The grain transportation forum was organised by senior WAFarmers member Jane Fuchsbichler, who spoke to Farm Weekly about the day’s dramatic events.

Mrs Fuchsbichler said the wheel turned when SGNC members, including chairman Fred Affleck, drove to the meeting via the York to Quairading road and discovered something was amiss with that particular stretch of road.

“They had a sudden realisation that our roads are not up to standard,” she said.

After the bumpy ride, Mr Affleck admitted he would feel unsafe driving a road train on the road.

He said its omission from the SGNC report would require attention.

The York to Quairading road is significant in terms of the SGNC report and what it set out to achieve for grain rail transportation efficiencies, in the short, medium and long-term horizons for the WA grains industry.

The report recommends closing an under-performing section of rail line that’s aligned with the road.

The narrow gauge railway line has been categorised as a tier three line in the report; meaning it’s considered uneconomical and unworthy of further investment of government funds.

That also means further investment is being shunned by the private rail operator, WestNet Rail

Mrs Fuchsbichler said after travelling to the meeting via that route, the SGNC members conceded it was not up to scratch for the grain transportation task.

“Where’s the money to fix the road?” she said.

“It just goes to prove you can talk about things until you are blue in the face, but there’s nothing like actually getting out and driving the roads.”

* Read the full story in this week's Farm Weekly