Securing the Grain Freight Network in NSW

20 October 2008

Joint Media Release:
Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

A high-level review looking for ways to rebuild an efficient grain transport network in NSW will begin this month, following the appointment of the review taskforce.

The review will be headed by former deputy chair of the National Transport Commission, Des Powell and is expected to report by May 2009.

It will include experts from industry and government, including:

• Grower groups (NSW Farmers Association and Grain Growers Association);
• Grain handling groups (Graincorp, Australian Bulk Alliance);
• Grain marketing groups (AWB, ABB);
• Rail operators (Pacific National and El Zorro as a potential operator);
• Local Government Association of NSW;
• Australian Rail Track Corporation;
• Rail, Tram and Bus Union; and
• The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The Rudd Government is delivering on another election commitment for rural and regional Australia, investing $3 million to set up the taskforce to get grain exports back on track in NSW.

The NSW grains industry is a critical part of the national economy, and the Rudd Government is committed to developing the best solutions for the future.

On average, between five and six million tonnes of grain are produced in NSW each year to meet domestic demand and export markets.

The review will examine grain freight supply chains and identify the most sustainable, long-term solution for moving grain efficiently from farmer to customer.

Specifically, the review will look at:

• Cropping patterns, densities, innovations and the likely impact of climate change;
• Market demand for grain and the impact of regulatory reform; and
• Capacity of supply chain infrastructure and the various transport options in the short, medium and long term.

It will draw on the previous work undertaken by the NSW Grain Infrastructure Advisory Committee.

The review will be supported by a secretariat from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the NSW Ministry of Transport.

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