Ann: GrainCorp upgrades FY22 earnings guidance, page-44

The landslide-affected Waterfall to Thirroul (near Wollongong) section of the NSW south coast rail line was reopened yesterday, so while not direct, it will allow GNC grain trains to operate from the NSW Riverina via Bowral, Leightonfield and Sutherland to reach Port Kembla's GNC rail unloader/ship loader.

There is a Sydney suburban curfew in place prohibiting freight trains on lines shared with passenger trains between 0600 - 1000 and 1500 - 1900 on 'normal' weekdays, so because the tracks are shared on the south coast line, that is a partial hindrance.

Reopening of the more direct complete Moss Vale to Ununderra (near Wollongong) line is still not expected until August 2022 as it was very badly affected by landslips.

GNC has been railing some Riverina grain to Carrington (Newcastle) or Victoria in the past few weeks.

Road transport hauling grain has as a result been busier than usual but compared to rail, it's labour intensive and more costly per tonne. Additional problems include ageing of truck drivers (mid 50s to almost 70 becoming typical) and unwillingness of many younger Australians to enter this occupation.