Rail decision fears

THE State Government will press ahead with plans to close the Tier 3 rail network to the Wheatbelt, a decision that will force thousands of heavy grain trucks on to Perth’s already overcrowded roads.

A Parliamentary committee report tabled in the Legislative Council in June recommended the Government keep the 700km Tier 3 network open until at least the end of 2014, to allow grain processor Co-operative Bulk Handling (CBH) to fully assess its value to wheatgrowers.

But Transport Minister Troy Buswell rejected the recommendation, saying the Government would instead spend $118 million to upgrade regional roads before closing the lines next year.
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