As governments re-examine productivity settings, net-zero timeframes narrow and growing populations drive greater demand for safe and reliable transport, the value of rail is becoming increasingly clear.
2026 will prove a pivotal year for the industry in Australia and New Zealand.
New project completions in recent years have demonstrated the significant economic and community benefits network expansion can deliver, and showcased the inherent value rail offers to cities, towns and our national supply chains.
Meanwhile, increasing climate events have highlighted the need for more investment in measures that improve the resilience of critical transport networks to keep our country moving.
The value of rail has never been clearer
The Australasian Railway Association’s (ARA) 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, released last year, recognised that rail can unlock national productivity, improve liveability and accelerate sustainability outcomes, but only if policy settings and investment frameworks fully reflect rail’s value. That is why our strategic plan highlights the need for continued investment in rail, mode shift, a harmonised and more productive operating environment, capability uplift across the supply chain, and an inclusive, future ready workforce.
The launch of The value of rail 2025 in December 2025 confirmed the rail industry’s rising economic and social contribution in Australia. With the industry now contributing almost $40 billion to the economy each year, it is a genuine driver of growth that enables improved connection across the country. It is also a key contributor to improved safety and sustainability outcomes, making our communities more liveable. Evidence like this strengthens the policy case for a durable, nationally coordinated pipeline and clear mode shift targets.
New initiatives to spearhead our advocacy
As the ARA continues to make the case for greater use of rail in 2026, new projects and research will further demonstrate why continued investment in the rail industry is critical to driving improved outcomes for the wider community.
In the first half of the year, we are launching a range of new initiatives to advance the key issues facing the rail industry.
The ARA will soon release the Future of rail, a forward looking assessment of the megatrends shaping passenger and freight rail over the next 15 years. Themes such as population growth and urban development, decarbonisation and the energy transition, automation, funding reform and housing integration will all be explored as part of this seminal report.
The clear outcome of this research is that planning must be transport-led. The ARA has long advocated for rail-centred placemaking approaches to planning, to maximise the wider benefits transport infrastructure can deliver. The Future of rail report will examine how the benefits of rail can be more fully realised and identify ways in which the rail industry can respond to and support emerging trends in the economy and community.
This makes a compelling case for mode shift, to enable improved efficiency, productivity, safety and sustainability. It will also reveal opportunities to leverage data, standards and other policy reforms to lift asset utilisation, improve customer experience and reduce delivery risk.
Improving First Nations’ participation and engagement
The ARA will also launch new research on the participation and engagement of First Nations people in the rail industry. The research will identify opportunities to improve outcomes through a focus on employment pathways, recruitment and training measures, as well as strengthening opportunities for Indigenous businesses to win work in the rail industry.
The research is informed by extensive collaboration with First Nations people and businesses working within the rail industry, as well as rail industry organisations.
The findings and recommendations will inform the development of the ARA’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, to be finalised later this year.
Providing a level playing field for all freight modes
New research on competitive neutrality in the freight sector will also be released this year, examining how access charges, fees and regulatory requirements differ between road and rail freight. The project will identify reforms to support a future freight network that makes the best use of all modes and enables customers to choose the right freight mode for every freight task.
The report provides pragmatic recommendations for policy reforms that will enable rail to play a key role in meeting the nation’s growing freight task, and ensure Australia has a sustainable national freight network that can deliver on increasing demand over time.
A new voice for inclusion, skills and culture
The ARA launched On the Right Track in February, a new podcast created to support women, champion diversity and demystify rail careers. Listeners will hear candid conversations with drivers, engineers, chief executive officers and emerging leaders, alongside allies who are helping accelerate change. The show is produced by the ARA and supported by Siemens Mobility.
Many of the interviews featured in the first season of the podcast were recorded at AusRAIL PLUS 2025 and focus on leaders and decision makers currently working in the rail industry across Australia and New Zealand. The podcast will put real rail industry voices front and centre, showcase rail careers to attract new talent into the industry, and celebrate the incredible achievements of people working in rail.
A strong voice for rail
As we launch these new initiatives in the early months of 2026, the ARA is continuing to build a strong voice for rail, grounded in evidence. We continue our advocacy to advance national rail reforms to achieve improved interoperability and harmonisation, promote ongoing investment in rail infrastructure and support mode shift to meet the future transport needs of Australia and New Zealand.
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