Completed rail freight upgrades at Moora and Cranbrook CBH Group grain receival sites are supporting the movement of Western Australia's biggest ever grain harvest, helping get more grain to port faster and into export markets sooner.
Delivered late last year, the upgrades were jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) program, alongside investment from CBH Group.
The Albanese Government contributed $160 million and the Cook Government contributed $40 million to the program.
The 2025-26 CBH Group grain harvest sets a new record for WA, exceeding 24 million tonnes, worth approximately $10 billion to the State economy.
As the harvest enters the out-loading stage, the ASCI projects are building efficiency and capacity into the supply chain, ensuring more of the bumper crop is moved to port during the peak export pricing window.
At Moora, inland north of Perth, a new loading facility and extended rail siding with a new passing loop means more wagon trains can be loaded in much less time than before.
At Cranbrook, in WA's inland far south-west, an upgraded and realigned rail siding and new fixed rail loading facility will cut the loading time of a 60-wagon train from about seven to four hours.
Rail siding upgrades at 11 CBH sites are included in the ASCI program to deliver supply chain efficiencies through targeted rail freight infrastructure upgrades.
Cranbrook and Moora join Brookton, Broomehill, and Konnongorring as complete, with upgrades at Ballidu and Perenjori to progress in 2026.
Another ASCI project to upgrade the Midland Line between Carnamah to Mingenew has entered the design and procurement stage.
When complete, the project will allow 25 per cent more grain per wagon to be transported on the line to the Port of Geraldton for export.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"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."
As stated by Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins:
"The upgrades at Moora and Cranbrook make it quicker, easier, and safer to load more grain onto rail, strengthen our agricultural supply chain and improve the performance of WA's freight network.
"The Albanese Labor Government, partnering with the WA Government, has delivered infrastructure that boosts productivity, strengthens regional communities and enhances our export competitiveness."
Quotes As put by WA Minister Assisting the Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The Cook Government is committed to investing in rail freight infrastructure upgrades through ASCI to support the increased productivity of Western Australian grain growers.
"This year's harvest is a remarkable achievement, and I congratulate WA growers, CBH, and all involved in the industry on their efforts.
"Through ASCI, the Cook Government is futureproofing WA's rail freight network, as part of our work to support local jobs and deliver quality infrastructure throughout regional WA."
Quotes As put by WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"We know the international grain market is highly competitive and for us to maintain and grow our market share, the efficient movement of grain to port is essential.
"These latest projects showcase how ASCI infrastructure is reducing bottlenecks in our supply chain and ensuring more grain gets to port during the early season export demand and price peak.
"WA grain growers, regional communities, and the WA economy will all benefit from better returns on our premium grain product, thanks to the improvements delivered through this program."
Quotes As put by WA Wheatbelt Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Wheatbelt has delivered a record-breaking grain harvest, and these upgrades ensure the supply chain can keep pace with the scale and success of our growers.
"Faster loading, longer trains, and more efficient rail movements mean more grain reaching port at the right time and better outcomes for regional communities."
