenants. The bank 
debt facilities and Medium-Term Notes contain general undertakings 
including negative pledge clauses which restrict the amount of security 
that the Group can provide over assets in certain circumstances. The 
Group has complied with all required covenants and undertakings 
throughout the reporting period.

The Group manages its exposure to interest rate risk as set out in note 
18(a). Details of the Group’s financing arrangements and exposure to 
risks arising from borrowings are set out in note 18(b).

Details of changes to the Group’s financing arrangements during the 
reporting period are outlined in key events and transactions.

(a)  Accounting policies
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value of the consideration 
received, less directly attributable borrowing costs. Borrowings are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
rate method.

Directly attributable borrowing costs are capitalised and amortised over 
the expected term of the bank debt facilities and Medium-Term Notes.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities, except for those liabilities 
where the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement for at 
least 12 months after the reporting period which are classified as non-
current liabilities.

79

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
18 Financial risk management

Financial risk management is carried out by Aurizon Group Treasury under policies that have been approved by the Board for 
managing each of the below risks, including principles and procedures with respect to risk tolerance, delegated levels of authority on 
the type and use of derivative financial instruments and the reporting of these exposures. The policies are subject to periodic reviews.

In accordance with Board approved policies, the Group typically uses derivative financial instruments to hedge underlying exposures 
arising from the Group’s operational activities relating to changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates.

The Group’s overall financial risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse 
effects on the Group’s financial performance as set out in the table below:

Risk

Market risks

–  Interest rate risk

Exposure

Measurement

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk in respect 
to short and long-term borrowings where interest is 
charged at variable rates.

–  Interest rate and foreign 

exchange risk

The Group is exposed to interest rate and foreign 
exchange risk in respect of the Euro (€) denominated 
Medium-Term Notes (EMTNs).

The Group mitigates interest rate risk primarily by 
maintaining an appropriate mix of fixed and floating rate 
borrowings. Where necessary, the Group hedges interest 
rates using derivative financial instruments — interest rate 
swaps to manage cash flows and interest rate exposure.

To mitigate the risk of adverse movements in interest 
rates and foreign exchange in respect of Euro 
denominated borrowings, the Group enters into cross-
currency interest rate swaps (CCIRS) to replace Euro 
principal and interest payments with Australian dollar 
repayments.

– Foreign exchange risk

The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk in 
respect of purchases of inventory and property, plant 
and equipment denominated in a foreign currency.

The Group manages foreign currency risk on contractual 
commitments by entering into forward exchange 
contracts.

Liquidity and
funding risk

Credit risk

The Group is exposed to liquidity and funding risk from 
operations and borrowings, where the risk is that the 
Group may not be able to refinance debt obligations or 
meet other cash outflow obligations when required.

The Group is exposed to credit risk from financial 
instrument contracts and trade and other receivables. 
The maximum exposure to credit risk at reporting 
date is the carrying amount, net of any provision for 
impairment.

The Group mitigates liquidity and funding risk by ensuring 
a sufficient range of funds are available to meet its 
cash flow obligations when due under both normal and 
stressed conditions without incurring unacceptable losses 
or risking damage to the Group’s reputation.

The Group enters into financial instrument contracts with 
high credit quality financial institutions with a minimum 
long-term credit rating of A- or better by Standard & 
Poor’s. The Board approved policies limit the amount of 
credit exposure to any one financial institution by credit 
rating band.

The Group manages counterparty credit risk through 
approval, granting and renewal of credit limits, regularly 
monitoring exposures against credit limits, and assessing 
overall financial stability and strength of counterparties on 
an ongoing basis. Refer to note 6 for credit risk exposures 
relating to trade and other receivables.

80

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2118 Financial risk management (continued)

(a)  Market risk

(i) 

Interest rate risk

Exposure
The Group had the following variable rate borrowings and interest rate 
swap contracts outstanding at 30 June:

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rate 
%

Balance 
$m

Amounts recognised in profit or loss 
The Group recognised a net realised loss arising from interest rate 
swaps of $40.1 million (2020: $25.9 million) as a result of market interest 
rates closing lower than the average interest rate hedged. The total 
realised loss represents the effective portion of hedges which have been 
recognised in finance expense.

(ii) Effects of hedge accounting
The table below summarises the hedging instruments used to manage 
market risk:

2021

Variable rate exposure

Interest rate swaps  
(including debt credit margins)

Net exposure to interest rate risk

2020

2.4

3,109.8

Current assets

1.8

(2,775.0)

Foreign exchange contracts

334.8

Non-current assets

Variable rate exposure

3.4

2,331.8

Interest rate swaps  
(including debt credit margins)

Net exposure to interest rate risk

1.9

(2,175.0) 

156.8 

Interest rate derivatives used for hedging
The Group currently has interest rate swaps in place to cover 89% (2020: 
93%) of the variable rate borrowings, including fixed rate borrowings 
converted to variable rate borrowings as a result of fair value hedge 
relationships outlined in note 18(a)(ii). The weighted average maturity of 
interest rate swaps is 1.8 years (2020: 2.0 years).

Sensitivity
The following table summarises the gain/(loss) impact of a 100 basis 
points (bps) increase or decrease in interest rates on net profit and 
equity before tax.

2021

Effect on profit

Effect on equity

2020

Effect on profit

Effect on equity

Increase 
$m

Decrease 
$m

(3.3)

44.6

(1.6)

68.1

3.3

(45.6)

1.6

(69.8)

Interest rate swaps – Finance AMTN 1

Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 3

CCIRS – Network EMTN 1

CCIRS – Network EMTN 2

Total derivative financial instrument assets

Current liabilities

Foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate swaps

Non-current liabilities

Foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 3

Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 4

Total derivative financial instrument liabilities

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

0.1

1.9

–

109.2

13.9

125.0

125.1

(0.5)

(0.1)

(0.6)

–

(40.2)

(0.4)

(26.0)

(66.6)

(67.2)

0.2

–

3.2

155.3

62.3

220.8

221.0

(1.5)

(33.6)

(35.1)

(0.2)

(45.5)

–

–

(45.7)

(80.8)

The Group has issued Australian dollar Medium-Term Notes (AMTNs) and 
EMTNs under its wholly owned subsidiaries Aurizon Network Pty Ltd and 
Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd which have separate designations in hedging 
relationships.

81

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
18 Financial risk management (continued)

(a)  Market risk (continued)

(ii)  Effects of hedge accounting (continued)
The following table summarises the impact of hedging instruments designated in hedging relationships on the consolidated balance sheet:

Cash flow hedges

Foreign exchange risk

Forward contracts

Forward contracts

Interest rate risk

Interest rate swaps1

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

CCIRS – Network EMTN 1

CCIRS – Network EMTN 2

Fair value hedges

Interest rate risk

Interest rate swaps – Finance AMTN 1

A$500.0m

–

Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 3

A$82.0m

A$82.0m

Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 4

A$500.0m

–

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

CCIRS – Network EMTN 1

CCIRS – Network EMTN 2

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

 Notional amount

2021

2020

Carrying amount  
assets/(liabilities)

Change in fair value  
used for measuring 
ineffectiveness for the year

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

US$4.5m

US$4.0m

€2.5m

€13.0m

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.7)

(0.8)

0.6

0.5

(1.2)

(1.1)

A$2,775.0m

A$4,725.0m

(40.3)

(79.1)

38.8

(30.0)

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

€500.0m

(1.0)

(10.8)

1.9

(0.4)

(26.0)

110.2

24.7

0.2

(6.8)

–

3.2

–

155.1

69.1

(1.2)

(4.0)

1.6

(3.9)

(27.3)

(41.2)

(38.9)

(0.7)

(2.5)

–

3.4

–

2.9

15.7

1  Amounts for FY2020 include forward dated interest rate swaps for a notional amount of A$2,550.0 million which commenced in June 2021. 

The following table summarises the impact of hedged items designated in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated balance sheet and the 
effect of the hedge relationships on other comprehensive income:

Cash flow hedge reserve1 

Change in fair value used for 
measuring ineffectiveness 
for the year 

Hedging gain/(loss)  
recognised in 
comprehensive income1

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

Cash flow hedges (before tax)

Foreign exchange risk

Firm commitments

Interest rate risk

Forecast floating interest payments

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

Network EMTN 1

Network EMTN 2

0.4

40.3

11.8

28.0

1.5

79.1

5.2

16.5

(1.1)

2.3

(38.8)

30.0

1.2

4.0

0.7

2.5

1.1

39.1

(6.6)

(11.5)

(2.3)

(30.0)

(0.7)

(2.7)

1   Cash flow hedge reserve includes the cumulative impact of cross-currency basis relating to EMTN 1 and EMTN 2 of $19.4 million (2020:$19.3 million). The hedging loss 

recognised in other comprehensive income includes the cross-currency basis relating to EMTN 1 and EMTN 2 of $13.1 million (2020: $0.3 million).

