Food supply shortages in Western Australia are likely to continue for weeks after a weekend washout halted freight services from Adelaide to Perth and Darwin.

Western Roads Federation chief executive Cam Dumesny told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast flood water on the tracks further exacerbated existing issues, which included a shortage of truck drivers and mechanics.

“The rail line probably won’t open until mid-February… that’ll have a major impact on WA. About 80 per cent of what we bring in by land transport comes by rail, so, that’s gonna hurt,” he said.

Freight companies were also under increasing pressure to secure personnel.

“I was on the phone until 10pm last night with one of the company owners, who was just about beyond themselves,” he said.

“The stress of the last two years is just reaching a pinnacle.”

Mr Dumesny praised WA Police for helping to “hold our system together” by allowing temporary drivers from interstate to be recruited.

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Image: ARTC