Fortnightly ALC Government Relations Update No. 21 | 30 October to 12 November 2026

Upgrades to the Midland Line between Carnamah and Mingenew have increased axle load capacity from 16 tonnes to 19 tonnes, allowing heavier trains to move more grain to Geraldton Port. The upgrade means each wagon will carry around 25 per cent more grain. Around 55,000 concrete and steel sleepers were installed across approximately 77 kilometres of track. 

The line carries around half a million tonnes of grain each year for CBH Group, while Geraldton Port handles around 20 per cent of Western Australia’s grain harvest. The works form part of the $200 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments. King, Saffioti 

The announcement is directly relevant to ALC’s freight rail advocacy because the investment increases practical carrying capacity on an existing regional freight corridor and improves the connection between producers and export markets.

Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the Disaster Ready Fund is investing around $1 billion over five years in projects to reduce disaster risk. Current projects include flood access to Port Macquarie Airport, flood mitigation in Lismore, cyclone and evacuation shelters, and flood protection infrastructure in Victoria. Kristy McBain 

McBain also highlighted increased federal road funding, including Roads to Recovery rising to $1 billion a year, higher Black Spot funding and increased funding through the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program. She linked road condition directly to economic activity and goods movement, noting that severe weather and drought shorten pavement life.

The national average retail diesel price fell 1.8 cents to 278.3 cents per litre in the week ending 8 November. Despite the weekly fall, diesel remained 92.2 cents per litre higher than a year earlier. 

Wholesale diesel fell 5.2 cents to 260.9 cents per litre, while Singapore diesel dropped 7.5 cents to 147.3 cents per litre. Brent crude also fell sharply, down 15.4 cents per litre to 93.7 cents per litre. 

The latest figures point to some easing in international and wholesale markets, but diesel remains materially above last year’s level. For the supply chain logistics and freight transport industry, the operating cost pressure remains significant even as the immediate international price spike begins to soften.

The WA Legislative Assembly has passed the Petroleum Products Pricing Amendment Bill 2026, which would establish a permanent legislative basis for collecting information on fuel availability through FuelWatch. The Bill would allow regulations requiring fuel wholesalers and retailers to provide information on availability, supply and stock levels, while also giving the Commissioner for Consumer Protection an express monitoring role. 

The debate focused heavily on implementation. Members raised concerns about reporting burdens for small and regional operators, duplication with Commonwealth reporting, treatment of commercially sensitive stock information and the need for regional consultation. The Government indicated that detailed requirements would be set out in regulations, with consultation before implementation.

The Government also confirmed that the initial intention is to continue the current emergency reporting approach, including notification when a fuel type becomes unavailable and when supply is restored. Simplified or tiered reporting for small, regional and community-operated outlets will be considered during development of the regulations.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King responded to Qantas’ decision to cut 850 jobs, saying the airline should work with unions to retrain and redeploy as many affected employees as possible. King also argued that Australia needs to retain domestic AI and technology capability rather than treating automation solely as a cost-reduction exercise. 

King said future government support for major companies should closely consider what Australia receives in return, including domestic jobs and capability. She also raised cyber security risks associated with outsourcing and third-party providers.

Design work has commenced on a new two-lane concrete bridge at Harpers Crossing on Mount Alford Road in the Scenic Rim. The bridge will replace two ageing timber structures that have been overtopped nine times since 2022, closing the road for periods ranging from half a day to three days. 

The project is intended to improve road safety, flood resilience and access for residents, businesses and other road users. Funding has been secured through the Bridge Upgrade Program, with construction planned for 2028-29. 

The project is a useful example of resilience investment in a regional road network where weather-related closures affect local businesses, agricultural movements and access to surrounding communities.