82

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
18  Financial risk management (continued)

(a)  Market risk (continued)

(ii)  Effects of hedge accounting (continued)
The following table summarises the impact of hedged items designated in fair value hedging relationships on the consolidated balance sheet:

Fair value hedges (before tax)

Interest rate risk

Finance AMTN 1

Network AMTN 2

Network AMTN 3

Network AMTN 4

Foreign exchange and interest rate risks

Network EMTN 1

Network EMTN 2

Total borrowings subject to fair value hedges

Carrying amount1

Accumulated fair value 
adjustment

Change in fair value  
used for measuring 
ineffectiveness for the year

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

(501.6)

–

(81.5)

(472.7)

(1,055.8)

(832.6)

(824.3)

(1,656.9)

(2,712.7)

–

–

(85.4)

–

(85.4)

(873.9)

(863.2)

(1,737.1)

(1,822.5)

(1.6)

(7.1)

0.5

27.3

19.1

(122.0)

(46.1)

(168.1)

(149.0)

–

(9.5)

(3.4)

–

(12.9)

(163.2)

(85.0)

(248.2)

(261.1)

(1.6)

–

3.9

27.3

29.6

41.2

38.9

80.1

109.7

–

–

(3.4)

–

(3.4)

(2.9)

(15.7)

(18.6)

(22.0)

1  Carrying amount excludes the effect of discounts on the face value of AMTNs and EMTNs issued.

83

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  18  Financial risk management (continued)

(b)  Liquidity and funding risk

(i)  Financing arrangements 
The table below summarises the financing arrangements the Group had access to at the end of the period. The facilities are unsecured.

Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd

Working capital facility

Bilateral facility

Bilateral facility

Bilateral facility

Finance AMTN 12

Aurizon Network Pty Ltd

Working capital facility

Bilateral facility

Bilateral facility

Bilateral facility

Network AMTN 1

Network AMTN 22

Network AMTN 32

Network AMTN 42

Network AMTN 52

Network EMTN 12

Network EMTN 22

Total Group financing arrangements

Utilised1

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

Facility limit
2021 
$m

2020 
$m

Maturity

Jun-22

Jun-23

Nov-23

Nov-25

15.1

–

–

–

83.3

–

125.0

50.0

150.0

–

290.0

500.0

450.0

–

–

75.0

500.0

–

–

Mar-28

500.0

515.1

373.3

1,250.0

600.0

Jun-22

60.5

67.5

Jun-23

370.0

420.0

Jun-24

Jun-25

Oct-20

110.0

–

–

Jun-24

425.0

Mar-30

82.0

Sept-30

500.0

Dec-31

Sept-24

Jun-26

75.0

710.6

778.2

–

–

525.0

425.0

82.0

–

–

710.6

778.2

75.0

750.0

300.0

150.0

–

425.0

82.0

500.0

75.0

710.6

778.2

100.0

850.0

300.0

150.0

525.0

425.0

82.0

–

–

710.6

778.2

3,111.3

3,008.3

3,845.8

3,920.8

3,626.4

3,381.6

5,095.8

4,520.8

1   Amount utilised includes bank guarantees of $16.6 million (2020: $17.8 million) and excludes capitalised borrowing costs of $11.4 million (2020: $10.2 million) and 

discounts on Medium-Term Notes of $9.5 million (2020: $7.1 million).

2  Amounts utilised on EMTNs and AMTNs excludes accumulated fair value adjustments of $149.0 million (2020: $261.1 million).

The Group has access to working capital facilities totalling $200.0 million (2020: $250.0 million) which can be utilised for short-term working capital 
and financial bank guarantees. At 30 June, the Group utilised $16.6 million (2020: $17.8 million) for financial bank guarantees.

84

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

18  Financial risk management (continued) 

(b)  Liquidity and funding risk (continued)

(ii) Maturities of financial liabilities
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities, including derivatives, into relevant maturity groupings based on the period remaining until the 
contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows (including interest) and will not reconcile 
with the amounts disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet:

2021
Non-derivative financial instruments
Trade payables
Borrowings (excluding the effect of CCIRS)
Financial guarantees
Lease liabilities

Total non-derivative financial instruments
Derivatives
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps – Finance AMTN 1
Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 3
Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 4
CCIRS – Network EMTN 1
CCIRS – Network EMTN 2
Gross settled forward exchange contracts (inflow)

Total derivatives

2020

Non-derivative financial instruments

Trade payables

Borrowings (excluding the effect of CCIRS)

Financial guarantees

Lease liabilities

1 year  
or less 
$m

1 – 5  
years
$m

More than 
5 years
$m

Total 
contractual 
cash flows
$m

Carrying 
amount 
(assets)/
liabilities
$m

269.1
159.0
16.6
21.8
466.5

24.7
(5.7)
–
(3.8)
(2.2)
6.5
(0.5)
19.0

323.0

745.9

17.8

22.3

–
2,817.9
–
70.4
2,888.3

16.8
(4.5)
(0.5)
2.9
(88.3)
42.5
–
(31.1)

–
1,273.8
–
71.7
1,345.5

–
2.2
0.4
21.9
–
–
–
24.5

269.1
4,250.7
16.6
163.9
4,700.3

41.5
(8.0)
(0.1)
21.0
(90.5)
49.0
(0.5)
12.4

269.1
3,738.0
–
137.7
4,144.8

40.3
(1.9)
0.4
26.0
(109.2)
(13.9)
0.4
(57.9)

–

–

323.0

2,207.7

938.4

3,892.0

–

72.6

–

75.8

17.8

170.7

323.0

3,607.2

–

142.8

Total non-derivative financial instruments

1,109.0

2,280.3

1,014.2

4,403.5

4,073.0

Derivatives

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps – Network AMTN 3

CCIRS – Network EMTN 1

CCIRS – Network EMTN 2

Gross settled forward exchange contracts

(inflow)

outflow

Total gross settled forward exchange contracts

Total derivatives

43.1

–

(2.4)

6.2

–

(1.5)

0.2

(1.3)

45.6

38.0

(1.1)

(123.3)

33.6

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

(53.1)

–

(2.2)

–

(28.6)

–

–

–

–

81.1

(3.3)

(125.7)

11.2

–

(1.8)

0.2

(1.6)

79.1

(3.2)

(155.3)

(62.3)

1.5

–

–

–

(30.8)

(38.3)

(140.2)

8585

FINANCIAL REPORT  FINANCIAL REPORT  18  Financial risk management (continued) 

(c)  Hedging instruments

(i)  Accounting policies
Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value on the date the instrument is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair 
value or ‘market to market’ at each reporting date. The gain or loss on remeasurement is recognised immediately in profit or loss unless the derivative 
is designated as a hedging instrument, in which case the remeasurement is recognised in equity.

Hedge accounting
At inception of the hedge relationship, the Group formally designated the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its 
risk management objective for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group also documents its assessment at hedge inception date and on 
an ongoing basis as to whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions have been and will continue to be highly effective in offsetting 
changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

The Group enters into hedge relationships where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match exactly with the terms of the hedged item and 
a qualitative assessment is performed to assess effectiveness. If changes in circumstances affect the terms of the hedged item, such as the terms no 
longer match exactly with the critical terms of the hedged instrument, a hypothetical derivative method is used to assess effectiveness.

Rebalancing
If the hedge ratio for risk management purposes is no longer optimal but the risk management objective remains unchanged and the hedge continues 
to qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge relationship will be rebalanced by adjusting either the volume of the hedging instrument or the volume 
of the hedged item so that the hedge ratio aligns with the ratio used for risk management purposes. Any hedge ineffectiveness is calculated and 
accounted for at the time of the hedge relationship rebalancing.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges and are accounted for as set out in the table 
below.

Hedges that meet the criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as follows:

Risk

What is it?

Movement in fair value

Discontinuation
of hedge accounting

Fair value hedge

Cash flow hedge

A derivative or financial instrument designated as 
hedging the change in fair value of a recognised asset 
or liability or firm commitment. A fair value hedge is 
used to swap fixed interest payments to variable interest 
payments in order to manage the Group’s exposure to 
interest rate risk.

Changes in the fair value of the derivative are 
recognised in profit or loss, together with the changes in 
fair value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to 
the hedged risk.

The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of 
interest rate swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings are 
recognised in profit or loss within finance expenses, 
together with the changes in fair value of the hedged 
fixed rate borrowing attributable to interest rate risk.

The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is 
recognised separately to the effective portion in profit 
or loss within finance expenses.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge 
accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a 
hedged item for which the effective interest method is
used is amortised to profit or loss in finance income over 
the period to maturity using a recalculated effective 
interest rate.

A derivative or financial instrument hedging the exposure 
to variability in cash flow attributable to a particular 
risk associated with an asset, liability or forecasted 
transaction. A cash flow hedge is used to swap variable 
interest rate payments to fixed interest rate payments, 
or to lock in foreign currency rates in order to manage 
the Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and foreign 
exchange risk.

The effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative 
financial instrument is recognised in other comprehensive 
income and accumulated in equity in the cash flow hedge 
reserve. The change in the fair value that is identified 
as ineffective is recognised immediately in profit or loss 
within other income or other expense.

