MAJOR port and rail freight upgrades are under way across Western Australia as the state moves to accommodate record grain volumes and strengthen supply chain capacity from paddock to port.
The state government has committed $12.2 million to berth remediation works at Esperance and Albany, while construction has begun on a critical upgrade of the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew to boost grain‑to‑port rail capacity in the Mid West.
Civil engineering firm Freyssinet has been awarded the contract to deliver remediation works beneath Berth 1 at Esperance and Berth 3 at Albany, including hydro‑demolition and concrete replacement.
The two berths handled 93% of the 6.7 million tonnes of trade moved across them last year — more than 6.2 million tonnes of grain — with volumes expected to climb again this season.
Freyssinet began work in Esperance in late 2025 and has since relocated to Albany. The three‑year program will be delivered in stages, with the project team rotating between ports to ensure no interruption to operations or customers.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said the works were essential to keeping pace with WA’s bumper harvests.
“Improving the berths at WA ports means we can continue to grow port capacity to handle trade being generated by the bumper crops being produced by WA growers,” Mr Dawson said. “More than 6.2 million tonnes of grain were facilitated by these two berths alone last year and the numbers already look higher this year.”
Agriculture minister Jackie Jarvis said the investment would support long‑term export security.
“This investment in berth remediation ensures our regional ports can offer diverse trade capabilities and plan for the long‑term security of our agricultural exports, which is integral for our grain industry.”
Southern Ports CEO Keith Wilks said maintaining berth integrity was fundamental to the authority’s operations.
“Our berths are fundamental to the throughput and economic contribution we generate across our ports — investment in their upkeep is vital, particularly in our harsh marine environments.”
In the Mid West, Arc Infrastructure has begun a major upgrade of 78 kilometres of the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew. The project will replace around 55,000 timber sleepers with modern concrete and steel sleepers, increasing the line’s tonne‑axle load from 16 to 19 tonnes.
Once complete, the upgrade will allow 25% more grain per train, improving efficiency, reducing freight costs for growers and strengthening the supply chain into Geraldton Port, where CBH moves around 500,000 tonnes of grain annually via the corridor.
The line has been temporarily closed in consultation with CBH, with completion expected early next year.
The project is funded through the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) program, with the Albanese Government contributing $160 million, the Cook Government $40 million, and Arc Infrastructure providing $22 million for construction works.
Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said the ASCI program was delivering long‑term benefits for regional freight.
“Through our Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements program, we are building greater capacity and efficiency moving WA grain from farm to port, now and into the future," Ms King said.
WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said the Midland Line was a critical link in the state’s freight network.
“These upgrades will enable more grain to be transported by rail, supporting productivity and delivering greater returns for growers.”
Agriculture and Food minister Jackie Jarvis said the works would help WA remain competitive internationally.
“Upgrading the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew supports better returns for local growers, and will help WA remain competitive in the international market.”
Senator Glenn Sterle said the investment would reduce heavy‑vehicle pressure on regional roads, while Sandra Carr MLC said the project would support jobs and families across the Mid West.