Govt mismanagement blamed for grain transport crisis

The New South Wales government is again being accused of poor infrastructure management with the decision of rail freight company Pacific National to stop transporting grain for export.

This could lead to many more trucks on Hunter Region roads transporting grain to the Port of Newcastle.

Pacific National made the decision after its grain business reported losing $3 million a month.

In an interview with ABC News, NSW Nationals leader Andrew Stoner said it is a crisis and he blames the government for failing to properly maintain rail branch lines.

“There’s more to rail transport than just moving passengers around Sydney,” he said.

Nick Lewocki from the Rail Union told the ABC that the government should follow Victoria’s lead and consider investing in rolling stock to secure transport for grain.

“We can’t leave wheat in storage,” he said.

“It can’t be moved by road. Something has to be done.”

The NSW government is trying to recover the $70 million it gave to Pacific National under contract to fix up decrepit rail infrastructure. Transport Minister John Watkins said the $70 million could be given to a new rail operator.