Amounts accumulated in equity are transferred to profit 
or loss when the hedged item affects profit or loss. When 
the forecast transaction results in the recognition of a 
non-financial asset (property, plant and equipment), 
the gains or losses previously deferred in equity are 
transferred from equity and included in the measurement 
of the initial cost or carrying amount of the asset.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or 
terminated, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria 
for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing 
in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised 
when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in 
profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was 
reported in equity is immediately transferred to profit  
or loss.

86

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2118  Financial risk management (continued) 

(c)  Hedging instruments 

(i)   Accounting policies (continued)

Netting of payments
Derivative transactions are administered under International Swaps and 
Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreements. Where certain credit 
events occur, such as default, the net position owing/receivable to a 
single counterparty in the same currency will be taken as owing and all 
the relevant arrangements terminated. The Group does not currently 
have legally enforceable right of set-off between transaction types and 
therefore these amounts are presented separately in the consolidated 
balance sheet.

ISDA’s held with counterparties allow for the netting of payments and 
receipts for the settlement of interest rate swap transactions.

(d)  Fair value measurement
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, and non-interest bearing 
financial assets and liabilities approximates fair value due to their short-
term maturity.

The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting future 
contractual cash flows at the current market interest rates that are 
available to the Group for similar financial instruments. The market 
interest rates were determined to be between 1.0% and 3.2% (2020: 0.9% 
and 3.0%) depending on the type of facility.

The Group measures the fair value of financial instruments using market 
observable data where possible. Fair values are categorised into three 
levels with each of these levels indicating the reliability of the inputs used 
in determining fair value. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

Level 1: Quoted prices for an identical asset or liability in an active market 
Level 2: Directly or indirectly observable market data 
Level 3: Unobservable market data.

The fair value of forward exchange contracts are determined as the 
unrealised gain/(loss) with reference to market rates. The fair value of 
interest rate swaps is determined as the net present value of contracted 
cash flows. The existing exposure method, which estimates future cash 
flows to present value using credit adjusted discount factors after 
counterparty netting arrangements, has been adopted for both forward 
foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps.

The fair value of CCIRS is determined as the net present value of contract 
cash flows. The future probable exposure method is applied to the 
estimated future cash flows to reflect the credit risk of the Group and 
relevant counterparties.

The Group’s derivative financial instruments are classified as Level 2 
(2020: Level 2). During the period, there were no transfers between  
Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (2020: nil).

The table below summarises the carrying amount and fair value of the 
Group’s financial assets and liabilities:

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Notes

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

Financial assets 
carried at fair value
Foreign exchange 
contracts

Interest rate swaps – 
Finance AMTN 1

Interest rate swaps – 
Network AMTN 3

CCIRS – Network 
EMTN 1

CCIRS – Network 
EMTN 2

Financial assets carried  
at amortised cost
Cash and cash 
equivalents

Trade and other 
receivables

Financial liabilities 
carried at fair value
Foreign exchange 
contracts

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps – 
Network AMTN 3

Interest rate swaps – 
Network AMTN 4

0.1

1.9

–

0.2

–

3.2

0.1

1.9

–

0.2

–

3.2

109.2

155.3

109.2

155.3

13.9

125.1

62.3

221.0

13.9

125.1

62.3

221.0

148.8

29.3

148.8

29.3

6

483.8

632.6

460.1

489.4

483.8

632.6

460.1

489.4

(0.5)

(40.3)

(1.7)

(79.1)

(0.5)

(40.3)

(1.7)

(79.1)

(0.4)

(26.0)

(67.2)

–

–

(80.8)

(0.4)

(26.0)

(67.2)

–

–

(80.8)

Financial liabilities carried at 
amortised cost
Trade and other 
payables

11

(269.1)

(323.0)

(269.1)

(323.0)

Borrowings1

Off-balance sheet

Unrecognised financial 
assets
Third party 
guarantees

Bank guarantees

Insurance company 
guarantees

Unrecognised 
financial liabilities

Bank guarantees

17 (3,738.0) (3,607.2) (3,912.6) (3,688.6)
(4,011.6)

(4,007.1) (3,930.2)

(4,181.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

19.1

299.0

19.1

315.6

0.8

2.3

(16.6)

302.3

(17.8)

319.2

1   Borrowings includes $2,712.7 million (2020: $1,822.5 million) subject to fair  

value hedges.

87

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  Group structure

IN THIS SECTION

Group structure provides information about particular 
subsidiaries and associates, and how changes have affected  
the financial position and performance of the Group.

19  Associates and joint ventures 

20  Material subsidiaries 

21  Parent entity disclosures 

Page 89

Page 89

Page 90

22  Acquisition of subsidiaries and interests in joint ventures 

Page 90

23  Discontinued operations 

24  Assets classified as held for sale 

Page 91

Page 91

88 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

19 Associates and joint ventures

20 Material subsidiaries

The Group has an interest in the following associates and joint ventures:

Ownership interest

Country of 
operation

2021  
%

2020 
%

Principal 
activity

The ultimate parent of the Group is Aurizon Holdings Limited. The 
companies listed below are those whose results, in addition to the parent 
entity, principally affect the amounts shown in the financial report:

Name

Associates

Aquila Resources 
Limited1

Joint ventures

Coal Network 
Capacity Co Pty Ltd

Ox Mountain 
Limited2

Chun Wo/CRGL

ARG Risk 
Management Limited

Integrated Logistics 
Company Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia

United 
Kingdom

China –  
Hong Kong

Bermuda

Australia

–

8

42

17

50

14

15

50

Insurance

14

15

Consulting

Dormant

ACN 169 052 288

Australia

1    The sale of the shares held in Aquila Resources Limited completed on 26 May 

2021.

2  Refer to note 22 for further information. 

The Group’s share of net profit from investments in joint ventures in  
the period is $0.3 million (2020: net loss $0.1 million). The Group’s  
share of net assets from investment in joint ventures at reporting date  
are $26.1 million (2020: $2.7 million) and are not considered material.

(a)  Accounting policies
Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the 
equity method of accounting. Investments are initially recognised at cost 
and subsequently adjusted for the Group’s share of net profit or loss. 
The carrying value of an investment is reduced by the value of dividends 
received from the associate or joint venture.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its 
interest, including any other unsecured long-term receivables, the Group 
does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or 
made payments on behalf of the associate.

The carrying amount of investments are tested for impairment in 
accordance with the policy described in note 8.

15

8

–

Exploration 
and mining

Controlled entities

Aurizon Operations Limited

Independent 
Expert

Software

Australia Eastern Railroad Pty Ltd

Australia Western Railroad Pty Ltd

Aurizon Network Pty Ltd

Aurizon Property Pty Ltd

17 Construction

Aurizon Finance Pty Ltd

Ownership 
interest

Country of 
incorporation

2021  
%

2020  
%

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

–

100

Aurizon Port Services Pty Ltd

Aurizon Port Service NSW Pty Ltd

Iron Horse Insurance Company Pte Ltd

Singapore

(a)  Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and 
liabilities of all subsidiaries of the Group as at reporting date and the 
results of all subsidiaries for the financial year.

Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group 
controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable 
returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect 
those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is 
transferred to the Group and de-consolidated from the date that control 
ceases. Transactions between continuing and discontinued operations are 
treated as external from the date that the operation was discontinued. 
Where arrangements between the continuing and discontinued 
operations will continue subsequent to disposal, transactions including 
revenue and expenses are included in continuing operations profit or loss 
with elimination entries recognised in profit or loss of the discontinued 
operation.

Inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

(b)  Changes in ownership interest
When the Group ceases to have control, joint control or significant 
influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value 
with the change in carrying amount recognised in profit or loss. The re-
measured fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes 
of subsequently accounting for the retained interest of an associate, joint 
venture or financial asset. Any amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income are accounted for as if the Group had directly 
disposed of the related assets or liabilities and may result in amounts 
previously recognised in other comprehensive income being reclassified 
to profit or loss.

If the ownership interest in a joint venture or an associate is reduced 
but joint control or significant influence is retained, only a proportionate 
share of the amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive 
income are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.

89

FINANCIAL REPORT  206.7

506.6

Cash paid

3,452.7

3,453.5

Contingent consideration

44.2

2.0

Total purchase consideration

21  Parent entity disclosures

The financial information for the parent entity Aurizon Holdings Limited 
has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial 
statements, except for investments in subsidiaries which are carried at 
cost less accumulated impairment losses.

(a)  Summary financial information

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

2021  
$m

8.4

2020  
$m

83.4

3,703.2

4,004.5

3,711.6

4,087.9

(7.6)

(0.4)

(8.0)

(83.2)

(42.6)

(125.8)

3,703.6

3,962.1

3,703.6

3,962.1

571.0

571.0

513.8

513.8

All costs associated with employees of the parent entity are borne by a 
subsidiary and recharged by the parent entity as they are settled. The 
parent entity disclosure includes employee benefit provisions and other 
labour accruals for these employees.

