Six coal companies will be allowed to collectively bargain with QR National for access to rail infrastructure.

The companies will act as one, when negotiating prices and access to the Goonyella, Blackwater and Newlands coal rail systems.

The rail systems will link up with the export terminal at Abbot Point, near Bowen in north Queensland.

Last week, it was announced the port would be expanded from three berths to nine.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has given preliminary approval for the negotiations, with a final ruling in March.

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)