The CBH Group’s Broomehill site has recently undergone an extensive upgrade and expansion in preparation for the 2024-25 harvest season. This upgrade has enabled the Western Australian bulk handler to meet its Horizon 2 target of exporting 2.5 million tonnes of grain per month, up from the previous target of 2 million tonnes, as outlined in its Path to 2033 strategy.
The key components of the Broomehill project include the construction of a new 2.1km siding adjacent to the main line, which allows for the rapid loading of longer trains. This new siding also includes a passing loop in the Albany Zone, which enables a third train to operate, increasing efficiency and capacity. Trains will be loaded using a 4400t equivalent fixed rail loading facility, capable of filling a 60-wagon train with 3600t of grain within four hours without disrupting the main line. This is a significant improvement from the previous loading process, which could only load 30 wagons over 11 hours, causing disruptions to the main line.
CBH Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Macnamara, described the Broomehill project as a gamechanger for the Albany Zone, with benefits extending across the entire CBH network. The project aims to enhance the efficiency of the WA freight rail network, support regional communities, and improve safety and infrastructure for growers and the Western Australian economy.
Mr. Macnamara expressed gratitude to the WA and Federal governments for their investment in the project, as well as to the CBH teams, Kotzur, Pacific Industrial, local contractors and suppliers, and the Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup for their contributions. The rapid rail outloading and siding project at Broomehill will provide greater flexibility within the supply chain, increase the volume of grain transported to port via rail, and reduce the number of trucks on roads. The efficiencies gained from this project will result in faster loading times for larger trains and the option to run additional train sets in the Albany Zone, ultimately improving safety outcomes for regional communities.
The Broomehill project is part of CBH’s network investment strategy, with a focus on enhancing the performance and sustainability of the grain industry in Western Australia. Following the completion of siding projects in Brookton and Konnongorring, Broomehill is the third siding built at CBH sites under Package 1 of the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements Program, funded in partnership with the WA and Federal governments. This project is the first of its kind to include a state-of-the-art fixed loading facility, setting a new standard for efficiency and capacity within the CBH network.
The next project in line, the Cranbrook siding and loading facility, is currently under construction in the Albany Zone and is expected to be completed in the second half of this year. These investments in rail infrastructure are essential for the long-term viability of WA’s grain growers, the grain industry, and regional Western Australia.
In conclusion, the upgrade and expansion of the Broomehill site represent a significant milestone for the CBH Group and the Western Australian grain industry. By investing in rail infrastructure and improving efficiency, CBH is paving the way for a more competitive and sustainable future for growers and the broader community.