(b)  Guarantees entered into by the parent entity
Aurizon Holdings Limited has provided a Parent Company Guarantee 
(PCG) in favour of Moorebank Intermodal Company (MIC) as a residual 
obligation in relation to 50% of the cost to complete construction of 
Terminal Works, and 25% of the contract sum for design and construction 
of Rail Access. The estimated maximum exposure under the guarantee 
is $93.3 million (2020: $65.8 million), however Aurizon Holdings Limited 
has obtained a 100% cross indemnity guarantee from Qube Holdings Ltd 
in respect of any call under the Aurizon Holdings Limited PCG.

The parent entity did not have any material contingent liabilities or 
contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and 
equipment as at 30 June 2021 (2020: $nil).

90

22  Acquisition of subsidiaries and 

interests in joint ventures

(a)  Summary of acquisitions in 2021

(i)  Ox Mountain Limited
The Group acquired a 41.67% investment in Ox Mountain Limited (UK 
registered), a maintenance software developer and distributor, for 
consideration of $22.4 million on 28 August 2020. The investment is 
accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

(ii)  ConPorts Pty Ltd
The Group acquired 100% of the issued shares in ConPorts Pty Ltd,  
a shiploading services provider in Newcastle, for consideration of  
$42.7 million on 31 December 2020. The company was renamed Aurizon 
Port Services NSW Pty Ltd. The acquisition includes long-term leases at 
the Port of Newcastle with shiploading facilities adjacent to rail lines.

Details of the provisional purchase consideration, the net assets acquired 
and goodwill are as follows:

$m

41.7

1.0

42.7

Fair value 
$m

34.4

(11.4)

23.0

19.7

42.7

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net identifiable assets acquired

Add: Goodwill

Net assets acquired

Goodwill is attributable to future customer growth and has been 
allocated to the Bulk NSW CGU, refer to note 9 for further information. 
None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisition costs of $2.1 million were expensed to profit or loss. Net cash 
outflow from investing activities for the acquisition was $41.1 million, 
representing cash paid of $41.7 million net of cash acquired of $0.6 million.

(b)  Summary of acquisitions in 2020

(i) Flinders TBSH Pty Ltd
The Group acquired 100% of the issued shares in Flinders TBSH Pty Ltd, 
a bulk transport, handling and stevedoring service provider in North 
Queensland, for consideration of $24.8 million on 20 March 2020. The 
company was renamed to Aurizon Port Services Pty Ltd. The acquisition 
included long-term leases at the Port of Townsville with bulk storage 
warehouses and handling facilities adjacent to rail lines. The business is 
complementary to the Bulk QLD rail operation as it is located at the end 
of the Mt Isa rail line connecting the Port of Townsville to the commodity-
rich North West Minerals Province.

The fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired was $19.6 million 
resulting in goodwill of $5.2 million. Goodwill is attributable to future 
customer growth and was allocated to the Bulk QLD CGU. Net cash 
outflow from investing activities for the acquisition was $24.5 million, 
representing cash paid of $24.8 million net of cash acquired of $0.3 million.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

23 Discontinued operations

24 Assets classified as held for sale

(a)  Description

Closure and sale of Intermodal
On 26 March 2021, the Group completed the sale of the Acacia Ridge 
Intermodal Terminal to Pacific National.

(b)  Financial performance and cash flow information
The financial information relating to the discontinued operations is set  
out below. 

Property, plant and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Total assets held for sale

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

5.0

–

5.0

61.2

3.9

65.1

Revenue

Other income

Employee benefits expense

Energy and fuel

Consumables

Depreciation

Other expenses

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit from discontinued operations after tax

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating 
activities

Net cash inflow from investing activities

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing 
activities

Net increase in cash generated by the 
discontinued operations

(c)  Significant items

2021 
$m

21.5

161.2

(2.4)

(0.1)

(3.9)

–

(0.3)

176.0

(52.4)

123.6

(23.0)

168.8

–

2020 
$m

25.0

2.5

(3.6)

(0.2)

(8.4)

(0.2)

0.1

15.2

(4.4)

10.8

9.9

0.4

–

145.8

10.3

The Group’s underlying results differ from the statutory results.  
The exclusion of certain items permits a more appropriate and 
meaningful analysis of the Group’s underlying performance on a 
comparative basis.

Significant items

Net gain on sale of Acacia Ridge Intermodal 
Terminal (before income tax)

Net gain on sale of assets

2021 
$m

2020 
$m

161.1

–

161.1

–

2.5

2.5

Net gain on sale (before income tax) includes proceeds received of 
$209.0 million less net assets at the date of disposal of $45.4 million and 
disposal costs of $2.5 million.

FINANCIAL REPORT  91

 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

Other notes

IN THIS SECTION

Other notes provides information on other items which require 
disclosure to comply with Australian Accounting Standards and 
other regulatory pronouncements, however are not considered 
critical in understanding the financial performance or position of 
the Group.

25  Notes to the consolidated statement of cash flows 

26  Related party transactions 

27  Key Management Personnel 

28  Share-based payments 

29  Auditor’s remuneration 

30  Summary of other significant accounting policies 

Page 93

Page 94

Page 94

Page 94

Page 95

Page 95

92

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

25 Notes to the consolidated statement of cash flows

(a)  Reconciliation of net cash inflow from operating activities to profit from continuing operations

Profit from continuing operations

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment of non-financial assets

Net finance costs

Non-cash employee incentive expense

Net (gain)/loss on disposal of assets

Net gain on sale of business

Share of profits/(loss) of associates and joint ventures

Net exchange differences

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

(Increase)/Decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase)/Decrease in inventories

(Increase)/Decrease in other operating assets

Increase/(Decrease) in trade and other payables

Increase/(Decrease) in other liabilities

Increase/(Decrease) in current tax liabilities

Increase/(Decrease) in deferred tax liabilities

Increase/(Decrease) in provisions 

2021 
$m

606.7

579.1

3.1

149.4

4.9

(16.5)

–

(0.3)

(0.1)

(20.2)

(12.2)

(8.5)

(25.5)

8.8

(91.8)

75.7

24.4

2020 
$m

605.1

558.6

5.7

151.0

5.8

1.1

(105.4)

0.1

(0.1)

25.9

(26.2)

(19.2)

(77.3)

(3.5)

39.9

74.4

1.6 

Net cash inflow from operating activities from continuing operations

1,277.0

1,237.5 

(b)  Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities to financing cash flows

Balance as at 1 July 2020

Financing cash flows2

Effect of changes in exchange rates

Other changes in fair values

Other non-cash movements

Balance as at 30 June 2021

Balance as at 1 July 2019

Reclassification

Financing cash flows2

Effect of changes in exchange rates

Other changes in fair values

Other non-cash movements

Balance as at 30 June 2020

Current
borrowings
$m

Non-current
borrowings
$m

Liabilities 
held to 
hedge
borrowings1
$m

Assets held  
to hedge
borrowings1
$m

Total
$m

(657.6)

(2,949.6)

(79.1)

220.8

(3,465.5)

599.0

(835.2)

–

(0.4)

–

(59.0)

(149.0)

(523.5)

16.0

 – 

(1.1)

–

53.7

53.9

(1.8)

(3,679.0)

(3,220.8)

523.5

(227.2)

(14.1)

(9.6)

(1.4)

(657.6)

(2,949.6)

–

–

12.4

–

(66.7)

(49.1)

–

–

–

(30.0)

–

(79.1)

–

(236.2)

(53.7)

(42.1)

–

125.0

196.8

–

–

14.1

9.9

–

–

23.8

(1.8)

(3,679.7)

(3,222.1)

–

(211.2)

–

(30.8)

(1.4)

220.8

(3,465.5)

1  Assets and liabilities held to hedge borrowings exclude foreign exchange contracts included in note 18(a).

2   Financing cash flows consists of the net amount of proceeds from borrowings, repayment of borrowings and payments of transaction costs related to borrowings.

93

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT   
26 Related party transactions

The table below summarises the total movements in the performance 
rights issued by the Group:

Related parties include investments and Key Management Personnel 
(KMP). There were no transactions with related parties during the 
financial year (2020: $nil).

 27 Key Management Personnel
KMP include the Non-Executive Directors and those Executives who 
have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the Group.

Short-term employee benefits

Long-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Other benefits

Share-based payments expense

2021  

$’000

2020  
$’000

9,064

8,054

154

218

1,041

2,995

13,472

119

214

386

2,662

11,435

Detailed remuneration disclosures are provided in the Remuneration 
Report section of the Directors’ Report. Apart from the information 
disclosed in this note, no Director has entered into a material contract 
with the Group in the financial year and there were no material contracts 
involving Directors’ interests existing at year end (2020: nil).

28 Share-based payments

The Group provides benefits to employees (including 
senior executives) of the Group in the form of share-
based payment incentives. The performance rights 
plans were established by the Board to motivate and 
incentivise employees to develop and successfully 
execute against short and long-term strategies that 
grow the business and generate shareholder returns. 
The schemes under the plan include a Short-term 
Incentive Award (STIA), a Long-term Incentive Award 
(LTIA) and a Retention award. The schemes have 
various terms and performance measures.

