NSW Minister for Transport David Campbell said the 20 kilometre stretch of rail would open after maintenance work was completed by February 2010.

State Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said the use of local contractors on a timely basis should see the rail opened by December 2009 in time for much of the winter harvest.

“Considering this line is expected to carry between 200,000 and 300,000 tonnes of grain during the 2009/10 grain harvest we need access to that line in the next month,” Mr Humphries said.

The NSW Labor Government imposed a $1-per-tonne surcharge to all grain hauled on the line as part of the conditions of reopening it, although this cost will initially be absorbed by Graincorp during the 2009 harvest season.

Garah District Council of NSW Farmers president Jock Hunter said it was obvious, since the line was closed on September 1, that it had to be reopened.

“I think the government didn’t necessarily realise the importance of the line,” Mr Hunter said.

“As growers we’re very pleased to have this line reopened because we do undertake to try and, one way or another, upgrade the line and put heavier trains on it,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the maintenance of the line would include the replacement of 2500 sleepers.

“It’s expected that all works will be completed by February 2010, however, the NSW Government will investigate whether sections of the line can open earlier,” he said.

Moree Plains Shire councillor James von Drehnen said common sense had prevailed over an important issue.

“I’m disappointed that the farmers have been asked to pick up the maintenance tab for a national infrastructure asset,” Cr von Drehnen said.

Mr Humphries said freight charges would remain the same as last year for farmers who normally operated on this line, thanks to Graincorp absorbing the initial costs.