Second rail upgrade project underway to improve grain transport

• Site works underway to upgrade rail and grain loading infrastructure at Broomehill
• Project part of $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvement (ASCI) Program
• 11 siding upgrades across regions will increase grain export capacity
• State and Commonwealth investment complemented by the CBH Group
  

Work to upgrade rail infrastructure in the State's grain growing regions is gaining momentum with construction at Broomehill rail siding now underway as part of the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvement (ASCI) Program.

The Broomehill project involves replacing the rail siding and installing rapid rail loading infrastructure which will significantly increase the amount of grain that can be loaded at any one time.

The $200 million ASCI Package 1 is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments and includes $68 million for upgrading 11 rail sidings at major Co-operative Bulk Handling (CBH) grain bins, complemented by investment from the CBH Group.

Broomehill is one of the top five grain receival sites in the Albany region and is the second siding upgrade to begin construction following Brookton which broke ground in February this year.

As well as increasing the volume of grain per train going to the Port of Albany for export, the Broomehill upgrade will use the latest rail technology to improve safety.

The project will also move grain loading facilities away from the Broomehill townsite, reducing noise and impacts on local residents.

For more information on the ASCI Program, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The ASCI Program has specifically targeted infrastructure projects that will have maximum effect in terms of making freight more productive, efficient, and safe.

"While Broomehill is one of the top five grain receival sites in the Albany region, its current rail loading capability means it isn't equipped to keep up with handling the bumper harvests of our grain producers.

"Demand for WA's quality grain products amongst international markets is outstripping what we currently export, including in the Albany region.

"The upgrades now underway at Broomehill will help to address this shortfall and move thousands more tonnes of grain each month to port to meet market demand and boost the WA economy."

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"The start of construction at Broomehill is another welcome step forward for the ASCI Program which will transform our State's freight rail infrastructure.

"It currently takes 30-wagon trains up to 10 hours to load at Broomehill due to outloading constraints and the short rail siding at the site.

"When complete, this project is expected to cut the loading time by more than half and double the volume of grain going to valuable export markets through the Port of Albany."

Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500

Agricultue and F0od Minister's office - 6552 6200