THE ROLE OF RAIL

According to the Australian Greenhouse Office, transport contributes 16 percent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions. Australia has the highest volume of road freight carried per capita in the world and over 90 percent of urban passenger travel is by car. Rail freight is more energy efficient than road even when the complexity of the transport task is considered taking into account fuel use from all aspects of the 'full fuel' cycle including line haul, pickup, delivery and energy production and distribution, according to ARRB Transport Research. Increased use of rail to absorb the growth in passenger and freight demand over the next 20 years will reduce Australia's transport energy consumption, reducing transport greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, road safety will be improved and road damage significantly reduced. The Australian Rail Track's Interstate Rail Network Audit showed that an investment of $507 million in the interstate rail network will return $1.5 billion in benefits in reduced transport costs, less road wear and tear, improved road safety and reduced pollution and gas emissions. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E209537.