Rail Incentives

SACOME calls on the South Australian Government to fund rail freight incentive schemes, consistent with other Australian jurisdictions.

SACOME submits that a stronger rail freight network reduces road congestion and the cost of road maintenance. Moreover, the transportation of freight by rail reduces carbon emissions by approximately two-thirds. Importantly, bulk freight transported by rail may result in exporters having more options in the consideration of suitable ports. 

Consistent with SACOME’s long-term calls, this would increase the prospect of South Australia retaining a greater part of the supply chain, rather than seeing exports travel to ports in other states.

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. Additionally, Queensland is trialling rail incentives for bulk freight.

​SACOME calls for funding to be made available to an appropriate body such as the Freight and Supply Chain Consultative Committee to undertake interjurisdictional analysis to better understand how greater volumes of rail freight can benefit South Australian industry, exporters and the broader economy. 

---