CBH marks construction start at first rail siding extension project

The CBH Group has commemorated the start of work at the Brookton rail siding extension, which is the first of 11 rail siding extension projects as part of the Agricultural Supply Chain Initiative (ASCI).

Brookton is the first of 11 rail siding extension projects at sites across CBH’s network, funded in partnership with the Western Australian and Commonwealth Government under the $200 million first package of the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) Program.

The start of construction was marked by an event at the Brookton site today with Traditional Owners from the Seabrook Aboriginal Corporation welcoming guests to country, and comments from WA Agriculture Minister and Food, Forestry and Small Business Jackie Jarvis, CBH Chair Simon Stead and CBH Chief Executive Officer Ben Macnamara.

Mr Stead said it was an important milestone which comes less than 12 months since the Package 1 of the ASCI program was announced.

“I want to thank the Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments for their commitment to invest in our state’s agricultural infrastructure to boost regional economies,” Mr Stead said.

“The back-to-back record WA harvests highlight the need to continue investing in the supply chain so that we have a network that can sustainably deliver value to WA growers for the long term.”

Mr Macnamara said the rail siding project will bring economic benefits to Brookton and surrounding areas.

“The Brookton project has supported the creation of 34 jobs, employed three local coontractors for civil works and a further three indigenous business to carry out site works. In addition, building and civil materials have been sourced from local quarries and farms,” Mr Macnamara said.

“When construction of this project is complete, CBH will be able to load longer trains at Brookton, improving rail efficiencies and ensuring the supply chain can export more grain to customers when needed.”

CBH expects construction at Brookton to be completed at the end of 2023.