The Federal Government has today appointed the review taskforce to investigate the NSW rail system.

However, it will take a longer term view of the problems facing the network, rather than address growers' immediate concerns.

Agriculture Minister Tony Burke has today announced that the review will be headed by former deputy chair of the National Transport Commission, Des Powell, and is expected to report by May 2009.

It will include experts from industry and government, including:

* Grower groups NSW Farmers' Association and Grain Growers Association;

* Grain handling groups Graincorp, Australian Bulk Alliance;

* Grain marketing groups AWB and ABB;

* Rail operators Pacific National and El Zorro as a potential operator;

* Local Government Association of NSW;

* Australian Rail Track Corporation;

* Rail, Tram and Bus Union; and

* The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

On average, between five and six million tonnes of grain are produced in NSW each year to meet domestic demand and export markets.

In a media statement Mr Burke said the review would examine grain freight supply chains and identify the most sustainable, long-term solution for moving grain efficiently from farmer to customer.

Specifically, the review will look at:

* cropping patterns, densities, innovations and the likely impact of climate change;

* market demand for grain and the impact of regulatory reform; and

* capacity of supply chain infrastructure and the various transport options in the short, medium and long term.