Rail freight upgrades WA grain harvest: Moora and Cranbrook

Rail freight upgrades WA grain harvest projects are helping move grain to port faster. The work covers CBH Group’s grain receival sites in Moora and Cranbrook, according to the WA government and as reported by Rail Express.

In addition, delivered late last year, the upgrades were jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Funding came through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) program. CBH Group also invested, as outlined on the Australian Government Infrastructure Investment Program.

The 2025–26 CBH Group grain harvest set a new record for WA. It reached over 24 million tonnes. The crop is worth approximately $10 billion to the state economy. The harvest is entering the out-loading stage.

Don’t miss…Holi Special trains: Indian Railways runs 1,244 trips

The government said ASCI projects are “building efficiency and capacity into the supply chain”. It said this is ensuring more of the bumper crop is moved to port. That is during the peak export pricing window.

Rail freight upgrades WA grain harvest at Moora and Cranbrook

Rail siding upgrades at 11 CBH sites are covered by the ASCI program. The aim is supply chain efficiencies through targeted rail freight infrastructure improvements. At Moora, north of Perth, a new loading facility is in place. The rail siding has also been extended. There is a new passing loop too. This has enabled more wagon trains to be loaded in less time than before.

Meanwhile, at Cranbrook, the rail siding has been upgraded and realigned. A new fixed rail loading facility is also in place. Together, the works reduced loading time for a 60-wagon train. It fell from about seven hours to four. Upgrades at Cranbrook, Moora, Broomehill and Konnongorring are complete. Work at Ballidu and Perenjori is to progress in 2026.

ASCI program and CBH Group rail siding upgrades

In the WA government’s framing, the ASCI program works are about lifting efficiency and capacity. That focus sits within the grain export supply chain at peak periods. With the rail freight upgrades supporting the WA grain harvest out-loading phase, the focus is on moving more of the crop to port. This is during the key export pricing window. Still, the core logistics sequence remains intact.

Midland Line upgrade to the Port of Geraldton

Separately, another ASCI project will upgrade the Midland Line. The section runs between Carnamah and Mingenew. It has entered the design and procurement stage. When complete, the project will allow 25 per cent more grain per wagon to be transported. The line runs to the Port of Geraldton for export.

Also, Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said: “WA grain exports contribute significantly to the national economy and the Albanese and Cook Labor governments are working together through ASCI to support this sector. “The average harvest size in WA has increased significantly over the past five years and the infrastructure delivered through ASCI is essential to supporting this growth.”

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: