The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has launched Australia’s first Climate resilience framework for rail to guide investment in rail infrastructure as the industry responds to the increasing impacts of climate change.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the framework provides a nationally consistent approach to manage risk and support improved resilience, redundancy, reliability and response to climate events.

“Increased investment in the resilience of the rail network is critical as our climate changes,” Ms Wilkie said.

“The framework will help the rail industry make the most of this investment to minimise disruptions and keep our passenger and freight rail services moving.”

The framework provides a nationally consistent approach to assessing and understanding climate risk, implementing resilience building measures, maintaining safe and reliable operations during and after climate events, and embedding resilience into all aspects of business operations.

It has been designed to apply to the operators of critical rail infrastructure as defined by the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, and includes broader guidance for the industry as a whole.

The launch of the framework comes as the ARA continues its advocacy for increased resilience funding to support the future of freight.

“Early preparation, coordinated action and continued investment are key to supporting strong, resilience supply chains, and this framework will help guide those efforts,” Ms Wilkie said.

The framework was developed by ARA members in response to industry needs, and will improve coordination across rail industry organisations on resilience measures.

It will be reviewed and updated over time to as best practices evolve.

View a copy of the framework here.

ENDS