UPGRADES recently delivered along the Midland Line in Western Australia’s Mid West region are boosting freight capacity to Geraldton port this grain harvest.
The track upgrades between Carnamah and Mingenew have increased the line’s capacity from 16 tonne axle load (TAL) to 19 TAL, enabling larger and heavier trains to carry more grain to port for export.
As a result of the TAL increase, a single wagon train will now be able to carry 25 per cent more grain, making the rail corridor more efficient and cost-effective for growers.
Approximately 55,000 modern concrete and steel sleepers were laid as part of the project, replacing the old timber sleepers along approximately 77 kilometres of track between Carnamah and Mingenew.
Arc Infrastructure’s internal team delivered the works, achieving significant cost savings, with assistance from subcontractors including John Holland and DT Infrastructure.
The Midland Line is a vital freight link for Western Australian Mid West grain growers, with CBH Group using the line to move around half a million tonnes of grain each year to Geraldton port.
Geraldton Port is responsible for exporting around 20 per cent of the state’s total grain harvest to major international markets including across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Arc and CBH agreed a construction methodology that has seen this section of the network closed since June, enabling the works to be completed more efficiently at lower cost.
Arc Infrastructure chief executive officer Stephanie Unwin said the project was a great example of collaborating to achieve better outcomes.
“It’s fantastic to see this upgrade completed, marking the culmination of many years of hard work between our teams,” Ms Unwin said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Arc team who worked hard to reopen the line on schedule ensuring we can deliver benefits to our customer CBH Group and WA growers in time for this year’s harvest.
“Arc has been pleased to contribute $22 million towards the project, in addition to achieving a significant cost savings through our internal delivery methodology.
“Many of our teams have contributed to this success – from Business Development in those early stages; Planning, Asset Management and Procurement, and now through to our Mobile Maintenance and Major Projects teams who have undertaken delivery.”
CBH Group is the sole customer on the line which is used throughout the year to transport grain to Geraldton Port.
Some additional minor works will be completed while trains are running on the line through to early 2027.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the upgrades were delivered as part of the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The Australian and Western Australian governments contributed $45 million through ASCI for the design and purchase of construction materials for the upgrades. Arc Infrastructure contributed $22 million for construction works.
“I welcome the completion of the Midland Line upgrade works, delivered in time to support Western Australia’s harvest and one of the nation’s most important export industries,” Ms King said.
“A strong, efficient and reliable rail freight network is critical for regional producers, moving products to market and supporting jobs and economic growth across the country.
“Our partnership with the Western Australian Government, through the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements Program, is delivering practical infrastructure upgrades that strengthen supply chains and help Australian grain reach global markets more efficiently.”
WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said the upgrades will support moving more freight on rail.
“We’re continuing to invest in our regional rail infrastructure to increase capacity across our network and keep Western Australia’s supply chains reliable and efficient,” Ms Saffioti said.
“These upgrades are helping to move more grain to Geraldton Port which will deliver greater benefits for our hardworking farmers and Western Australia’s economy.
“Our Government is committed to moving more freight on rail, which is why we’re working hard to bring the state’s freight rail network back into public control.”
This year is expected to mark the fifth time in six years that the CBH Group will exceed handling 20 million tonnes in Western Australia.
To support the growing production volumes, ASCI also includes rail siding upgrades and extensions which have been delivered at key CBH grain receival sites, complemented by CBH-funded rapid rail loading infrastructure.
WA Agriculture and Food and Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said the works will strengthen the grains industry supply chain.
“The Mid West grain harvest is in full swing and we’re proud to be supporting our farmers through a stronger, more efficient rail freight network,” Ms Jarvis said.
“With trains able to carry 25 percent more grain per wagon, we’re making the journey to Geraldton port more efficient, while supporting local jobs and strengthening an industry that contributes so much to our regional economy.
“Investing in our regional freight network is about backing our regional communities, supporting WA farmers and helping our grain industry remain competitive in international markets.”
