The ARA has made a submission with 44 recommendations to the NSW Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program. 

The submission urges the NSW Government develop a coordinated, strategic freight plan with specific measures in place to increase rail’s mode share in order to meet future demand. 

The ARA also recommended the establishment of a NSW Bureau of Freight Statistics to enable regular, public reporting by NSW agencies of freight performance and progress on delivering the renewed freight strategy.  

The ARA believes this comprehensive review of freight policy in NSW is critical to ensuring reforms are implemented that enable the freight sector to be more productive, efficient, and sustainable.  

This is particularly important for rail freight, which can play a much greater role in moving Australia’s growing freight task. Unlocking a larger freight mode shift onto rail will ease pressure on our congested road network and deliver significant safety and environmental benefits, as well as enabling better utilisation of transport infrastructure and creating a more efficient overall freight system. 

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