The ARA has welcomed today’s launch of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which comes at a critical time for shaping the future of freight.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie welcomed the strategy’s four national priority action areas of productivity, resilience, decarbonisation and data, noting greater use of rail would be crucial to achieving these goals.

“The freight sector is at a critical juncture, with an urgent need for greater use of rail to create a more productive and sustainable national freight network that meets Australia’s future needs,” Ms Wilkie said.

“The National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy provides a foundation for further collaboration between industry and government to drive reforms that will deliver a strong future for the freight sector.”

Ms Wilkie welcomed the introduction of a new goal to decarbonise the freight and supply chain.

“Without action, the transport sector will be Australia’s biggest source of carbon emissions by 2030,” Ms Wilkie said.

“Moving more freight on rail can deliver significant and immediate emissions benefits to support the country’s net zero ambitions.

“The ARA welcomes the focus on decarbonisation as part of the strategy and looks forward to continuing to engage with government on measures that support greater use of rail as part of that effort.”

The strategy also included a continued focus on supporting a sustainable skilled workforce, developing a fit-for-purpose regulatory environment and increasing access to data to inform policy development.

The strategy followed confirmation by the Infrastructure and Transport Minister’s Meeting that consistent digital train control and signalling systems would be adopted across the National Network for Interoperability.

Ms Wilkie said steps to deliver harmonised approaches across the national freight network were an essential part of increasing safety and productivity in the sector.

“The ARA is pleased to see a continued focus on improving national consistency across the country to improve rail freight outcomes,” she said.

ENDS