This note should be read in conjunction with the Remuneration Report, 
as set out in the Directors’ Report, which contains detailed information 
regarding the setting of remuneration for KMP.

94

Balance 
at start of 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Granted 
during 
the year 
Number  
‘000

Exercised 
during 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Forfeited 
during 
the year 
Number 
‘000

Balance 
at end of 
the year1 
Number 
‘000

2021

STIA

LTIA

428

391

(428)

–

391

7,990

2,958

(267)

(2,169)

8,512

Retention

281

46

(264)

–

63

8,699

3,395

(959)

(2,169)

8,966

546

480

(546)

(52)

428

Total

2020

STIA

LTIA

10,679

2,354

Retention

263

18

–

–

(5,043)

7,990

–

281

Total

11,488

2,852

(546)

(5,095)

8,699 

1   Balance of rights at the end of the year remains unvested. 

During the period, the Group recognised a share-based payment expense 
of $4.9 million (2020: $5.9 million).

The weighted average share price at the date performance rights were 
exercised during the period was $4.40 (2020: $5.79). The weighted 
average remaining contractual life of unvested rights at 30 June 2021 was 
1.9 years (2020: 1.6 years).

Market valuation techniques were used to determine the fair value of 
performance rights granted and are summarised below:

Scheme

Fair Value

STIA

Share price at grant date

Retention  
LTIA

– ROIC

– TSR

Share price at grant date

Share price at grant date less 
estimated dividend yield

Monte-Carlo simulation 
technique

2021  

2020  

$

4.30

4.32

3.15

1.86

$

6.03

5.85

4.77

3.12

The table below summarises the inputs to the fair value calculation under 
the Monte-Carlo simulation technique:

Inputs

Expected dividend yield (%)

Expected price volatility of the Company's 
shares (%)

Share price at grant date ($)

Risk-free interest rate (%)

Expected life of rights (years)

2021

6.40

2020

5.30

39.20

17.80

4.07

0.20

4.00

5.80

0.80

4.00

The expected price volatility of the Company’s shares reflects the 
assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, 
which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–2129 Auditor’s remuneration

During the year, the following fees were paid or payable for services 
provided by the auditor of the parent entity and its related practices:

PwC Australia

Audit and review of financial statements

Group

Controlled subsidiaries

Other assurance services

Tax advisory services

Other advisory services

2021 
$’000

2020 
$’000

423

767

1,190

60

–

80

393

797

1,190

34

11

59

Total remuneration of PwC Australia

1,330

1,294

30   Summary of other significant 

accounting policies

Other significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 
consolidated financial statements are set out below.

(a)  Basis of preparation

(i)  New and amended standards adopted by the Group
The IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) issued agenda decisions 
relating to the accounting for SaaS arrangements. The Group has 
implemented this guidance and determined that there is no material 
impact as a result of the change in accounting policy.

The Group has applied the following standards and amendments for the 
first time for the reporting period commencing 1 July 2020:

 › AASB 2018-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 

Definition of Material

 › AASB 2018-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 

Definition of a Business

 ›  AASB 2019-3 Amendments to Australia Accounting Standards – 

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

 ›  AASB 2019-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – 
Disclosures of the Effect of New IFRS Standards Not Yet issued in 
Australia

 ›  AASB 2019-1 Amendments to Australia Accounting Standards – 

References to the Conceptual Framework.

The Group also elected to adopt the following amendments early:

 ›  AASB 2020-8 Amendments to Australia Accounting Standards – 

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform Phase 2.

The Interest Rate Benchmark Reform amendments modify specific hedge 
accounting requirements to allow hedge accounting to continue during 
the period of uncertainty relating to the benchmark reforms for affected 
cash flow and fair value hedges related to the Group’s EMTNs. The 
Interest Rate Benchmark Reform and other amendments listed above did 
not have any impact on the amounts recognised in prior years and are 
not expected to significantly affect the current or future years.

(ii)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
Certain new accounting standards and amendments to standards 
have been published that are not mandatory for reporting periods 
commencing 1 July 2020 and have not been early adopted by the Group. 
These standards are not expected to have a material impact on the entity 
in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future 
transactions.

(b)  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at-bank and on-hand, and short-
term money market investments with an original maturity of three months 
or less and are classified as financial assets held at amortised cost.

Cash at-bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank 
deposits. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods, depending 
on the immediate cash requirements of the Group and earn interest at 
the respective short-term deposit rates.

(c)  Foreign currency and commodity transactions
Items included in the financial statements of each of the entities included 
within the Group are measured using the currency of the economic 
environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. 
These financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is 
the functional and presentation currency of the Company.

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional 
currency of the entity using the exchange rate prevailing at the date 
of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the 
balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the 
translation of the monetary assets and liabilities, or from the settlement 
of foreign currency translations, are recognised in profit or loss, except 
when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges. The amounts 
deferred in equity in respect of cash flow hedges are recognised in profit 
or loss when the hedged item affects profit or loss.

As at the reporting date, the assets and liabilities of entities within the 
Group that have a functional currency different from the presentation 
currency, are translated into Australian dollar at the rate of exchange at 
the balance sheet date and profit or loss are translated at the average 
exchange for the year. The exchange differences arising on the balance 
sheet translation are taken directly to a separate component in equity in 
the foreign currency translation reserve.

95

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)FINANCIAL REPORT  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
30 June 2021 (continued)

(d)  Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for all business 
combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other 
assets are acquired. In accordance with the acquisition method, the 
Group measures goodwill, at acquisition date, as the fair value of the 
consideration transferred less the fair value of the identifiable assets 
and liabilities acquired. The fair value of the consideration transferred 
comprises the initial cash paid and an estimate for any future contingent 
or deferred payments the Group may be liable to pay.

The application of the acquisition method requires certain estimates 
and assumptions to be made particularly around the determination of 
fair value of any contingent or deferred consideration, the acquired 
intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, and liabilities assumed. 
Such estimates are based on information available at acquisition date.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Predecessor value method of accounting is used to account for all 
business combinations that involve entities under common control. 
Acquired assets and liabilities are recorded at their existing carrying 
values and no goodwill is recorded. Retrospective presentation of the 
acquired entity’s results and balance sheet are incorporated as if both 
entities had always been combined.

(e)   Non-current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale and 

discontinued operations

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as held for sale 
if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use and a sale is considered 
highly probable. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount 
and fair value less cost of disposal, except for assets such as deferred 
tax assets, assets arising from employee benefits, financial assets and 
investment property that are carried at fair value and contractual rights 
under insurance contracts, which are specifically exempt from this 
requirement.

An impairment loss is recognised for any initial or subsequent write-
down of the asset (or disposal group) to fair value less cost of disposal. 
A gain is recognised for any subsequent increases in fair value less cost 
of disposal of an asset (or disposal group), but not in excess of any 
cumulative impairment loss previously recognised. A gain or loss not 
previously recognised by the date of the sale of the non-current asset (or 
disposal group) is recognised at the date of derecognition.

Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are 
not depreciated or amortised while they are classified as held for sale. 
Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal 
group classified as held for sale continue to be recognised.

A discontinued operation is a component of the entity that has been 
disposed of or is classified as held for sale and that represents a separate 
major line of business or geographical area of operations, is part of a 
single co-ordinated plan to dispose of such a line of business or area of 
operations, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. 
The results of discontinued operations are presented separately in the 
consolidated income statement.

(f)  Financial instruments

(i)  Non-derivative financial assets
The Group initially recognises financial assets on the trade date at 
which the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to 
receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been 
transferred, and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and 
rewards of ownership.

Financial assets are initially measured at fair value. If the financial asset 
is not subsequently accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, 
then the initial measurement includes transaction costs that are directly 
attributable to the asset’s acquisition or origination. On initial recognition, 
the Group classifies its financial assets as subsequently measured at 
either amortised cost or fair value, depending on its business model 
for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow 
characteristics of the financial assets.

(ii)  Financial assets measured at amortised cost
A financial asset is subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the 
effective interest method and net of any impairment loss, if:

 ›  the asset is held within the business model whose objective is to hold 

assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

 ›  the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise, on specified dates, 

to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest.

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective 
evidence that a financial asset (or group of financial assets) is impaired.

(iii)  Non-derivative liabilities
The Group initially recognises loans and debt securities issued on the 
date when they originate. Other financial liabilities are initially recognised 
on the trade date. The Group derecognises a financial liability when its 
contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.

Non-derivative financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value 
less any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, these liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

(g)   Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of 
associated GST, unless the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from 
the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In this case, the GST is recognised as 
part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST 
receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or 
payable to, the ATO is included with other receivables or payables in the 
balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented in the cash flow statement on a gross basis. 
The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing 
activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the ATO, are 
presented as operating cash flows.

The Company and its subsidiaries are grouped for GST purposes. 
Therefore, any inter-company transactions within the Group do not 
attract GST.

