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AWB funds fact finding on rural rail upgrades

<p>AWB will fund an independent engineering study of the Tottenham branch line in western New South Wales.</p> <p>The AWB state manager for NSW and Queensland, Peter Burke, said that the information would allow local farmers and local state politicians to hold talks with NSW Rail Infrastructure Corporation about options for the track.</p> <p>Mr Burke said he believed that the assessment will demonstrate it makes economic sense to to upgrade efficient country rail infrastructure, not only in Tottenham but right across NSW".</p> <p>The member for Dubbo, Tony McGrane, said: "One of the main problems in addressing rail issues is the lack of factual information on the cost of repairing and upgrading these western tracks to allow commercial operators to use them in a cost-effective manner.</p> <p>"The emerging issue in terms of branch lines is that road transport is coming into favour due to policy decisions and poor track standards, and this AWB-funded study of the Tottenham line will certaintly help us to lobby the NSW Treasury to bring this track up to a commercial standard."</p> <br />