Customer Notice – Rail Network Delay – Nullarbor Flood

As of Friday, 12 April 2024 @ 2.45pm WST

Dear Valued Customer

We would like to provide you with a further update regarding the recent flooding events and subsequent rail disruptions in Western Australia.

As you are aware, flooding closed the main East-West rail line for three weeks that resulted in major disruptions to all freight movements in and out of Western Australia.

Please know that the Sadleirs Team is working tirelessly to clear the massive backlog of freight. We anticipate that recovery will take a further 2-3 weeks before everything is fully back to normal. We ask for your continued patience as we work around the clock to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible. Our aim remains to restore our normal operations as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, we want to assure you that your satisfaction remains our top priority. Our online portal will continue to be updated with latest order information. However, should you have any queries or require further information, please contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support during this challenging time.

Kind regards
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Wednesday, 3 April 2024 @ 8.30am WST

Dear Valued Customer,

We are pleased to confirm that the East-West rail network reopened over the weekend.

However, there are naturally significant backlogs throughout the network. We are committed to working with all parties involved to facilitate a full recovery of services as swiftly as possible. Your patience and understanding during this time will be greatly appreciated as we support our operations teams in clearing and delivering the freight within the system.

We also confirm that Sadleirs freight-pick-up services will resume today, Wednesday 3 April 2024.

Our online portal will continue to be updated, however should you have any queries or require further information, please contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Thursday, 28 March 2024 @ 10.45am

Dear Valued Customer,

We are pleased to relay the latest report from the rail operators, indicating an expected reopening of the East-West rail network on Saturday, 30th March 2024.

While this marks a significant step forward, we must also acknowledge the substantial backlog of freight awaiting transit. Clearing this backlog will be the immediate focus of all parties involved as operations recommence. Consequently, Sadleirs freight pick-ups will not resume until at least Wednesday, 3rd April 2024.

We understand the urgency and importance of every shipment and are dedicated to facilitating the smooth and efficient return of services. We ask for your continued patience and support during this recovery phase.

Whilst we’ll continue to update our online portal, should you have any queries during this period, please contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Wednesday, 27 March 2024 @ 9.30am WST

Dear Valued Customer,

We write to update you on the progress of the East-West rail network flood recovery following reports by the rail operators.

Since our last update, water pumping at impacted areas has assisted in lowering flood levels which will facilitate planned repair work. Restoration is also progressing well in locations where water levels have receded.

With these efforts underway, we remain optimistic about their forecast for reopening the rail network over the Easter weekend.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Friday, 22 March 2024 @ 12.30pm WST

Dear Valued Customers,

We regret to inform you that the East-West rail network is now not expected to reopen before Easter due to persistent flooding. Specifically, water levels within the Rawlinna to Naretha section remain at a depth of 1235mm, which is preventing safe restoration efforts.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates on the anticipated reopening as soon as possible.

In the meantime, to support your logistical needs, we have identified limited road transport options. For detailed information on these alternatives, please do not hesitate to contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Thursday, 21 March 2024 @ 8.45am WST

Dear Valued Customer,

We regret to inform you that the reopening of the East-West rail network is now delayed until at least Wednesday, 27th March 2024, due to persisting floodwaters. Despite efforts to expedite repairs, a significant body of water remains, slowing progress.

Work is actively underway in other accessible locations to expedite the restoration of the rail network. Our team is committed to resuming operations as swiftly as possible. Our next update will be provided on Monday, 25th March 2024.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused you and your customers.

For further information, please contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Tuesday, 19 March 2024 @3.30pm WST

Dear Valued Customer,

We regret to inform you that the East-West rail network will now remain closed until Sunday, 24 March 2024.

A significant body of water, up to 1.4 metres deep, persists in the flood-impacted area of Rawlinna. We are hopeful that drier weather will aid in the receding of the water, allowing for repairs to commence.

We will continue to keep you informed as more details become available.

For further information, please contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Friday, 15 March 2024 @11.15am WST

Dear Valued Customer,

We regret to inform you that the East-West rail network will now remain closed until at least Saturday, 23 March 2024. The impacted flood region has experienced continued rainfall over the past 24 hours, with water levels yet to recede.

In the coming days, we expect to gain further clarity on the timeline for resuming services. However, at this stage, the earliest scenario for resumption is towards the end of next week. We will again keep you informed as relevant detail comes to hand.

This extended closure will significantly impact our ability to maintain pick-up services. As a result, pick-ups will be postponed from Tuesday, 19 March 2024.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause you and your customers. Please do not hesitate to contact your local Sadleirs Representative for further assistance.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Wednesday, 13 March 2024 @ 10.00am WST

Dear Valued Customer,

We have received advice overnight that the rail service will now remain closed until at least Sunday, 17 March 2024 due to the ongoing flood situation in Rawlinna, Western Australia

This extension beyond the originally forecasted reopening date reflects the severity of the flooding and the need for comprehensive recovery planning and safety inspections once the water recedes.

We once again extend our apologies for the inconvenience to you and your customers.

While pickups can still be performed where possible, please be reminded that there will be no East-West departures until the rail service is fully operational.

Please contact your local Sadleirs Representative for further information.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Tuesday, 12 March 2024 @ 2.00pm WST

We regret to inform you that the East-West rail network remains closed. We are hopeful the lines may reopen by Thursday, 14 March 2024, however this will be dependent on weather conditions easing at the impacted flood areas of Rawlinna, Western Australia.

While we continue to perform pickups where possible, please be advised that there will be no departures until services resume.

We understand the impact this may have on your operations and again, sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to you and your customers. Sadleirs remains dedicated to keeping you informed, and we anticipate providing the next update tomorrow afternoon.

Please do not hesitate to contact your local Sadleirs Representative should you require further assistance.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Monday, 11 March 2024 @ 3.00pm WST

Following our update yesterday regarding the East-West rail network, we regret to inform you that the network remains closed due to flooding. The track is now expected to be closed until Thursday, 14 March 2024, as several flood incidents have been confirmed in the Nullarbor region, between Naretha and Nurina in Western Australia.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you and your customers. Sadleirs is committed to providing updates as new information becomes available, with the next update anticipated tomorrow afternoon.

Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team

As of Sunday, 10 March 2024 @ 4.30pm WST

Please expect delays on the rail network to and from Western Australia due to flooding in the Nullarbor region between Perth and Adelaide.

Inspections at the flooded site indicate that the rail network will remain closed for at least 24 hours.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your local Sadleirs Representative.

Kind Regards,
The Sadleirs Logistics Team