WestNet, WA Government strike truce

WestNet Rail ceased operations on the lines on June 15th after its request for $45 million funding from the Government to re-sleeper the key Northam-Albany line fell on deaf ears.
However, the company announced on June 25th that the State Government will work with WestNet to drum up a strategy and an investment decision will be made before the end of this year.
The strategy will complement the review of Western Australia's grain rail freight network currently being undertaken by the Strategic Grain Network Committee.
WestNet Rail general manager Paul Larsen said the decision by the State Government would provide certainty about the future of the 2,300 km grain freight network.
“We are particularly pleased with the Government's decision to identify the Northam-Albany line as high priority for assessment for investment, as this line is one of the most critical for growers to move their grain to port in a timely and efficient manner,” Larsen said.
“We anticipate a clear recommendation from the Strategic Grain Network Committee on funding for the line upgrade in the very near future.”
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au