The Nationals candidate for Durack Ian Blayney has called on WA Labor to clarify their position on Tier 3 and come to the table to access Federal Government funding.
Western Australia’s agricultural region would stand to benefit from $160 million in Federal Liberal and National Government funding for rail freight infrastructure projects, but the WA Labor Government is required to come to the table with a stronger commitment.
The Nationals candidate for Durack welcomed the Labor Government announcing its favoured projects, but said it was just a start and clarity was needed on a broader vision for the rail freight network.
“Thanks to $160 million fought for and delivered by the Liberals and Nationals in Government, WA Labor have an opportunity to get major freight infrastructure projects underway across the agricultural growing region of WA,” Mr Blayney said.
“It is welcome but it is just a start and WA Labor need to identify the rail network and Tier 3 projects that they will continue to fund in partnership with a Federal Government.
“On the back of a record grains harvest, it is entirely appropriate this investment is made now to get more grain to market more quickly and more efficiently, putting more money back in farmer and community pockets.
“This harvest will be remembered as a record season, and we must be able to capitalise on these opportunities.
“The investment will be good for farmers, good for jobs, and good for communities across Durack.”
The investment will reduce freight costs for producers and increase the capacity of the rail network, allowing more grain to travel on tracks instead of trucks.
“This Nationals and Liberals Government understands we need world-leading infrastructure to support a world-leading agriculture sector and will always fight for improvements that help us achieve this,” Mr Blayney said.
“Not even a global pandemic could stop West Australian farmers from producing a bumper harvest this year, which shows just how vital agriculture is to rural communities and the national economy.”
“It’s vital to keep as much freight as possible on rail in WA.”
Ian Blayney chaired the state Parliamentary Inquiry into the state rail lease agreement, The Management of Western Australia’s Freight Rail Network report, when Chairman of the Economics and Industry Standing Committee. As Committee Chairman Mr Blayney chose to table the lease agreement documents with the report, making them publicly available for the first time.
