THIS week’s release of the Strategic Grain Network Committee’s final report into emerging transport infrastructure issues in the export grain supply chain has been cautiously welcomed by MLC member for the Agriculture Region Max Trenorden.

“I congratulate the Minister for Transport on commissioning this committee and the timely delivery of its findings,” he said.

“The report is comprehensive and contains some sound recommendations on the future direction of the transport of grain on rail in this State.”

While Mr Trenorden acknowledged the ink was still drying on the report, he encouraged the minister to maintain momentum.

He said the committee’s work has already proved valuable but expressed concern with some aspects.

“For me there are two clear issues to come from the report,” he said.

“The first is the recommendation to fully reassess the heavy vehicle permit system which has potentially far-reaching implications for local shires.

“One of the committee’s recommendations is the need to look closely at large combination vehicles transporting grain between bins and from bins to port.

“The report suggested their use needs to be limited primarily to areas not covered by rail.

“If we limit these heavy vehicles to certain roads the potential is for local shire roads – the feeder roads – to see increased traffic.

“As the report outlined, there needs to be close consultation between CBH and the local government authority to ensure shires aren’t left to pick up the tab.

“They simply do not have the financial capacity to maintain these roads and I’m asking the minister to clearly outline his intentions in this regard to give shires some peace of mind.”

Mr Trenorden said he also had concerns with the committee’s recommendation to improve rail services covering the south Kwinana region.

He said detailed planning was still needed.

“There is potential from this recommendation for a new line to run from Kwinana to Brookton and possibly to Quairading and Merredin,” he said.