Rail Incentive SchemeSACOME calls on the State Government to investigate the potential of a rail freight incentive scheme, as has been introduced in other Australian jurisdictions.
Victoria has implemented a Mode Shift Incentive Scheme, which involves the government providing incentives for the transport of containerised freight by rail instead of by road. Other jurisdictions such as Queensland are trialling rail incentives for bulk freight.
In addition to reducing road congestion, and savings in road maintenance, the transportation of freight by rail reduces carbon emissions by approximately two-thirds. Importantly, in the South Australian context, bulk freight by rail may result in exporters having more options when considering suitable ports and could give South Australia a chance in securing part of the valuable supply chain, rather than seeing exports travel to ports in other states. Rail freight incentives would dovetail into the findings of the Resources Sector Economic Heatmap and has the potential to benefit other key economic sectors, particularly in agriculture. SACOME calls for funding to be made available to an appropriate agency to undertake the necessary investigations as to how rail freight may benefit South Australian exporters and assist in meeting emissions reduction targets. |