News

Rail Freight Action Plan launched

rail

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has released its action plan to support greater use of rail freight.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie says the plan outlined a significant program of work to improve the regulatory environment, promote investment in rail and increase rail freight’s modal share.

“Rail will meet almost three quarters of the growth in demand for Australia’s freight task to 2030 and is a crucial part of ensuring sustainable and efficient supply chains,” Caroline says.

“The Rail Freight Action Plan confirms a strong agenda to support greater use of rail to meet our current and future freight needs.”

Caroline says the ARA was working closely with rail freight industry stakeholders to deliver the actions outlined in the plan over the next 12 months.

“We have already established three new working groups with industry leaders to explore opportunities for modal shift, competitive neutrality and interoperability,” she says.

“These groups will play a crucial role in ensuring the action plan delivers solutions that make a real difference for industry while meeting community needs.”

Further research on sustainability was also planned, in line with the actions confirmed in the ARA’s sustainability strategy.

“These projects will deliver significant insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector,” Caroline says.

“We look forward to working alongside industry to build on this work and support a strong future.”

The plan is available on the ARA website.

Send this to a friend