The ARA has released a new report demonstrating investment in rail can help meet Australia and New Zealand’s economic and community needs over the next 15 years.
Future of Rail: The path to 2040 confirmed the need for sustained investment in existing and new rail networks, policy settings to support mode shift and new measures to enable rail to lead the transport sector’s decarbonisation and resilience.
In particular, the report places an emphasis on the importance of transport-led development and the need for agencies and departments to work together on delivering transport and housing as part of the same development process.
The report found Australia must adopt transport-led development with pace and at scale. Rail infrastructure stimulates economic growth, new stations unlock housing supply, and regional growth is centred around transport investment. We must align processes across all levels of government to support compact, connected and resilient growth.
The key recommendations for transport-led development are:
- Secure passenger and freight corridors early
- Make transport access a criteria for housing development
- Deliver land-use, housing and transport together
- Provide industry certainty to attract investment
ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the ARA has long advocated for long-term planning for the rail industry to tackle national challenges through our advocacy priorities, including a sustained investment pipeline in new and existing rail infrastructure, mode shift to passenger rail and freight rail, and accelerating rail’s contribution to a net zero future.
“We know that when rail projects are planned in conjunction with housing and other services, we create safer, more efficient and sustainable communities,” Ms Wilkie said.
“With our cities increasing in density and expanding further on the suburban fringes, we must continue to invest in rail to provide equitable, affordable and convenient access to transport for all people.
“A strong focus on rail will also drive more sustainable outcomes and improve liveability across our communities.”
Read the full report at https://ara.net.au/publications/future-of-rail/