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Posted by Allen Newton
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12 Nov, 2026
THE reopening of the upgraded Midland Line is set to improve grain export efficiency into Geraldton Port, with heavier rail loads allowing significantly more grain to be moved from the Mid West during what is shaping as another strong Western Australian harvest.
Track upgrades between Carnamah and Mingenew have increased the line's axle load capacity from 16 tonnes to 19 tonnes under the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) Program, enabling a single wagon train to carry 25% more grain to Geraldton for export.
The works were completed after a temporary closure of the Carnamah-Mingenew section of the line from June, with the route reopening in time for the current harvest.
The project is expected to improve the economics of grain-on-rail transport for growers, with CBH Group using the corridor to move export grain into Geraldton. According to the WA government, CBH transports around 500,000 tonnes of grain annually on the Midland Line, while Geraldton Port handles about 20% of the state's grain exports.
The upgrade comes as grain volumes continue to build across Western Australia. CBH reported this week that more than 5.1 million tonnes had been delivered into its network, with the Geraldton zone accounting for about 1.2 million tonnes, making it one of the strongest-performing regions in the state.
CBH chief operations officer Mick Daw said harvest volumes were arriving faster than in previous large seasons.
"Harvests are getting bigger and faster, and we've invested in the network to keep up – we're ready for those bigger days," Mr Daw said.
The Midland Line project was delivered by Arc Infrastructure, which contributed $22 million alongside $45 million from the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The rail upgrade forms part of the broader $200 million ASCI program, which includes improvements to rail sidings at key CBH receival sites and other measures aimed at strengthening the resilience and efficiency of WA's grain freight network. CBH has also invested in rapid rail-loading infrastructure to complement the program.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project would help move grain to port more efficiently while supporting regional jobs and export supply chains.
The Midland Line upgrade is one of a series of completed ASCI projects designed to increase the capacity and reliability of Western Australia's grain freight network as harvest volumes continue to rise.