96 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

Unrecognised items and 
events after reporting date

IN THIS SECTION

Unrecognised items provides information about items that are 
not recognised in the financial statements but could potentially 
have a significant impact on the Group’s financial position and 
performance. This section also includes events occurring after 
the reporting date.

31  Commitments and contingencies 

32  Events occurring after the reporting period 

Page 98

Page 98

FINANCIAL REPORT  97

31  Commitments and contingencies

32   Events occurring after the  

reporting period

No matter or circumstance, other than the matters disclosed in key events 
and transactions for the reporting period, has occurred subsequent to the 
financial period that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect, 
the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, the state of 
affairs of the Group or economic entity in subsequent financial periods.

(a)  Contingent liabilities
Issues relating to common law claims, product warranties and regulatory 
breaches are dealt with as they arise. There were no material contingent 
liabilities requiring disclosure in the financial statements, other than as 
set out below.

Guarantees and letters of credit
For information about guarantees and letters of credit given by the 
Group, refer to note 18(d). For information about the MIC Parent 
Company Guarantee, refer to note 21(b).

Transfer duty exemption
The transfer of ownership of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd from Aurizon 
Operations Limited to Aurizon Holdings Limited in FY2019 qualified for 
an exemption from transfer duty under the Queensland Duties Act 2001. 
Should duty become payable in respect of the restructure (for example, 
due to a change in ownership of Aurizon Network Pty Ltd within three 
years of the transfer of the shares in FY2019), Aurizon estimates the duty 
liability may be approximately $295 million.

(b)  Contingent assets 

Guarantees and letters of credit
For information about guarantees given to the Group, refer to note 18(d).

Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP)
The amount of WIRP fees ultimately payable by WIRP customers will be 
dependent upon finalisation of the appeal of the Expert’s Determination 
and finalisation of a cost variation factor related to WIRP project costs. 
WIRP fees of $60.3 million, including $48.9 million of historical fees 
(relating to FY2016 – FY2020), have been recognised in FY2021 (2020: 
$nil).

(c)  Capital commitments
At 30 June 2021, the Group has capital commitments contracted but 
not provided for in respect of the acquisition of property, plant and 
equipment of $77.3 million (2020: $102.6 million) which are due within 
one year.

98

Notes to the consolidated financial statements30 June 2021 (continued)AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21Directors’ Declaration
30 June 2021

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Company, I state that:

In the opinion of the Directors of the Company:

(a) 

 the financial statements and notes set out on pages 48 to 98 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 complying with Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements as detailed above, 
and the Corporations Regulations 2001,

(ii)   giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2021 and of its performance 

for the financial year ended on that date, and

(b) 

 there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due 
and payable.

Page 54 confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board.

The Directors have been given the declarations by the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 
required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Tim Poole 
Chairman 

Brisbane 
9 August 2021

FINANCIAL REPORT 

99

 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report 

To the members of Aurizon Holdings Limited 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Our opinion 

In our opinion: 

The accompanying financial report of Aurizon Holdings Limited (the Company) and its controlled 
entities (together the Group) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the Group's financial position as at 30 June 2021 and of its 

financial performance for the year then ended  

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

What we have audited 
The Group financial report comprises: 

● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 

● 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 30 June 2021 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended 
the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended 
the consolidated income statement for the year then ended 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting policies 
and other explanatory information 
the directors’ declaration. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
report section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion. 

Independence 
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional & Ethical 
Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence 
Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

Our audit approach 

An audit is designed to provide reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
480 Queen Street, BRISBANE  QLD  4000, GPO Box 150, BRISBANE  QLD  4001 
T: +61 7 3257 5000, F: +61 7 3257 5999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

100

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
  
  
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial report as a whole, taking into account the geographic and management 
structure of the Group, its accounting processes and controls and the industry in which it operates. 

Materiality 

Audit scope 

Key audit matters 

●  For the purpose of our audit we used 

overall Group materiality of $35 million, 
which represents approximately 5% of 
the Group’s adjusted profit before 
income tax. 

●  We applied this threshold, together with 
qualitative considerations, to determine 
the scope of our audit and the nature, 
timing and extent of our audit 
procedures and to evaluate the effect of 
misstatements on the financial report as 
a whole. 

●  We chose Group adjusted profit before 

income tax because, in our view, it is the 
benchmark against which the 
performance of the Group is most 
commonly measured. To calculate 
materiality, we adjusted profit before 
income tax for significant unusual items 
such as the sale of an interest in an 
equity-accounted investment and 
discontinued operations. These 
adjustments were tested separately 
using a specific materiality level. 

●  We utilised a 5% threshold based on our 
professional judgement, noting it is 
within the range of commonly 
acceptable thresholds.  

●  Our audit focused on 

where the Group made 
subjective judgements; for 
example, significant 
accounting estimates 
involving assumptions and 
inherently uncertain 
future events. 

●  The Group is a large rail-

based freight operator and 
transports coal, iron ore 
and other bulk 
commodities across 
Australia. 

●  The Group also owns and 
operates the Central 
Queensland Coal Network 
(CQCN) which is a multi-
user track network that 
comprises  four major coal 
systems and one 
connecting system serving 
Queensland’s Bowen Basin 
coal region. 

●  Amongst other relevant 

topics, we 
communicated the 
following key audit 
matters to the Audit, 
Governance and Risk 
Management 
Committee: 

−  Access revenue 
recognition 
−  Recoverability of 
the Western 
Australia and Bulk 
Queensland cash 
generating units 
(CGUs) 
−  Assessment of 
useful lives of 
assets 
●  These are further 

described in the Key 
audit matters section of 
our report. 

101

 
  
 
Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the financial report for the current period. The key audit matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do 
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. Further, any commentary on the outcomes of a 
particular audit procedure is made in that context.  

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

Access revenue recognition 
(Refer to note 2 and Key events and transactions for 
the reporting period)  

Take-or-Pay access revenue recognition - $77.5m 

During the year ended 30 June 2021 (FY2021), the 
Group recorded track access revenue of $1,166.4m. 

Track access revenue is recognised over time as access 
to the Central Queensland Rail Network (CQCN) is 
provided and is measured on a number of operating 
parameters, including the volume hauled and 
regulator (Queensland Competition Authority (QCA)) 
approved pricing tariffs. 

The tariffs are determined with reference to the total 
allowable revenue, applied to the regulatory approved 
annual volume forecast for each rail system. 

Where annual volumes railed are less than the 
regulatory forecast, Take-or-Pay clauses may be 
triggered. Take-or-Pay is calculated based on the 
Group’s judgement of below rail cause versus above 
rail operator/mine cancellations. 

In FY2021, the Group determined Take-or-Pay 
clauses have been triggered under the 2017 Access 
Undertaking resulting in $77.5m of revenue being 
recognised where the Group considered that 
customers have not railed their nominated forecast 
volumes and the reason for the shortfall was not due 
to Aurizon Network’s management of the CQCN. 

There is judgement by the Group involved in respect 
of the revenue recognised in accordance with the 
Take-or-Pay clauses in determining whether the 
shortfall to nominated forecast volumes is due to 
below rail cause or above rail operator/mine 
cancellations. 

The following procedures, amongst others, were 
performed in relation to Take-or-Pay access revenue 
recognition: 

●  Obtained the computation for the Take-or-
Pay revenue and compared the basis of the 
calculations to the 2017 Access Undertaking. 

●  Agreed on a sample basis the Take-or-Pay 
calculation inputs (including operational 
units such as tonnages hauled, train paths, 
consist configuration, kilometres travelled 
etc.) to underlying customer contracts and 
other relevant documentation. 

●  Tested the mathematical accuracy of the 

Take-or-Pay calculations. 

●  Compared the QCA approved tariffs and 
forecast volumes to actual volumes and 
revenue recognised during the financial year 
to assess the shortfall and whether Take-or-
Pay clauses were triggered. 

●  Evaluated on a sample basis the evidence in 

respect of  the service cancellations 
considered for Take or Pay calculations and 
assessed the Group’s determination of 
whether the cause for the resulting volume 
shortfall was due to below rail or any other 
cause. 

102

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP) revenue 
recognition - $60.3m 

Wiggins Island Rail Project (WIRP) revenue 
recognition 

In FY2021, the Queensland Court of Appeal affirmed 
a Supreme Court decision on the Group charging 
customers non-regulated WIRP fees dating back to 
March 2016.  

Other disputes have been initiated by the customers 
and were subject to expert determination. The 
Expert’s determination was issued in June 2019 and 
found that the WIRP fee should be partially reduced 
however the Group has appealed this decision. Due to 
this, the fee payable by the customers and revenue 
recognised by the Group is dependent on the 
finalisation of the appeal and finalisation of a cost 
variation factor related to the project costs. 

We considered revenue recognition to be a key audit 
matter due to the complexity and judgement in the 
determination of Take-or-Pay and WIRP revenue. 

