The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is urging the re-elected Albanese Government to accelerate rail investment in Australia, highlighting its economic, environmental, and strategic importance for the country’s future. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is urging the re-elected Albanese Government to accelerate rail investment in Australia, highlighting its economic, environmental, and strategic importance for the country’s future.
Image: VertigoBarrov/stock.adobe.com

ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie congratulated the Prime Minister and the Labor Party on their victory and reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to building a stronger transport network through continued collaboration with the government.

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She emphasized that rail contributes over $30 billion to the national economy each year and plays a vital role in meeting net-zero emissions targets. Therefore, sustained investment is critical to long-term national prosperity.

Nation-Building Projects Rely on Rail Investment in Australia

The ARA pointed to high-impact infrastructure projects like the High Speed Rail between Sydney and Newcastle, the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, and Inland Rail as transformative national priorities.

Before the election, the Labor Government pledged $3 billion for rail, including $2 billion to upgrade Sunshine Station and $1 billion to develop corridors connecting Western Sydney Airport.

In the 2025–26 Federal Budget, an additional $325 million was allocated for the Melton line upgrade, with more than $150 million for level crossing removals and planning in Victoria.

Policy Reforms Must Support Rail Investment in Australia

Wilkie also called for accelerated regulatory reform through the National Rail Action Plan. She highlighted the need for harmonized standards and greater system interoperability to improve productivity and efficiency.

The ARA stressed that rail investment in Australia must include a stronger commitment to shifting freight from roads to rail. This transition would reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance supply chain resilience.

“There’s an urgent need to increase freight volume on rail to meet future logistics demands,” Wilkie stated, adding that continued policy reform will be key to reaching those goals.

The association remains committed to working closely with the government to ensure regulatory changes and infrastructure funding deliver a more sustainable, efficient, and competitive national rail system.

Source: infrastructuremagazine.com.au

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