Vital upgrades begin to a critical section of the Midland Line WA

Upgrades to a critical section of Western Australia’s Midland Line is now underway to help boost grain-to-port rail freight capacity in the Mid West region.

Arc Infrastructure is carrying out the works to upgrade about 78 kilometres of track along the corridor between Carnamah and Mingenew.

The works will include replacing timber sleepers with up to 55,000 modern concrete and steel sleepers to increase the tonne-axle load (TAL) from 16 to 19 tonnes.

Midland Line is vital in the transportation of grain to Geraldton Port, with CBH Group using this corridor to transport around half a million tonnes of grain each year.

The line will be temporarily closed, in consultation with CBH Group, to enable construction to be safely carried out.

“The Midland Line is a critical link in Western Australia’s freight supply chain, so it’s important it’s future-proofed so we can keep our State moving.

“These upgrades will enable more grain to be transport by rail, supporting productivity and delivering greater returns for growers.

“The Cook Labor Government is committed to improving capacity and efficiency across our State’s rail freight network to support local jobs and keep our economy strong,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

“The Mid West region is a significant driver of Western Australia’s economy, producing millions of tonnes of grain each year.

“By upgrading the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew, we’re investing in the future od this important industry that supports so many local jobs and families.

“Projects like these are part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure to support our regional communities and economy,” Member for Western Australia Legislative Council Sandra Carr MLC said.

Once completed early next year, the project will help streamline grain handling while also boosting capacity and deliver savings on freight costs to local grain growers by increasing the amount of grain that can be transported on a single train by 25 per cent.

This upgrade is funded through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) program, jointly funded by the Australia and Western Australian Governments – each contributing $160 million and $40 million respectively.

The program is delivering several projects in the State’s grain-growing regions to support regional communities and economic growth. The projects include rail siding upgrades which have already been completed at Cranbrook, Moora, Brookton, Broomehill and Konnongorring.

“Through our Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program, we are building greater capacity and efficiency moving WA grain from farm to port, now and into the future.

“The Australian Government, working the WA Government and industry, is delivering a legacy of more resilient and productive rail freight infrastructure for the regions,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

“Western Australia’s grain industry is a powerhouse of our regional economy, and the Mid West plays a vital role in producing the premium grains we export to the world.

“Upgrading the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew supports better returns for local growers, and will help WA remain competitive in the international market.

“These works are another example of how the ASCI program is strengthening our grain supply chain, and supporting WA growers, regional communities and the State’s economy,” WA Agriculture and Food and Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said.

“By investing $160 million for rail in WA’s grain-growing regions, we are future-proofing our freight network.

“This means less heavy traffic on our local roads and more grain safely making its way to the market, while backing local jobs and supporting farming communities,” Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Government of Western Australia – Media Statements