Subscribe to RSS feedAgForce fears for grain logistics in QR sell-off
AgForce has raised concerns about how the proposed privatisation of Queensland Rail (QR) might affect the state's grain export logistics.
Priority concerns: Queensland's agricultural sector wants grain logistics to maintain importance in future make-up of QR National
The privatisation plan for QR includes Australian Railroad Group, which will impact the grains industry, although the cattle business is not included in the initial sell-off, the Queensland rural lobby said.
The grains industry is concerned the sale of QR's freight assets will mean the new owners will sideline grain producers for the more lucrative coal business, it added.
"GrainCorp has signed a three-year 'take or pay' deal with QR, but growers are concerned about what will happen at the end of this contract, when the new owners might reassess the situation," an AgForce spokeswoman said.
"Queensland's grain industry has already lost more than $60m in 2008/09 because inefficient rail services could not move grain to port on time.
"AgForce will seek a commitment from government that proper rail services are available for the movement of agricultural commodities to provide long-term security."
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