RAILWAY workers were told the lines between Toodyay and Miling, and Bunjil to Maya were slated for closure, prior to an agreement being reached between the State Government and WestNet Rail last week.

The agreement means these lines, and the four on which operations were suspended by WestNet Rail recently, will remain open pending a review of the whole network.

Together the State Government and WestNet Rail have determined a process and timeline for the review of the grain rail freight network being undertaken by the Strategic Grain Network Committee.

This process will see the SGNC identify the sections of the rail network to be upgraded over the coming years with the financial support of government.

It is expected investment decisions will be made before the end of 2009 to give the industry clarity and certainty for the future.

WestNet Rail said it had strongly advocated that keeping the maximum volume of grain on rail is in the best interests of the grain industry and the community.

WestNet Rail general manager Paul Larsen said the commitment from State Government will give the grain industry certainty about the future of the Grain Rail network.

“WestNet Rail is pleased with the results of constructive discussion with the Minister’s office and looks forward to the SGNC providing clarity to industry about the future Government investment in the network before the end of the calendar year,” he said.

“We are particularly pleased with the government’s decision to identify the Northam to Albany line as a high priority for assessment as this line is one of the most critical for growers to move their grain to port in a timely and efficient manner.”

“We anticipate a clear recommendation from the SGNC on funding for upgrades on the Northam to Albany line in the very near future.”

However, in a June 16 memorandum from ARG’s group general manager bulk west Ken Potts to all grain staff, workers were told there may be more closures ordered by WestNet Rail.