Freight

Meeting Australia's growing freight task is one of the most significant challenges facing governments in Australia. The domestic freight task has increased 50% in the 10 years to 2016 and is forecast to grow another 26% by 2026.  Against this backdrop, the ARA is working with governments and industry on behalf of our members to get more freight on to rail, and to improve the efficiency and productivity of Australia’s rail freight supply chains. Achieving modal shift to rail is also critical to increasing economic growth, improving the liveability of our cities and supporting regional communities. 

Fast Facts

• Rail is a smarter economic choice for freight haulage for Australia. One freight train from Melbourne to Sydney replaces 110 semi-trailers travelling on the road.

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• Rail is up to 9 times safer than road freight.

• Containerised Rail is the most cost effective form for inter-capital freight transport.

The ARA has published a ten point plan to achieve supply chain efficiencies and to get more freight on to rail.   The plan, which formed the basis of the ARA’s submission to the Federal Government for its National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, identifies the 10 key critical issues Australia needs to improve freight supply chain efficiency and safety.  To download the plan, click here.

 

The Rail Freight and Ports Group is an Executive Committee of ARA and includes above rail operators, track managers and port and intermodal managers in Australia and KiwiRail in NZ. This Group works on a range of freight-related policy matters aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity of Australia’s rail freight supply chains.

For additional information, please contact Duncan Sheppard at dsheppard@ara.net.au or on 02 6270 4531.