Rail Priorities for 2019 Federal Election

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has identified 5 rail priorities in the lead up to the 2019 federal election to guide the policy development of whichever party wins.

The paper titled “Rail-Creating Vibrant Cities, Thriving Regions and a Connected Nation,” recognises key transport infrastructure challenges and proposes practical, affordable and achievable policy solutions where rail can play a key role.

CEO of ARA, Danny Broad, said “As our cities continue to grow and our freight task increases the pressure on our existing infrastructure network also increases,”.

“Avoiding and reducing congestion is one of the biggest benefits that can be achieved by moving passengers and freight onto properly planned and funded rail solutions, integrated with other transport modes.”

The ARA’s five priorities are:

1. Making cities liveable
2. Supporting employment
3. Strengthening our economy
4. National coordination to support industry

The Australian Government will work with the ARA in developing a national rail industry plan to achieve a coherent national approach to rail, covering procurement, local content, manufacturing, innovation and research, and harmonisation of standards.

“We look forward to working with government to realise the full national benefits of these rail policies,” Mr Broad concluded.