Mr Travers said the truck was carrying grain between Quairading and York because no trains were available, putting extra pressures on the Wheatbelt’s narrow roads.

"Trains for this harvest are in short supply due to a number of them being shifted to the eastern states following the Barnett Government’s bad decision to close the Quairading to York grain rail line," Mr Travers said.

"Although the State Government belatedly funded the re-opening of the lines in October, it was too late to retrieve the trains, forcing trucks to remain on the roads.

"WA Labor warned there could be an increase in trucking accidents should the Barnett Government proceed with plans to close the rail, but our cautions were ignored."

Mr Travers said a large amount of this year’s massive harvest now had to be transported on roads that were not fit to handle the truck movements.

"Amazingly, despite the Barnett Government’s intention to close the York to Quairading line, no money has been allocated to upgrade the road between these towns," he said.

"Prior to the 2008 election Regional Development Minister and Member for Central Wheatbelt Brendon Grylls promised to keep all Wheatbelt lines open.

"Despite the fact there was plenty of money in the Royalties for Regions kitty and no projects to spend it on, Mr Grylls has consistently refused to invest in keeping all the lines opened. He has broken his promise.

"Today’s accident is a wake-up call to Premier Colin Barnett and his Ministers. They have failed the farming industry by closing the grain rail lines.

"Co-operative Bulk Handling (CBH) previously invested millions of dollars into train out loading equipment at Quairading to make rail more efficient.

"Mr Barnett must immediately commit to keeping the 700kms of rail line open."