Network aims to tackle Australia’s infrastructure crisis

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“Australia should be calling for better infrastructure,” said Australasian Railway Association (ARA) CEO Bryan Nye at the launch of the Transport Reform Network.

More than 300 business, industry and community leaders came together at Sydney’s town hall yesterday for the inaugural meeting of the TRN, a cross-industry coalition aiming to address Australia’s looming transport crisis.

Infrastructure Australia has drawn a list of projects to tackle Australia’s infrastructure problems and transport projects alone are estimated to cost $100 billion.

Bryan Nye, one of five CEOs launching the TRN, said Australians need to start insisting on reform changes or Australia’s transport services will continue to decline.

He said: “Twenty to 30 years ago, travelling to work could be timed in minutes, now areas in Sydney, like Parramatta Road, resemble a car park and many public transport users are accustomed to standing for 30-40 minutes – things need to change, Australians should be calling for better infrastructure.

“Australia’s freight supply chain is one of the most expensive in the world, hampering businesses and the ability to import and export. Combine the high costs of our freight supply chain with the high Australian dollar, and it’s no surprise that businesses are increasingly moving operations and jobs overseas.”

The ARA believes that heavy users of transport infrastructure, including commercial freight companies, should pay more than the average Australian for their greater use to help cover maintenance and construction costs.

Research shows that one passenger train removes 525 cars from our roads, while a freight train removes 110 trucks.

“Rail is an available solution to improve road congestion and minimise fatalities that occur on our roads every day, let’s start using it,” concluded Mr Nye.

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