Image
Australia's freight network of railway lines, roads, air routes, shipping lines and intermodal terminals are vital to our economy.
The continuing growth in freight volumes has given rise to a range of increasingly complex challenges for the Australian community. In recognition of this, all levels of government and industry are working together to deliver a streamlined, integrated and multimodal transport and logistics system which can efficiently move freight throughout the country.
Key initiatives to improve the outcomes of the national freight system include integrated planning, better data and performance and community engagement.
Freight and maritime statistics
The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) provides economic analysis, research and statistics on infrastructure, transport and regional development issues as well as general maritime activity, forecasts of activity in Australian ports, sea freight movements and other maritime transport information. This data informs our advice to the Australian Government on policy development and promotes wider community understanding. The ongoing series Freightline, Trainline and Waterline provide current Australian transport-related data and informs a wide range of land freight and port initiatives.
Visit the BITRE website.
Investment Road and Rail Program
The Investment Road and Rail Program provides funding to projects on key freight routes that will deliver the highest benefits to the nation. When completed, these projects will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the National Land Transport Network, allowing freight supply chains to operate more effectively.
Visit the Infrastructure Investment website.
Tasmanian transport schemes
The Australian Government funds two programs that help to reduce the cost of transporting eligible freight and passenger vehicles across the Bass Strait. They are the
Community engagement
We are working with industry and all levels of government to increase community awareness of the value and importance of Australia's freight task. This includes the role of freight and freight movements in the national economy and Australians' everyday lives. We've developed a set of case studies and research on community engagement about freight awareness and perceptions to inform future collaboration between government and the community.