Influence of environmental factors in the selection of transport systems

The future of resource transport in New South Wales is, and will be, dominated by the existing road and rail networks which lead to the major centres and ports. High capital cost new systems cannot compete with the existing line haul to ports. The slowing down of development (particularly coal) and the future market uncertainty, will reduce the choice of viable transport options. Flexibility is the key element in any system in the immediate future. The use of trucks on upgraded existing roads is therefore likely to provide low tonneage, short term movement until markets improve. The prime factors that must be considered in the transport planning process are: 1) existing systems - flexibility, tonneage, distance. 2) New systems - topography, land use. Environmental factors are secondary, and experience with resource projects suggests that they rarely influence the modal choice. Truck transport is considered to be environmentally unacceptable, but it meets the criteria for many resource projects. To meet these needs, the environmental issues for road transport need careful consideration on a project by project basis. Rail transportation, with its existing network, is the most environmentally acceptable mode for major projects in NSW and can move high tonneages over long distances. However, it should be competitive and reflect market demand. In this way, the community will enjoy the benefits of this environmentally suitable transport system for resource development.