The ARA Rail Freight Conference attracted more than 240 attendees over two days to hear the latest industry updates and innovations in freight and discuss solutions for a stronger, more sustainable industry. 

The conference included presentations from Inland Rail, National Transport Commission, ARTC, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, Pacific National, Aurizon and Linfox. 

Kerry Schott, AO, who conducted the Inland Rail review and has been appointed Chair of the NSW Government’s Independent Advisory Panel for the NSW Freight Policy Reform Program, provided a frank opening address on the challenges that lay ahead for the freight industry that must be overcome. 

Dr Schott said the reform program panel has been asked to look at how to encourage modal shift to rail and the longer term plans for ports and she encouraged industry to respond to the discussion paper that will soon be released for the NSW reform program.  

“We want to hear your views – what we do want to hear is what is really driving you mad in your business,” said Dr Schott.  

Among her main points were the need to do a better job of reserving industrial land and making use of it, addressing workforce challenges and maintaining decarbonisation as a priority. 

Dr Schott also expressed her frustration with level crossing accidents: “There is in my view absolutely no excuse for level crossing fatalities…it really needs to stop.” 

Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, opened day two of the conference and expressed her commitment to achieving interoperability and growing mode share of rail. Minister Aitchison also talked about her passion for accessibility and the transformative nature of rail in connecting people to jobs and other opportunities.

Minister Aitchison stressed the need for increased productivity through a collaborative approach between industry and government to support a strong, sustainable industry.

Minister Aitchison also made the point that “we can’t truck our way out of the freight task, we have to be prepared to invest in the rail freight network”.

Aurizon Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Harding discussed the company’s role in managing more than 5,000km of track. He said rail had untapped opportunities in emerging markets and containerised freight and emphasised the importance of rail in decarbonisation efforts. Mr Harding also stressed the need for improving level crossing safety, and shared a compelling video of near misses on the network ahead of releasing a campaign aimed at improving safety in coming months.

Inland Rail Chief Executive Officer Nick Miller provided an update on this nation-building project and detailed the many economic benefits it is already delivering for local communities and in particular indigenous businesses, with more than $420 million spent with local businesses so far. 

National Transport Commission Chair Carolyn Walsh summed up the task ahead well: “We have a unique window of opportunity for national rail reform with full alignment of industry, government and policy makers. But the window will close quickly.”  

For more information, contact ARA General Manager Freight and Heavy Haul Georgia Nicholls.