GROWERS in New South Wales’ Central West region will be able to get more of their goods to market faster following completion of a $7.96 million rail upgrade at the GrainCorp site in Condobolin.

By increasing the capacity of the existing siding from 30 to 48 wagons, the upgrade work has allowed for larger trains carting more grain to use the GrainCorp site.

The upgrade could help shift up to 40,000 tonnes of grain from road to rail and support the long-term sustainability of the state’s grain industry while streamlining the supply chain.

The works allow for longer trains with more wagons, boosting each train’s capacity by 35 percent to carry up to 2822t.

GrainCorp chief operating officer, Klaus Pamminger said the upgrade has cut average time it takes for a freight train to travel from the site to port and back from 60 hours to 48 hours.

“By increasing rail capacity and efficiency, we’re strengthening the grains supply chain for NSW growers, ensuring they can access critical export markets and domestic customers, especially in bigger years when flexibility is key,” Mr Pamminger said.

“Faster train cycles mean we can move grain to port more quickly, and increasing capacity and reducing turnaround times strengthens the entire supply chain with more efficient and cost-effective transport.”

More grain on rail

The upgrade is expected to ease heavy traffic pressure on local roads by eliminating up to 900 truck movements on the roads each year.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said the project delivers safer roads, improved efficiency, and greater productivity for NSW farmers and regional communities.

“This upgrade is a great example of how investing in regional rail infrastructure delivers real benefits across the supply chain, and in reducing road impacts,” Ms Aitchison said.

“A stronger, more efficient freight network means lower transport costs and a more competitive grain industry.

“By shifting more grain from road to rail, we are also making our roads safer and reducing wear and tear on local roads.

“This project is a win for farmers, businesses, local residents and consumers alike.”

Located in the heart of NSW’s wheat belt, Condobolin plays a crucial role in grain production, with GrainCorp’s site receiving an average of 177,000t per harvest season.

Funding for the project included $6.75M from GrainCorp for improved rail infrastructure, $1.21 from the NSW Government to extend the rail siding by 900m and a further $190,000 in-kind contribution from Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) for rail equipment.

ARTC group executive development Jade Hooper said the organisation was “proud to be part of the partnership” that delivered the upgrades.

“Strategic investments like this are critical to making rail a more competitive and sustainable freight option,” Ms Hooper said.

“By upgrading infrastructure and increasing capacity, we’re helping shift more freight onto rail, easing pressure on local roads, improving safety and supporting more efficient supply chains – both domestically and for export markets.”

Source: NSW Government, GrainCorp