GrainCorp train
The Tocumwal site was updated using funds through Project Regeneration.
 
WEST PERTH, AUSTRALIA — GrainCorp’s Tocumwal site was relaunched on Nov. 3 as part ofProject Regeneration.

In 2014, GrainCorp announced A$200 million ($153.64 million) would be spent to upgrade 13 of its country sites. The Tocumwal site upgrade is part of GrainCorp’s Project Regeneration initiative that involves developing a network of 50+ high capacity, export-focused country sites to improve rail efficiency, reduce supply chain costs and reduce the number of heavy vehicle movements.

As part of the A$3 million upgrade of Tocumwal, the rail siding was extended from a 10-wagon 150 meter siding to a full 40-wagon unit train (640 meter) siding. The traffic flow of the site also was substantially redesigned – improving turnaround times. Additionally, the new rail facilities allow a train to be loaded with no shunting when using distributed power.

“We are excited to have the site operational in time for harvest,” said Peter Johnston, Victorian regional manager. “We are expecting a larger-than-normal harvest in the region so the new, more efficient site is great news for growers. Tocumwal’s cycle time of 36 hours makes it especially attractive as a site to source grain, so we would expect site prices to be especially competitive. We would like to thank Berrigan Shire and our contactors for their support and hard work to complete the works before harvest.”

Tocumwal is a 120,000 tonne capacity site in New South Wales, but is part of the Victorian rail network.

In August, Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) government announced that it will provide up to A$6 million funding from its Fixing the Country Rail program to GrainCorp for rail upgrades. The program funds rail infrastructure enhancement projects that eliminate connectivity constraints on the NSW regional rail network and reduce the cost to market for regional businesses.

The funding will allow GrainCorp to upgrade grain rail sidings in Barellan (up to A$1.5 million), Burren Junction (up to A$1.5 million) and Hillston (up to A$3 million).