A site upgrade at Mingenew will add capacity and increase efficiency in time for the 2026 harvest. Photo: CBH Group

WORK is progressing at a major upgrade of CBH’s Mingenew receival site, installing permanent storage capacity and improving receival efficiency to better support growers across the Geraldton Zone.

Mingenew is the largest up-country receival site in CBH’s Geraldton Zone, and plays a critical role in servicing local growers and supporting the accumulation of grain into CBH’s export supply chain.

Once complete, the project will construct 270,000 tonnes of storage and increase the site’s total capacity to 710,000t, helping replace lower-spec storage and ensuring the site can continue to service growers in the Mingenew catchment.

The Mingenew project includes:

• Construction of seven open bulkhead storages, delivering 270,000t of capacity;
• Two new 500t-per-hour auger pits and conveyor-loading systems to service the new permanent storage;
• Replacement of an existing sample hut with a dual spear Type 11 sample hut, increasing available spears from two to three; and,
• Improved drainage, mains power enabling works, and site amenities.

The upgrade will deliver practical benefits for growers by improving site efficiency and increasing reliable permanent storage capacity.

CBH Geraldton zone manager Colette Newton said with more permanent capacity on site, the project will help reduce reliance on lower-spec storage and harvest-only workarounds, while upgraded fixed inloading equipment and improved sampling infrastructure will help reduce cycle times.

“For growers, that means greater confidence the site can continue to perform during larger and faster harvests, helping reduce delays and minimise standing crop risk at peak times,” Ms Newton said.

In its 1 December 2025 Harvest Report for the week, CBH said Mingenew had set a daily receival record of 23,163t.

Strengthening Geraldton network

CBH head of network planning Nelson Aylmore said the investment would strengthen grower service outcomes while supporting the long-term performance of the Geraldton Zone network.

“Mingenew is a critical site in our Geraldton Zone network, and this investment is about ensuring we can continue to support growers with reliable, efficient receival capacity now and into the future,” Mr Aylmore said.

“By installing permanent storage, upgrading in-loading equipment and improving sampling and traffic flow, this project will help make harvest more efficient for growers while also strengthening the performance of the wider network.”

“This investment supports our Path to 2033 Strategy by ensuring our network keeps pace with production and continues to provide reliable and efficient service for growers.”

Source: CBH Group