Bumper crops and crumbling roads don’t combine

Farmers say bumper crops have moved at a pace that is faster than improvements to road and rail. See the six points that need to be addressed.

Grains farmers have renewed calls for more investment in Australian roads, as ageing freight infrastructure struggles to keep up with the nation’s bumper crops.

The 2022-23 winter crop yielded a record 65.7 million tonnes that was moved across road and rail freight systems.

But crumbling roads, bridges with low weight limits and overall logistical challenges in delivering Australia’s harvest to port are all proving roadblocks to a smooth supply chain.

GrainGrowers chairman and York, Western Australia farmer Rhys Turton said there had been a lack of investment in infrastructure for a long time.

“This has been exacerbated by our bigger crops,” he said.

“The freight vehicles, both trucks and trains, are getting bigger, and the roads and rail are battling to keep pace.

“We have seen a lack of resources and funding for local governments, and these areas make up for 75 per cent of the area where freight traffic happens.”

Mr Turton said CSIRO figures showed that transport costs amounted to $2.1 billion annually for the grain industry.

GrainGrowers released its national freight strategy last week, with a focus on encouraging competition to the supply chain, and streamlining regulation.

Rhys Turton of York in Western Australia says industry has worked together to highlight road and rail challenges. Picture: .Richard Wainwright

Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association executive director Rachel Smith said there were opportunities for other carriers to work with the grains industry because the challenges were much the same.

“Access is critically important, as is the state of the roads and the need for regional investment,” she said.

“We are the most urbanised country in the world with 90 per cent of our population living on the eastern seaboard, it is time for communities to support those that feed and clothe them.”

Wimmera farmer Ryan Milgate said bridges were an access concern from a farmer’s point of view.

Mr Milgate said the overall aim was to get grain from farm to port as safely and effectively as possible.

“In our area, the roads are not great, and many road surfaces are getting worse,” he said.

Grain Producers Australia chairman Barry Large of Miling, Western Australia, said the strategy was an opportunity to collaborate to ensure the best outcomes.

“We know an efficient supply chain is vital to growing and selling grain,” he said.