Arc Infrastructure has recently completed preparations at Yarra Yarra Lake in the Mid West for the upcoming intensive period of work on the ASCI Program. Photo: Arc Infrastructure

CONSTRUCTION is under way to upgrade a section of the Midland Line to boost grain-to-port rail freight capacity in Western Australia’s Mid West region.

Arc Infrastructure is upgrading approximately 78km of track on the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew.

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

Once complete, the project will streamline grain handling, boost capacity and deliver savings on freight costs to local grain growers by increasing the amount of grain that can be carried on a single train by 25 percent.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Midland Line plays a vital role in transporting grain to Geraldton Port, with CBH Group using the corridor to transport about 500,000t of grain annually.

“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,” Ms Saffioti said.

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

This project is funded through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) program, towards which the Federal Government is contributing $160 million and the WA Government $40M.

As part of the Midland Line upgrade, the governments are contributing $45M through ASCI for the design and purchase of construction materials, with Arc Infrastructure contributing $22M for construction works.

In consultation with CBH, Arc Infrastructure has temporarily closed the line to undertake the construction, with the project expected to be complete by early next year.

Arc acting chief executive officer Nathan Speed said Arc’s internal team will deliver the works to achieve significant cost savings.

“Arc and CBH have agreed a construction methodology that will see large sections of the track closed for several months during construction,” Mr Speed said.

“Combined with Arc delivering the work with its internal teams, this methodology reduces the overall project cost by over $30 million, enabling a more efficient spend of ASCI funding.

“Arc is also pleased to contribute $22 million towards the upgrade project, in addition to making over $30 million of cost savings through Arc’s internal delivery methodology.

“The parties will work together to ensure that movement of grain is optimised across the network ahead of and during construction outages.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the ASCI is delivering a number of projects in WA’s grain-growing regions to support regional communities and economic growth.

These include rail siding upgrades already 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,” Ms King said.

“The Australian Government, working with the WA Government and industry, is delivering a legacy of more resilient and productive rail freight infrastructure for the regions.”

WA Agriculture and Food and Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said upgrading the line will support the Mid West region’s important role in producing grain that the state exports overseas.

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

“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.”

Senator for WA Glenn Sterle said these works would also help to increase the amount of grain transported by rail in WA and reduce the wear and tear on the state’s road network.

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

“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.”

Source: WA Government, Arc Infrastructure