The Australian Railway Association wants more status for rail in the NSW freight and ports strategy
March 4, 2013
The Australian Railway Association (ARA) has called for the New South Wales Government to invest more in rail to meet the state’s future freight needs.
The ARA today announced it would provide a submission on the Draft NSW Freight and Ports Strategy, advocating the importance of rail freight.
ARA CEO Bryan Nye says efficient freight transport and supply chains in NSW
are critical to Australia’s productivity and international competitiveness.
“With the forecast growth in the NSW freight task, it is important that rail is allowed to play a greater role in the transporting of both bulk and non-bulk freight,” Nye says.
Actions the ARA wants the State Government to take include:
- Continued freight investment in three crucial areas – the Southern Sydney Freight Line, the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor and the Country Regional Network
- Continuing to develop and enhance efficiency of the metropolitan and regional intermodal network, including the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct and landside access to ports
- Sorting out the road and rail access charging regime by allowing both modes of transport a level playing field and fair competition.
“Getting transport planning right and following through with building the infrastructure needed are two of the most important tasks of any government,” Nye says.