A LONG term is needed to ensure grain would continue to be hauled to port by rail, according to the NSW Farmers’ Association.
The association welcomed the State Government announcement an agreement has been reached to secure the rail transport of this year’s grain harvest but said there was much detail to go over secure the service.
Association president Jock Laurie said the future of grain growers across North West NSW depended on a solution.
“Rail is used to transport a significant proportion of the State’s annual grain production and is part of an overall integrated transport strategy for the movement of grain,” he said.
“For several years growers have been calling for an effective grain rail network and the association will continue to present their issues to all stakeholders to ensure a workable system post June 2009.”
Mr Laurie said he looked forward to a meeting with Deputy Premier and Transport Minister John Watkins next week to discuss the rail line issue and would be asking what freight charges growers would pay and whether growers would be guaranteed equitable access to rail and up-country storage.