ARTC has increased freight volumes
in 2011-12 by 12.8% compared to the
previous year and this is reflected in
strong access revenue growth of 24%.
High growth levels were observed in
ARTC’s key markets in 2011-12 and
the Company continues to observe
strong market interest in the use of rail
as an alternative mode to transport
products. The strong safety and
environmental benefits that rail offers
are increasingly part of the decision
making process.
Despite this increasing awareness, the
Carbon Tax will initially have a negative
impact on the rail sector and only
once it is applied to heavy vehicles,
will rail find itself on more competitive
pricing terms. The reform of Heavy
Vehicle road pricing by the National
Transport Commission is also likely
to bring about changes that will make
infrastructure investment in transport
more consistent between road and rail.
The growth ARTC has achieved in
2011-12 has in part been driven by
the Company’s ability to capitalise on
MARKET
OVERVIEW
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