Inland Rail could save $170m in Transport Costs

Inland-Rail

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Inland Rail – Annual Savings of $170m in Transport Costs

Approximately $170 million in Transport costs could be saved for Australian producers, manufactures and growers per year once the shift to Inland Rail transport is made. This value is according to early results of a CSIRO Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Study further proving the benefits that Inland Rail will unlock across Australia.

Distances between communities and towns, and towns and cities are measured in more than miles and minutes – they’re measured in the transport cost of moving essential goods to where they need to be.

Within the study conducted by CSIRO the supply chains for 140 commodities have been mapped. The early results show an average transport cost reduction of 39 per cent can be achieved by shifting freight from road to Inland Rail for at least part of the journey. Freight travelling the full length of Inland Rail between Melbourne and Brisbane achieves a higher transport cost reduction of 44 per cent.

The report recognises businesses as far as Townsville, Perth and Launceston would have the potential to reap the benefits with suitable road-based supply chains to expect a reduction in their transport costs when switching to Inland Rail.

Equally, existing rail-based supply chains are estimated to see an annual cost reduction of around $21 million when shifting at least part of their route to Inland Rail between Melbourne and Brisbane.

“This study is the green light signalling to the industry to start planning now because the potential cost savings for being connected to, or close by, Inland Rail are immense for farmers and regional businesses,” Minister Coulton said.

“Heavier, faster freight trains will divert non-bulk products from roads and provide the competitive edge regional Australia has been calling for.” 

Minister Coulton

The full results of the CSIRO Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Study will detail the potential transport costs saving for 140 commodities and is expected to be released in the coming months.

ENDS

Friday 28 May 2021 – Media Release

Read the Media Release here.

© Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia

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