Australian rail freight finds itself at the forefront of the country’s productivity discussion, where industry leaders converged on Canberra to demand overdue reforms capable of increasing the efficiency, enhancing the safety, and assuring the sustainability of the national freight network.

Rail freight reforms drive growth and sustainability in Australia
Image: Australasian Railway Association

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Rail freight policy changes needed for national progress

At Parliament House, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) urged the Federal Government to deliver reforms oriented towards consistency, interoperability, and sectoral coordination. CEO Caroline Wilkie reiterated that current economic policies present the once-in-a-generation moment to transform freight logistics.

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She indicated that rail only holds a freight market share of two percent between Sydney and Melbourne, and three percent between Brisbane and Sydney. So the nation requires strong policies and strong national leadership to reverse the situation and cater for future demand.

Investments and incentives to boost rail freight

The ARA presented four key recommendations: investing in the rail network to improve reliability, encouraging mode shift to reduce emissions, and ensuring competitive neutrality between road and rail. Meanwhile, the group also stressed the need for long-term planning and investment certainty.

Wilkie welcomed the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy as an important step. However, she noted that without urgent measures, the rail sector risks falling short of its potential in supporting the economy and reducing carbon emissions.

Rail’s economic and environmental impact

Figures cited by the ARA indicate the rail freight industry contributes $6.3 billion each year and supports 22,400 jobs across the country. Furthermore, trains cause 16 times less carbon pollution than lorries, so they are critical in reducing transport sector emissions.

Association’s submission to the Federal Government’s transport productivity roundtable outlines needed reforms to gain these benefits, with rail taking an expanded role serving increasing Australian freight demand.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

Why is rail freight important to the Australian economy?

Freight rail provides an additional $6.3 billion in annual benefits and sustains over 22,000 jobs. In addition, freight rail boosts national supply chain performance and minimizes environmental effects relative to road haulage.

What are the proposed reforms for the freight sector?

Australasian Railway Association recommends uniform national policies, strong investment pipelines, mode shifting, and road versus rail competitiveness for building a better freight system that is sustainable and dependable.

How does rail freight help reduce emissions?

Trains emit 16 times less carbon pollutant emissions than trucks. So, moving additional freight by rail is critical for reducing the emissions by the transport sector and aiding long-term Australian sustainability targets.

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