West Australian group backs grain freight upgrade push

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (WAFF) has supported calls for the West Australia and federal governments to invest in upgrading the state's grain freight transport network.

WestNet Rail and Co-operative Bulk Handling launched a campaign to encourage the two governments to join them in investing A$400 million (US$285 million) to improve rail lines.

Sleepers need to be replaced, rapid loading facilities built and connecting roads in regional areas upgraded, the campaign said.

Farmers' cost will increase if the upgrade is not completed, WAFF's Mike Norton said.

When roads fall apart, the local shire councils have to fix them and rail is the most cost-effective way to shift it, said Norton.

Meanwhile, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association said it wants a new standard gauge links built at regional ports to improve grain transport in West Australia.

The association also said better roads with more passing lanes to connect regional towns to ports would improve road safety.