The Midland Line upgrade is underway in Western Australia’s Mid West, with works aimed at increasing grain-to-port rail freight capacity.

Railway station and grain silo in Three Springs Western Australia
Archive photo of a railway station and grain silo in Three Springs, Western Australia. Photo: Bahnfrend / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Midland Line upgrade scope

Arc Infrastructure is carrying out the upgrade on about 78 kilometres of track between Carnamah and Mingenew⁠.

The project involves replacing timber sleepers with around 55,000 concrete and steel sleepers, raising the tonne-axle load on the section from 16 tonnes to 19 tonnes.

Once complete, the upgrade is expected to make grain handling more efficient, increase capacity and reduce freight costs for local growers by allowing each train to carry 25 per cent more grain.

The Midland Line is an important route for moving grain to Geraldton Port, and CBH Group uses the corridor to transport about 500,000 tonnes of grain each year.

Arc Infrastructure has temporarily closed the line for construction following consultation with CBH. The project is scheduled to be finished by early next year.

Funding and ASCI program works

Funding is being provided through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program⁠. The Albanese Government is contributing $160 million to the program, while the Cook Labor Government is providing $40 million.

For the Midland Line upgrade specifically, the Australian and Western Australian Governments are providing $45 million through ASCI⁠ for design and construction materials. Arc Infrastructure is contributing a further $22 million for construction works.

ASCI is supporting several projects in Western Australia’s grain-growing areas to assist regional communities and economic growth.

Rail siding upgrades have already been completed under the program at Cranbrook, Moora, Brookton, Broomehill and Konnongorring.

The Midland Line works sit within the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program, which Transport WA describes as the implementation phase of the Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight Strategy. The program targets rail infrastructure in Western Australia’s grain-growing regions and is designed to lift supply chain efficiency, capacity and grain exports during the peak-pricing period from November to June. Its scope also includes upgrades and extensions to 11 CBH grain receival site rail sidings and investigation of possible Tier 3 rail line recommissioning in the Narrogin-Wickepin-Kulin area.

Ministerial comments on grain rail capacity

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“Through our Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program, we are building greater capacity and efficiency moving WA grain from farm to port, now and into the future.”

“The Australian Government, working with the WA Government and industry, is delivering a legacy of more resilient and productive rail freight infrastructure for the regions.”

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said:

“The Midland Line is a critical link in Western Australia’s freight supply chain, so it’s important it’s future-proofed so we can keep our State moving.”

“These upgrades will enable more grain to be transported by rail, supporting productivity and delivering greater returns for growers.”

“The Cook Labor Government is committed to improving capacity and efficiency across our State’s rail freight network to support local jobs and keep our economy strong.”

WA Agriculture and Food and Mid West Minister Jackie Jarvis said:

“Western Australia’s grain industry is a powerhouse of our regional economy, and the Mid West plays a vital role in producing the premium grain we export to the world.”

“Upgrading the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew supports better returns for local growers, and will help WA remain competitive in the international market.”

“These works are another example of how the ASCI program is strengthening our grain supply chain, and supporting WA growers, regional communities and the State’s economy.”

Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said:

“By investing $160 million for rail in WA’s grain-growing regions, we are future-proofing our freight network.”

“This means less heavy traffic on our local roads and more grain safely making its way to the market, while backing local jobs and supporting farming communities.”

Sandra Carr MLC said:

“The Mid West region is a significant driver of Western Australia’s economy, producing millions of tonnes of grain each year.”

“By upgrading the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew, we’re investing in the future of this important industry that supports so many local jobs and families.”

“Projects like these are part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure to support our regional communities and economy.”