Recoverability of the Western Australia and 
Bulk Queensland cash generating units 
(CGUs) 
(Refer to note 9) 

●  Obtained the computation for WIRP revenue 
and on a sample basis, agreed the inputs 
(target costs, base fee applicable to each of 
the customers etc.) of the calculation to the 
underlying WIRP Deeds and relevant 
documentation. 

●  Tested the mathematical accuracy of the 

WIRP revenue calculation.  

●  Obtained an understanding of the Group’s 
assessment and determination of the 
revenue recognised in relation to the 
historical and current year’s fees in light of 
the ongoing dispute between the parties to 
the WIRP Deed. 

●  Evaluated the appropriateness of the 

judgements made by the Group in relation to 
the Expert’s determination and the pending 
finalisation of the cost variation factor 
related to WIRP project costs. 

Western Australia (WA) and Bulk Queensland (QLD) 
CGUs 

To evaluate the Group’s assessment of the recoverable 
amount of the WA and QLD CGUs, we performed a 
number of procedures including the following: 

The WA and Bulk QLD CGUs have been impaired 
from FY2017 to FY2019 due to the loss of key 
customers, challenging and competitive Bulk markets 
and operational performance issues. 

During FY2021, impairment reversal indicators have 
been identified by the Group for the WA and Bulk 
QLD CGUs. 

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs have been 
estimated using value in use (VIU) methodology 
utilising a discounted cash flow model. 

In estimating the recoverable amounts, the Group has 
made the following key judgements: 

●  Current contractual arrangements with key 
customers are complied with taking into 
consideration the expected expiry and/or 
renewal of the contracts; and 

●  A terminal value growth rate of 2.0% and the 

pre-tax discount rate of 10.8%. 

●  Assessed whether the division of the Group’s 
property, plant and equipment assets into 
CGUs was consistent with our knowledge of 
the Group’s operations and internal Group 
reporting.  

●  Assessed whether the carrying value of the 
CGUs included all assets and liabilities 
directly attributable to the CGU and that the 
model included all cash flows directly 
attributable to the CGU and a reasonable 
allocation of corporate overheads. 

●  Evaluated the Group’s historical ability to 

forecast future cash flows by comparing 
budgets with reported prior years’ actual 
results. 

103

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Given the judgements incorporated by the Group, the 
assessments of the recoverability of assets in relation 
to the WA and Bulk QLD CGUs is considered to be a 
key audit matter.  

●  Tested that forecast cash flows used in the 
models were derived from the most up-to-
date corporate plan formally approved by the 
Board. 

●  Evaluated the appropriateness of the 

judgements made by the Group in relation to 
key customers’ current and future 
contractual arrangements. 

●  Assessed, with assistance from PwC 

valuation experts: 

o 

o 

o 

the forecast terminal value growth 
rate of 2.0% by comparing it to 
economic forecasts;  
that the pre-tax discount rate 
applied in the model reflects the 
risks of the CGU; and  
the mathematical accuracy of the 
model. 

●  Evaluated the Group’s sensitivity analysis to 
assess whether a reasonably possible change 
in underlying assumptions would give rise to 
a further impairment or reversal of previous 
impairments. 

To evaluate the Group’s assessment of the useful lives 
of assets, we performed the following procedures 
amongst others: 

●  Evaluated the appropriateness of the 
judgements made by the Group by 
considering and/or assessing: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

external reports including selected 
reports on the future demand for 
and supply of thermal and 
metallurgical coal and forecast 
global iron and steel production; 
existing regulation regarding coal 
mining in Queensland and New 
South Wales; 
selected reports on current 
metallurgical coal reserves and 
forecast production in Queensland;  
current useful lives of selected coal 
exposed businesses in Queensland 
and New South Wales as well as 
Global rail businesses; and  

Assessment of useful lives of assets 
(Refer to note 8)  

During FY2021, the useful lives of assets used in the 
Queensland Coal, New South Wales Coal and 
Network cash generating units (CGUs) were reviewed 
by the Group.  

The useful lives of assets are determined based on the 
expected engineering life and, where necessary, 
capped at the remaining term of the applicable leases.  

In determining whether the current useful lives 
remain appropriate, the Group has reviewed a 
number of indicators which are described in note 8 to 
consider short-term impacts, as well as risks that may 
emerge over the medium to long term, where the 
timing and magnitude are less certain. 

Given the judgements incorporated by the Group as 
well as the magnitude of the asset balance, the 
assessment of useful lives of assets is considered to be 
a key audit matter. 

104

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
o 

commitments to selected climate-
change policies of certain territories 
and jurisdictions to which 
Australian coal is exported and 
used in the generation of electricity 
and steel production.  

●  Evaluated the Group’s sensitivity analysis to 
assess reasonable possible changes in the 
useful lives that may give rise to additional 
depreciation in the future.  

Other information 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the annual report for the year ended 30 June 2021, but does not include the 
financial report and our auditors’ report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial 
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. 

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of 
this auditors’ report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we 
are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the 
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free 
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material 
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report. 

FINANCIAL REPORT  105

 
  
 
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the 
Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: 
https://www.auasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/ar1_2020.pdf. This description forms part of 
our auditors’ report. 

Report on the remuneration report 

Our opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 26 to 40 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2021. 

In our opinion, the remuneration report of Aurizon Holdings Limited for the year ended 30 June 2021 
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Nadia Carlin 
Partner 

Brisbane  
9 August 2021 

                                  Partner 

Tim Allman 

106 AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-IFRS Financial Information  
in FY2021 Annual Report 

In addition to using profit as a measure of the 
Group and its segments’ financial performance, 
Aurizon uses EBITDA (Statutory and 
Underlying), EBITDA margin – Underlying, EBIT 
(Statutory and Underlying), NPAT – Underlying, 
Return On Invested Capital (ROIC), Net debt 
and Net gearing ratio. These measurements 
are not defined under IFRS and are, therefore, 
termed ‘Non-IFRS’ measures.

EBITDA – Statutory is Group profit before 
net finance costs, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation, while EBIT – Statutory is defined 
as Group profit before net finance costs and 
tax. EBIT – Underlying can differ from EBIT – 
Statutory due to exclusion of significant items 
that permits a more appropriate and meaningful 
analysis of the underlying performance on a 
comparative basis. EBITDA margin is calculated 
by dividing underlying EBITDA by total revenue. 
These measures are considered to be useful 
measures of the Group’s operating performance 
because they approximate the underlying 
operating cash flows by eliminating depreciation 
and amortisation.

NPAT – Underlying represents underlying EBIT 
less finance costs, tax expense and the tax 
impact of significant adjustments.

ROIC is defined as underlying rolling 12-month 
EBIT divided by average invested capital. 
Average invested capital is calculated as the 
rolling twelve-month average of net assets 
(excluding cash, borrowings, tax, derivative 
financial assets and liabilities). This measure is 
intended to ensure there is alignment between 
investment in infrastructure and superior returns 
for shareholders.

Net debt consists of borrowings (both current 
and non-current) less cash and cash equivalents. 
Net debt excludes lease liabilities. Net gearing 
ratio is defined as Net debt divided by Net 
debt plus Equity. Net debt and Net gearing 
ratio are measures of the Group’s indebtedness 
and provides an indicator of the balance sheet 
strength. An alternative Net debt and Net 
gearing ratio are also disclosed to include 
derivative financial instruments used to hedge 
market risk on borrowings.

These above mentioned measures are 
commonly used by management, investors 
and financial analysts to evaluate companies’ 
performance.

A reconciliation of the Non-IFRS measures and 
specific items to the nearest measure prepared 
in accordance with IFRS is included in the table. 
The Non-IFRS financial information contained 
within this Directors’ report and Notes to the 
Financial Statements has not been audited in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

NPAT – Underlying

Significant adjustments, net 
of tax

Significant adjustment — Aquila 
income tax benefit

NPAT – Statutory

Income tax expense

Profit before income tax

Net finance costs

EBIT – Statutory

Add back significant 
adjustments:

–  Net gain on sale of shares 

in Aquila

–  Net gain on sale of Acacia 
Ridge Intermodal Terminal

–  Net gain on sale of Rail 

Grinding business

–  Intermodal closure benefit

EBIT – Underlying

Depreciation and amortisation

EBITDA – Underlying

Average invested capital

ROIC

Net Gearing Ratio

Total borrowings

Less: cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

Total equity

Total capital

Net Gearing Ratio

Alternative Net Gearing 
Ratio

Net debt

Accumulated fair value 
adjustments1

Alternative Net Debt

Total equity

Total capital 

Alternative Net Gearing Ratio

1 Refer to note 18(a)(ii).

2021

2020

Continuing 
operations
$m

Discontinued 
operations
$m

Continuing 
operations
$m

Discontinued 
operations
$m

533.2

5.7

67.8

606.7

159.3

766.0

145.3

911.3

10.8

112.8

–

123.6

52.4

176.0

-

176.0

(8.2)

–

(161.1)

–

–

14.9

–

14.9

–

–

–

903.1

579.1

1,482.2

8,418

10.7%

531.3

73.8

–

605.1

260.8

865.9

148.5

1,014.4

–

–

(105.4)

