By Sineva Toevai
The review recommended that the state government should bear the cost of stabilising the “Class 5″” lines to avoid the higher cost of road upgrades and maintenance.
The cost of ongoing maintenance should be borne by the grain industry through increased track access charges, it found.
The review said the government should carry out a systematic investment program to stabilise the following Class 5 lines:
North Star to Moree Walgett to Burren Junction Merrywinebone to Narrabri Warren to Nevetire Tottenham to Bogan Gate Coonamble to Troy Junction Lake Cagellico to Temora Naradhan to Ungarie and Hillston to Griffith.
The review called on government and line owners to further negotiate about the future of four lines including the recently suspended Weemelah-Camurra Junction.
A significant part of the grain freight task would “always” be transported by road, the review found.
However, limited road access and funding were impediments to efficient grain transportation so the focus should be on investment in the “critical” grain routes, the review said.
The members of the review committee found that there was a lack of clarity in the planning for the grain freight transport task, therefore, a “whole supply chain” approach was needed to ensure certainty for investment.
The NSW Grain Freight Review was not a quick fix solution but rather a “package of measures” to help government and industry, the review said.
The report has been submitted to Infrastructure Australia (IA) so that IA could consider it in its development of a National Port Strategy and National Freight Network Strategy.
“We are determined to get the long term planning right and not repeat the mistakes of the past,” federal minister for infrastructure and transport Anthony Albanese said.
A copy of the report can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au
Source: Lloyd’s List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
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