New modelling shows Inland Rail could cut freight transport costs by up to $213 million a year, resulting in huge savings for businesses and industries that use the line and further driving the growth of regional Australia.
CSIRO’s Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Project has found that a shift from road to Inland Rail could significantly drive down the cost of transporting 22 million tonnes of freight annually.
The potential cost reductions cover more than 12,000 supply chains and 94 commodities, including coal, steel, grains, vehicles, horticulture and livestock.
Businesses relying on road-based supply chains will benefit most from the switch, profiting from the average transport saving of $80.77 per tonne ($179 million per annum). Savings will only increase as Australia’s freight task grows in the future.
Other projected savings for intermodal freight include an average:
- $90 per tonne (44 per cent) reduction along the entire route from Melbourne and Brisbane;
- $184 per tonne (47 per cent) reduction between Brisbane and Parkes, connecting to Perth;
- $48 per tonne (22 per cent) reduction from Brisbane and connecting to Adelaide; and
- $62 per tonne (31 per cent) reduction for regional intermodal freight to and from major metropolitan centres and ports.
The modelling projects a 40 per cent reduction in transport costs for freight travelling to Queensland, a 31 per cent drop for New South Wales, and a 37 per cent saving for Victoria.
With transport being a significant expense for Australian businesses and a deciding factor in market growth, the modelling shows the positive impact Inland Rail will have on regional industries.
Once fully operational, Inland Rail will take 200,000 trucks off the road each year, or 150 B-doubles for each train travelling between Melbourne and Brisbane.
Access the Inland Rail Supply Chain Mapping Project here: www.InlandRail.gov.au/supplychainmapping
More reading
Steely resolve for South Australia