Freight Rail

Grain project to boost Newcastle agri exports

A GrainCorp shed at the Port of Portland. Photo: David Sexton

GrainCorp has done a deal with the New South Wales Government to deliver a $4.7m upgrade to a major grains handling facility in Burren Junction, northern NSW.

Rail loading times are expected to be cut by 70% from the upgrade, which is predicted to deliver faster cycle times to port with a freight saving of more than $6 a tonne.

GrainCorp’s Group general manager of storage and logistics, Neil Johns, said Burren Junction was a large regional site and is connected to Newcastle port by rail, increasing its strategic importance for grain growers and grain exporters.

“By partnering with the NSW Government through its Fixing Country Rail program, the rail siding has been upgraded as well as the above rail loading equipment,” Johns said.

“This combination cuts the train loading time from 13 hours to under four hours, greatly reducing rail freight cost and heavy vehicle movements through local communities.

“In fact, for every train we use to send grain to port we are removing up to 70 trucks from local roads.”

He said growers would enjoy higher grain prices and better market access.

He applauded the efforts of roads, maritime and freight minister Duncan Gay and Premier Mike Baird.

“The opening of this upgraded facility is coming at a perfect time, as northern New South Wales is enjoying a large harvest,” he said.

This story originally appeared on Rail Express affiliate site Lloyd’s List Australia.