Truck Talk Australia: NTC announces rail productivity review

A strategic review of rail productivity to identify future reform opportunities will be completed by the National Transport Commission (NTC).

Improving rail productivity was a key priority identified through industry consultation for the NTC Strategic Plan. It is also consistent with the development of a National Transport Policy Framework by Transport Ministers for all modes.

"If Australia is to move people and freight safely and efficiently as the transport task grows, the performance of all transport modes must be optimised," said General Manager Economics & Productivity Meena Naidu.

"Several road freight productivity reforms are already underway. It's now timely to lift the efficiency of the national transport system as a whole by exploring opportunities in the rail and intermodal sectors."

An Information Paper on rail productivity has highlighted issues and options which will be considered during the review. A number of those reform initiatives are already being addressed through the National Transport Policy Framework.

"NTC is working with governments and industry on a proposal for a National Rail Safety Regulator and National Rail Safety Investigator," she added.
"Projects to audit nationally significant supply chains for grain, oil and gas, livestock, coal and intermodal freight are also underway."

Ms Naidu said wide consultation with stakeholders, including a high level strategic advisory group, is a priority.

A final policy statement, which clearly identifies the role of government, will be completed for consideration by Transport Ministers in early 2009.