Building a more productive and resilient freight industry
The Albanese Government is supporting a more productive and resilience freight industry through increased investment and a refreshed freight industry panel. Applications have opened for the Transport Resilience and Capacity Kickstart (TRACK) pilot program, with $26 million in incentives available through Round 1 to move more freight by rail. The $52 million TRACK program will support more fuel-efficient freight movements across Australia, whether by sea or rail, ultimately reducing diesel fuel consumption while increasing productivity and resilience within our supply chains.
The first round focuses on shifting more freight onto rail, with subsequent rounds to offer incentives for both rail and sea. Applications for Round 1 of the TRACK pilot program open today and close 1 October 2026. Rail freight plays a crucial role in meeting Australia’s growing freight task.
Our national freight task is expected to grow in coming decades, with an estimated 26 per cent increase projected between 2020 and 2050. By better utilising our national rail network, we can significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, lower emissions, increase productivity and make Australia’s supply chains more resilient to global shocks and shortages.
That is why the Albanese Government has also refreshed the Freight Industry Reference Panel, to provide expert advice to infrastructure and transport ministers on emerging issues and opportunities within the freight sector. This panel, chaired by Michael Byrne AM, alongside Marika Calfas AM, Hermione Parsons, Peter Allen and Ian Porter, who each bring a range of industry experience across all freight modes.
The panel will be supported by three new subcommittees focused on individual freight modes of heavy vehicles, rail and ports and shipping. Set to provide specialist advice to the panel, these subcommittees can also be tasked by the Minister to investigate and report on specific freight and supply chain issues and to advise on the implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
For more information on the TRACK Program, or to lodge an application, visit: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/transport-resilience-and-capacity-kickstart Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “We are investing in our freight sector and ensuring we are receiving the best possible advice on how to make it more productive and resilient.
Moving more freight onto rail and sea just makes sense – TRACK is just one part of a package of freight rail investments the Government is delivering to ease congestion, improve road safety, reduce fuel reliance and emissions, and get goods where they need to go. “I also welcome the new Freight Industry Reference Panel and subcommittee members, who bring incredible industry, leadership and governance expertise between them.
“They will play an important advisory role as we continue to work together, across all levels of government and industry, to deliver on the critical actions agreed to under the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and its National Action Plan.” Freight Industry Reference Panel and subcommittee members: Freight Industry Reference Panel Heavy Vehicle Subcommittee Rail Subcommittee Ports and Shipping Subcommittee Michael Byrne AM (Chair) Senator Glenn Sterle (Chair) Mark Mazurek (Chair) Angela Gillham (Chair) Peter Allen Warren Clark Ingilby Dickson Jodie Ransom Alan Beacham Robert Coombs Marika Calfas AM Peter Anderson Roland Simpson Mike Gallacher Hermione Parsons Michelle Harwood Andrew Harding Mathew Munro