Preface
Australia’s freight system is broken. While the headline figures might suggest efficiency, a closer examination reveals a system riddled with hidden costs, systemic corruption, and a profound disregard for environmental sustainability.
This book dives deep into the murky world of Australian freight transport, exposing a web of political influence, lobbying efforts, and sweetheart deals that have systematically favoured road transport at the expense of rail.
The consequences of this bias are far-reaching, impacting regional economies, infrastructure development, and Australia’s carbon footprint. We will examine the intricate mechanisms behind this skewed system, delving into the details of procurement processes, political donations, and regulatory capture.
We will explore how government officials and industry players have colluded to maintain the status quo, often to the detriment of taxpayers and the environment. This investigation features in-depth interviews with whistleblowers, providing firsthand accounts of corruption and its consequences.
We will analyse the long-term economic costs associated with maintaining a road-centric freight system, comparing them with the potential benefits of investing in a robust and efficient rail network. The book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the problem, not just detailing the failures, but proposing concrete policy recommendations for the future.
It’s time for a fundamental shift in Australia’s approach to freight, one that prioritises sustainability, efficiency, and fairness for all stakeholders.
The evidence is clear: rail offers a superior alternative, and the time to act is now.
This book hopes to illuminate the path towards that future.
This does look interesting should be a good read why not release it in a single go for us to read?
I will be looking forward to reading your book………I think be very intruging to read your thoughts……TBA and pass the popcorn please…….
Well this looks interesting. I wonder why rail freight is deliberately disadvantaged.
It would be revealing to disclose the links between the trucking industry and the bicycle-based Rail Trail phenomenon. All to secure a land-transport monopoly – both passenger and freight.
Rail trails are ok when they are in areas that will never have a train line again potentially. There is no excuse for the removal of main line network such as has happened in Victoria and south Gippsland. Some stupid examples in south Australia also like mid north.
Bring on the detail.