WAFarmers president, Mike Norton, said now was the time for the State Government to ensure that the safety of rural and metropolitan road users was maintained.

The Strategic Grain Network Committee, of which WAFarmers is a member, was commissioned last year by the Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien, to undertake analysis into the grain transport issue, both road and rail, following concerns from industry over the viability of the grain freight system.

“These concerns are still very real, with the potential of more than one million tonnes of grain immediately moving to ill-equipped metropolitan and regional roads if funding is not allocated to the grain freight network,” said Mr Norton.

“WAFarmers maintains that Government funding of the State’s grain rail network is essential for the continuance of this pivotal industry and the safety of the State’s road users.

“State Government funding is required for both long-term infrastructure improvements and a shortterm socially responsible Transition Assistance Package.”

The Transition Assistance Package aims to address the difference in freight rates for rail versus road on selected lines, until further efficiencies can be achieved on rail and/or the road network is fit for purpose.