Laing O’Rourke Secures Second Major Project with CBH Group in Western Australia
Laing O’Rourke has further solidified its partnership with CBH Group, securing a significant contract for the Moora Rapid Rail Outloading and Siding Project in Western Australia. This development marks the second collaboration between the two organizations, following Laing O’Rourke’s ongoing work on a similar project in Cranbrook.
This project is part of the first tranche of CBH Group’s broader initiative to upgrade rail siding and outloading facilities across Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. Funded in partnership with the Western Australian and Federal governments under the Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements (ASCI) Program, these efforts aim to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the region’s critical grain handling infrastructure.
Mark Dimmock, Acting Managing Director at Laing O’Rourke, underscored the importance of the project:
“Rail infrastructure is a key economic enabler, and we are proud to be working with CBH Group to improve the outloading capabilities of the grain supply chain.”
Supporting WA’s Growing Agricultural Sector
The agriculture and food sector plays a pivotal role in Western Australia’s economy, contributing approximately 10% of the state’s overall output. Grain, particularly wheat, remains a cornerstone of this sector. In 2022 alone, wheat exports accounted for $5.5 billion of Western Australia’s trade, reinforcing the urgent need to maintain and modernize a safe, efficient, and productive grain handling network.
Mark Fletcher, Business Unit Leader for Laing O’Rourke’s Rail Operations, highlighted the synergy between the two organizations:
“Earlier this year, we signed up to deliver the Cranbrook Rapid Rail Outloading and Siding Facility project in the Great Southern Region of WA, which is also part of the ASCI program. That project is now well underway, and we are pleased to extend our partnership with CBH for this second project, utilizing the specialist skills of our Rail Operations business unit.”
Moora Project Details
Located nearly 200 kilometers north of Perth, the Moora Rapid Rail Outloading and Siding Project is a vital component of CBH’s efforts to improve grain transport infrastructure. The project includes a range of advanced engineering and construction works:
- Grain Handling Facility: Construction of a new facility featuring complex structural steel, mechanical systems, and electrical works.
- Rail Siding and Turnouts: Installation of new rail siding, including turnouts and integration with the existing ARC infrastructure network.
- Supporting Infrastructure: Completion of earthworks, drainage systems, access roads, and a new amenity building.
- Level Crossings: Development of two service road level crossings to enhance logistical efficiency.
CBH Group’s Chief Project Delivery Officer, Sam Gliddon, welcomed Laing O’Rourke’s involvement:
“We are pleased to welcome Laing O’Rourke, a highly respected international construction business, as our head contractor at Moora. The Moora project consists of a new 1,440-meter rail siding alongside a six-silo, 6,600-tonne fixed rail loading facility. These upgrades will reduce train loading times and improve efficiency, maximizing value for WA growers today and for future generations.”
Advancing Grain Transport
Improving the outloading capabilities of Western Australia’s grain supply chain remains a priority for CBH Group. The collaboration with Laing O’Rourke and investment from the ASCI Program reflect a shared commitment to fostering long-term growth and efficiency in the sector.
The Moora Rapid Rail Outloading and Siding Facility is set for completion in mid-2026, promising enhanced logistical capacity for the state’s grain growers. This project not only supports the immediate needs of the agricultural industry but also ensures a robust and resilient supply chain for decades to come.
Laing O’Rourke’s track record in rail infrastructure, combined with CBH Group’s vision for a modernized grain network, positions this partnership as a cornerstone of Western Australia’s agricultural future.
