By Sam Collyer
CBH Group, which handles the bulk of the state’s grain, has so far shipped just over 5m of the 12.3m tonnes harvested in the 2008/09 season.
The harvest includes 8.9m tonnes of wheat, but CBH did not provide separate figures on how much of this had been exported.
Criticised for transport delays, CBH said the record tonnage was a huge achievement.
Operations general manager Colin Tutt said the group had ramped up its shipping and accumulation program in early February in an effort to cope with a heavy export schedule.
CBH last month revised its allocation system which requires marketers to submit an expression of interest to book shipping slots.
Two rounds of shipping slots have been offered covering shipping allocations through to August 31st, Tutt said.
This system was implemented in early March as a short-term solution to prevent adding to the congestion at our ports.
It has been successful in regulating bookings so that the grain being exported meets the state’s capacity to outturn the grain.
CBH said the allocation system was temporary and that it was working on a better long-term solution for exporters.
Source: Lloyds List Daily Commercial News – www.lloydslistdcn.com.au
Review of grain freight network in Western Australia
The Rudd Government is undertaking a review of the grain transport network in Western Australia. Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia, Gary Gray, announced that the review to help determine ways to improve the effectiveness of the grain transport network had commenced.
KPMG has been appointed to undertake the review in partnership with SAHA International who brings considerable expertise in the grain sector. Throughout the review, they will consult with all levels of Government and key industry stakeholders.
Gray said the WA grain industry was critical to the national economy, and the Australian Government was committed to developing the best infrastructure solutions for the future.
“”The Government recognises the importance of investing in infrastructure now to support important farming industries, including the grain sector, Gray said.
“”This review will analyse preliminary findings from the Grain Infrastructure Group to identify obstacles preventing the WA grain freight industry from being fully productive and efficient.””
Gray said the Australian and Western Australian Governments had agreed to fast track the review.
“”The outcome of this review is critical to the State’s grain industry. Progressing this swiftly will allow for government to consider the recommendations prior to the start of this year’s grain season,”” he said.
For further information about the review visit: www.auslink.gov.au
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