Uncategorized

GrainCorp win rail accreditation in Victoria

<p>The Victorian Government has given GrainCorp the green light to operate a grains train in the state’s west, but the company is still waiting on economically viable access rates from rail operator Freight Australia before it can start hauling.</p> <p>GrainCorp has taken its case to the state’s competition regulator, the Essential Services Commission, which will decide whether Freight Australia’s proposed rates are acceptable.</p> <p>The commission said it will make a decision next month.</p> <p>GrainCorp spokesman Mario Falchoni said the company is confident the commission will direct Freight Australia to lower its rates because what’s on offer at present is anti-competitive.</p> <p>GrainCorp has invested in two engines and 40 wagons to haul grain from the state’s Wimmera region to the ports of Geelong and Portland. </p> <p>The rolling stock is due for delivery next month and the company has a crew lined up to start operations as soon as the access issue is resolved.</p> <p>GrainCorp managing director Tom Keene said the company’s accreditation from the State Government this week as a provider and operator of rolling stock had removed an important hurdle to starting operations.</p> <p>"We have responded to the Victorian Government’s call for investment in rail and the result will be increased choice for primary producers and all the benefits that competition provides," Mr Keene said.</p> <p>GrainCorp has around 30 grain receival centres in the Wimmera region and will also seek to win haulage business from other companies. </p> <p>It aims to haul around 300,000 tonnes of grain a year to the two ports and will consider investing in more rolling stock if operations prove fruitful.</p> <p>GrainCorp handles about 2m tonnes of grain and 1m tonnes of woodchips through Geelong and Portland.</p> <br />