Construction is underway on a Midland Line upgrade that will allow heavier grain trains to move between WA’s Mid West grain-growing areas and Geraldton Port.
Arc Infrastructure is upgrading about 78 kilometres of track between Carnamah and Mingenew, replacing timber sleepers with around 55,000 modern concrete and steel sleepers.
The works will increase the line’s tonne-axle load from 16 tonnes to 19 tonnes, allowing 25 per cent more grain to be carried on a single train.
Why does grain rail freight matter to growers?
The Midland Line is a critical part of Western Australia’s grain export supply chain.
CBH Group uses the corridor to transport about half a million tonnes of grain each year to Geraldton Port, linking growers across the Mid West with global markets.
By increasing the amount of grain carried per train, the upgrade is expected to streamline grain handling and support lower freight costs for local growers.
WA Agriculture and Food and Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said the works would support the region’s role in international grain exports.
“Upgrading the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew supports better returns for local growers, and will help WA remain competitive in the international market,” Jarvis said.
What will the Midland Line upgrade deliver?
The project will strengthen the track structure across the 78-kilometre section between Carnamah and Mingenew.
Replacing timber sleepers with concrete and steel sleepers will allow heavier axle loads and more efficient rail operations.
In practical terms, the higher tonne-axle load means more grain can move on each train, reducing pressure during peak freight periods and improving the farm-to-port pathway.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Midland Line plays an important role in the state’s freight network.
“These upgrades will enable more grain to be transported by rail, supporting productivity and delivering greater returns for growers,” Saffioti said.
How is the project being funded?
The upgrade is funded through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program.
The Australian Government is contributing $160 million to the program, while the WA Government is contributing $40 million.
For the Midland Line works, the two governments are contributing $45 million through the program for design and construction materials.
Arc Infrastructure is contributing $22 million for construction.
The line has been temporarily closed in consultation with CBH so works can proceed, with the project expected to be complete by early next year.
What does this mean for WA’s grain supply chain?
The Midland Line upgrade is part of a wider investment program across WA’s grain-growing regions.
Other Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements projects include rail siding upgrades already completed at Cranbrook, Moora, Brookton, Broomehill and Konnongorring.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the program was focused on lifting farm-to-port capacity.
“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,” King said.