The Rail Freight Alliance – which covers 25 Victorian councils – has announced the speakers for this year’s Rail Futures Conference, in Melbourne.
Federal Transport minister Darren Chester, opposition Transport spokesman Anthony Albanese, representatives of Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will join State government bodies across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Rail Freight Alliance executive officer Reid Mather said the conference sought to address the big issues, facing the rail freight sector.
“We’re moving into a very critical period for rail freight across the nation,” Mr Mather said.
“In the past few years, we’ve managed to get some big runs on the board but there’s still some challenges ahead.
“The Rail Futures Conference brings together all the critical stakeholders from across government, business, industry in one room to address the key question: what does the future of rail freight look like?
“It’s an important topic because it touches on so many difference sectors. It’s not just about transport but about our agriculture sector and rural industries as well.
He said the increased mode share of freight on rail, meant better productivity, safer communities and amenity, reduced emissions and ultimately greater prosperity across the nation.
“We want to see all stakeholders involved in this conversation. We need to hear from Councils, Governments, farmers and economic development bodies like our RDAs.
The Conference will feature three sessions including:
Keynote addresses from politicians, preesentations and a panel addressing Australia’s infrastructure needs and an industry perspective with the PoM, the ARTC and SCT Logistics
The Rail Freight Alliance is a group of rural, regional and metropolitan Councils advocating for a greater mode share of freight on rail across Australia.
Registrations for the Rail Futures Conference are now open.
Tickets are available at www.railfreightalliance.com.
