NSW Farmers President James Jackson has thanked the state’s former Agriculture Minister for lending his voice to the campaign to unlock grain exports from the Port of Newcastle.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced he would be lobbying to have the deeds that govern the operation of the privatised Port of Newcastle changed by the NSW Government, saying it should be able to expand “without being burdened by ridiculous compensation requirements”.
Mr Jackson said greater efforts should be made to improve the capacity and competition of the supply chain from farm gate to international market, and the Port of Newcastle was a prime example.
“This is the only port on the east coast that can take a Panamax ship, that already has rail connections and freight handling facilities, but it’s got one hand tied behind its back by a government contract,” Mr Jackson said.
“We’re working hard to increase our farmgate output and improve productivity, but we’ve got these old fashioned rules and infrastructure in place that makes it cheaper to send trucks of grain to Sydney than trains of grain to Newcastle.
“If we’re serious about unleashing the potential of agriculture in NSW, a great start would be to pair the Port of Newcastle with the Moree Special Activation Precinct and a good rail upgrade.”
Improving rail freight from northern grain growers to the Port of Newcastle would save farmers between $16 and $22 per tonne, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses and drive even more economic activity in the regions.
“Farmers grow food and fibre that is in high demand – it is essential we get rid of every handbrake on productivity and efficiency,” Mr Jackson said.
“The past couple of years have been really rough on our economy, well here’s a way to really supercharge that recovery and help future-proof the state.
“I commend Adam Marshall for boldly taking this position and campaigning for better outcomes for farmers.”
