While Tocumwal is a 120,000 tonne capacity site based in the Riverina region of New South Wales, it is part of the Victorian rail network. 

The site upgrade is part of GrainCorp’s Project Regeneration initiative that involves developing a network of over 50 high capacity, export-focussed country sites to improve rail efficiency, reduce supply chain costs and reduce the number of heavy vehicle movements.

As part of the $3 million upgrade, the rail siding was extended from a 10-wagon 150m siding to a full 40- wagon unit train (640m) siding. 

The traffic flow of the site was also substantially redesigned to improve turnaround times. 

Additionally, the new rail facilities allow a train to be loaded with no shunting when using distributed power.

GrainCorp Victorian regional manager Peter Johnston said it was important that the site was open prior to harvest.

“We are excited to have the site operational in time for harvest. We are expecting a larger than normal harvest in the region so the new, more efficient site is great news for growers,” Johnston said.

“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.”