–

909.0

558.6

1,467.6

8,364

10.9%

2021
$m

3,738.0

(148.8)

3,589.2

4,274.6

7,863.8

45.6%

2020
$m

3,589.2

9.0

1.8

–

10.8

4.4

15.2

-

15.2

–

–

–

(2.5)

12.7

0.2

12.9

2020
$m

3,607.2

(29.3)

3,577.9

4,357.7

7,935.6

45.1%

2019
$m

3,577.9

(149.0)

(261.1)

3,440.2

4,274.6

7,714.8

44.6%

3,316.8

4,357.7

7,674.5

43.2%

107

FINANCIAL REPORT  Shareholder Information

0.72

3.89

2.63

5.77

86.99

100.00

UNITS

77,198

RANGE OF FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES AS AT 2 AUGUST 2021 

RANGE

1–1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 Over

Total

21,835

30,187

6,613

4,935

165

63,735

13,172,827

71,521,411

48,466,381

106,234,500

1,601,308,863

1,840,703,982

TOTAL HOLDERS

UNITS % OF ISSUED CAPITAL

UNMARKETABLE PARCELS AS AT 2 AUGUST 2021

Minimum $500.00 parcel at $3.88 per unit

MINIMUM PARCEL SIZE

129

HOLDERS

1,200

The number of shareholders holding less than the marketable parcel of shares is 1,200 (shares: 77,198).

SUBSTANTIAL HOLDERS OF 5% OR MORE OF FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES AS AT 2 AUGUST 2021*

NOTICE DATE

20/12/2017

28/01/2019

28/07/2021

SHARES

108,337,155

141,036,686

92,689,091

NAME

The Vanguard Group Inc 

BlackRock Group

State Street Corporation

* As disclosed in substantial shareholder notices received by the Company.

INVESTOR CALENDAR

2022 DATES

14 February 2022

30 March 2022

8 August 2022

21 September 2022

13 October 2022

DETAILS

Half Year results and interim dividend announcement 

Interim dividend payment date

Full Year results and final dividend announcement

Final dividend payment date

Annual General Meeting

The payment of a dividend is subject to the Corporations Act and Board discretion. 
The timing of any event listed above may change. Please refer to the Company website, 
aurizon.com.au, for an up-to-date list of upcoming events.

ASX code: AZJ

Investor Relations

Contact details
Aurizon 
GPO Box 456 
Brisbane QLD 4001

For general enquiries, please call 13 23 32 
within Australia. If you are calling from outside 
Australia, please dial +61 7 3019 9000.

aurizon.com.au

For all information about your shareholding, 
including employee shareholdings, dividend 
statements and change of address, contact the 
share registry Computershare on 1800 776 476 
or visit investorcentre.com.

To request information relating to Investor 
Relations please contact our Investor  
Relations team on +61 7 3019 1127 or email: 
investor.relations@aurizon.com.au.

108

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21 
 
TOP 20 HOLDERS OF FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES AS AT 2 AUGUST 2021

NAME

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

ARGO INVESTMENTS LTD

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD SIX SIS LTD 

BNP PARIBAS SECURITIES SERVICES < BP2S PROPLEND ASSETS DRP A/C>

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED-GSCO ECA

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD HUB24 CUSTODIAL SERV LTD 

AUSTRALIAN UNITED INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMS (NZ) LTD 

AMP LIFE LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

WOODROSS NOMINEES PTY LTD

NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED 

Totals: Top 20 holders of ORDINARY FULLY PAID SHARES (Total)

Total Remaining Holders Balance

UNITS

% OF UNITS

660,619,760

353,330,669

269,592,982

69,221,196

45,508,348

29,111,038

23,644,787

20,150,837

16,662,018

14,223,772

13,143,389

9,089,815

6,073,719

4,153,023

4,000,000

3,379,311

3,358,000

3,174,550

2,728,329

2,624,059

1,553,789,602

286,914,380

35.89

19.20

14.65

3.76

2.47

1.58

1.28

1.09

0.91

0.77

0.71

0.49

0.33

0.23

0.22

0.18

0.18

0.17

0.15

0.14

84.41

15.59

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

109

Glossary

Some terms and abbreviations 
used in this document, together 
with industry specific terms, have 
defined meanings.

These terms and abbreviations are 
set out in this glossary and are used 
throughout this document.

A reference to dollars, $ or cents 
in this document is a reference 
to Australian currency unless 
otherwise stated. Any reference  
to a statute, ordinance, code or 
other law includes regulations and 
any other instruments under it  
and consolidations, amendments, 
re-enactments or replacements 
of any of them. Any reference to 
Annual Report is a reference to  
this document.

ABN
Australian Business Number

Above Rail
Includes the business unit segments of Coal, 
Bulk and Other of Aurizon Holdings Limited

ACN
Australian Company Number

ASIC
Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission

ASX
Australian Securities Exchange operated by 
ASX Limited (ABN 98 008 624 691)

ASX Listing Rules
The official listing rules of ASX

Aurizon
Aurizon Holdings Limited (ABN 14 146 335 622) 
and where the context requires, includes any of 
its subsidiaries and controlled entities

Below Rail
The business unit segment of Network – 
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (ACN 132 181116)  
a wholly owned subsidiary of Aurizon  
Holdings Limited

Board
The Board of Directors of Aurizon Holdings 
Limited

Bulk
The Above Rail freight haulage operating 
division of Aurizon Holdings Limited

CAGR
Compound Annual Growth Rate, expressed as 
a percentage per year

CAPEX
Capital Expenditure

CGT
Capital Gains Tax

Coal
The Above Rail coal haulage operating division 
of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Company or Aurizon Holdings
Aurizon Holdings Limited (ACN 146 335 622) 
and where the context requires, includes any of 
its subsidiaries and controlled entities

Company Secretary
Each Company Secretary of Aurizon Holdings 
Limited

Constitution
The constitution of Aurizon Holdings Limited

Corporations Act
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

CPS
Cents Per Share

CQCN
Central Queensland Coal Network

CSAP
Climate Strategy and Action Plan

EBIT
Earnings Before Interest and Tax

EBITDA
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation  
and Amortisation

EBIT Margin
Underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax 
divided by total revenue and other income

EPA
Environment Protection Agency

EPL
Environment Protection Licence

EPS
Earnings Per Share

FSB
Financial Stability Board

FY
Financial Year ended 30 June, as the  
context requires

GAPE
Goonyella to Abbot Point Expansion

110

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21TRIFR
The cumulative number of Lost Time Injuries, 
Medical Treatment Injuries and Restricted 
Work Injuries sustained by employees and 
contractors, per million hours worked, over a 
given recording period

WACC
Weighted Average Cost of Capital, expressed 
as a percentage

WICET
Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal

WIRP
Wiggins Island Rail Project

GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

PPT
Percentage Point

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards

QCA
Queensland Competition Authority

RAB
Regulatory Asset Base, the value of the asset 
base on which pricing is determined by the 
price regulator

Rail Process Safety
The cumulative number of SPAD, derailment 
and rollingstock to rollingstock collision 
incidents, per million train kilometres,  
over a given recording period

ROIC
Return on Invested Capital

RSO
Rolling Stock Operator

Share
A fully paid ordinary share in Aurizon Holdings

SPAD
Signal Passed At Danger

STIA
Short Term Incentive Award

tonne
One metric tonne, being 1,000 kilograms

tonne kilometres
The product of tonnes and distance

TCFD
Taskforce on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures

km
Kilometre

LTIA
Long Term Incentive Awards

M
Million

MAR
Maximum Allowable Revenue that Aurizon 
Network Pty Ltd is entitled to earn from 
the provision of coal carrying train services 
in the CQCN across the term of an access 
undertaking

mt
Millions of tonnes

mtpa
Millions of tonnes per annum

Network
Aurizon Network Pty Ltd (ACN 132 181116) a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Aurizon Holdings

NGER Act
National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act 
2007 (Cth)

ntk
Net tonne kilometre, unit of measure 
representing the movement over a distance 
of one kilometre of one tonne of contents 
excluding the weight of the locomotive  
and wagons

OPEX
Operating Expense including depreciation  
and amortisation

OTHER
A business unit segment of Aurizon Holdings 
Limited

GLOSSARY

111

Corporate Information

Aurizon Holdings Limited 
ABN 14 146 335 622

Directors
Tim Poole 
Andrew Harding 
Marcelo Bastos 
Russell Caplan 
Michael Fraser 
Samantha Lewis 
Sarah Ryan 
Lyell Strambi 
Kate Vidgen

Company Secretaries
David Wenck 
Naomi Wecker

Registered Office
Level 8, 900 Ann Street  
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Share Registry 
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited

Level 1, 200 Mary Street 
Brisbane QLD 4001

Tel: 1800 776 476 
(or +61 3 9938 4376)

112

AURIZON ANNUAL REPORT 2020–21D
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Aurizon Holdings Limited 
ABN 14 146 335 622