ABC WA COUNTRY HOUR | Shipping costs hinder grain relief for drought-affected farmers

Interstate shipping rules make it cheaper for grain exporters to send grain to China than within Australia to support farmers in desperate need of feed for livestock.

WA Country Hour detailed the issue and highlighted that shippers say the rules deny efficient trade by sea and road or rail freight was cost prohibitive as well.

Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large said while biosecurity regulations between states was a non-negotiable, the cost disparity for domestic and international shipments when farmers were in need was "distasteful".

Mr Large said bulk shipping would normally be the most cost-effective way of moving large volumes of grain, while removing it from the road network.

"Quantity [should] mean decreased costs, and when it works the other way, you really have to ask questions," he said.

Mr Large said the current legislation review was an opportunity to create a more flexible and cost-competitive domestic shipping system.

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