The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed the Federal Government's Infrastructure Policy Statement, saying it shows a strong commitment to city-shaping transport projects.
ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said the statement provided certainty to industry by committing to delivering nationally significant infrastructure focused on productivity, liveability and sustainability, benefiting all Australians.
"We are at a crossroads in Australia's future transport with the potential to deliver a once-in-a-generation pipeline of projects that will result in a sustainable transport network," Ms Wilkie said.
"The ARA is optimistic that this Policy Statement, with the Commonwealth's infrastructure investment maintained at $120 billion, will mean infrastructure investment goes to where it is most needed.
"Importantly, it will see investment targeted at nationally significant projects that drive productivity, improve resilience and achieve more sustainable outcomes.
"This is a great step forward in providing certainty for industry and we look forward to the upcoming findings of the independent Strategic Review into the Infrastructure Investment Program."
ARA research has shown that the rail industry is at the heart of the decarbonisation journey and plays a significant role in meeting the Federal Government's net zero target in 2050. Rail freight generates 16 times less carbon pollution than road, while one commuter train takes 578 cars off the road.
Ms Wilkie said the ARA also welcomed the Federal Government's commitment to encouraging local employment and procurement, increasing female participation, First Nations communities and other marginalised groups in the delivery of transport projects.
"The ARA is working extensively with government and industry stakeholders to support a national approach to rail manufacturing, procurement and improved interoperability.
"We are also working towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and recently released our Women in Rail Strategy to increase female participation in rail."
The Infrastructure Policy Statement can be found here.
