GRAINCORP this week confirmed it will proceed with the next phase of the $18.5 million state-of-the-art grain silo project at Yamala, near Emerald, thanks to Queensland Government funding.

This silo will be built on a 47-hectare site within the emerging Central Queensland Inland Port (CQIP).

GrainCorp regional manager for Queensland, Brad Foster, said the facility would secure at least 100,000 tonnes of grain per year on rail.

“This will be our flagship site in Queensland and a benchmark for future investment and could not have been possible without the Queensland Government’s support.”

Last week the Queensland Government and Central Highlands Council announced funding for the construction of a rail siding and road infrastructure at CQIP.

“This new site will have six bunkers and a 1000t/hour rail-loading facility. The facility will deliver at least a $5/t rail saving benefit to Queensland growers from a 25 per cent reduction in train cycle time to Gladstone port terminal.

“We would also like to thank AgForce, who have been a strong supporter of Project Regeneration and the benefits it will deliver to Queensland growers,” Mr Foster said.

Construction is expected to take around 18 months.

This commitment from GrainCorp has been expected in the wake of the Queensland Government’s announcement earlier this month about its support for the project.

Key features of GrainCorp Yamala site:

• 180,000+ tonnes grain capacity
• Up to 12 segregations
• 1.5km rail siding which can handle 42 wagons
• Truck marshalling yard
• One-direction traffic flow