Shifting Australia's heavy freight off congested highways and onto the national rail network will save lives, cut transport emissions, and protect vital supply chains against future shocks, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) said.

The Federal Government’s Transport Resilience and Capacity Kickstart (TRACK) pilot program will deliver an important shift that the transport and logistics sector has needed. The program will pay operators to move freight by rail instead of by road.

From today, rail freight operators can apply for a share of $26 million in targeted Commonwealth incentives specifically to move heavy freight onto tracks.

The RTBU has long called for a national investment in freight on rail, with the launch of its Sharing the Load report in collaboration with the McKell Institute earlier this year.

The report found that capturing 30 per cent of Australia’s future freight growth on rail would deliver $640 million in yearly savings by 2050, save 400 million litres of diesel per year, avoid 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and prevent 18 annual road deaths.

RTBU National Secretary Alex Claassens said: “Getting more freight onto rail is a game-changer for Australia’s economy, supply chains and most importantly the safety of our drivers and community. Today’s announcement delivers the confidence and security our industry needs.

“With the national freight task expected to grow by 26% by 2050, any movement off roads and onto rail means fewer fatalities, less trucks on regional highways, less road wear and tear, and drastically lower diesel emissions. This is a major win for the sector and the workers who keep it running.

“Our Sharing the Load report showed that shifting freight to rail will increase fuel efficiency, insulate our supply chains from global fuel price shocks and build genuine productivity.”

The union congratulates RTBU Queensland Branch Secretary Peter Allen, who has been appointed to the Freight Industry Reference Panel, securing frontline transport workers a direct seat at the table in national freight planning.

“We congratulate Peter Allen on his appointment to the panel as he has spent decades representing rail workers in Queensland,” Mr Claassens said. 

“I have faith that he will make sure the voices of workers who run freight networks day in and day out are heard at the highest level of government. Peter understands the realities of rail operations and having a dedicated frontline advocate advising ministers guarantees safety and fair standards.”

RTBU Queensland Branch Secretary Peter Allen said: "Today’s investment is a major win for the freight sector, economies in the regions and the workers who keep our country moving around the clock.

“Moving heavy freight by rail is cleaner, safer and more reliable. Workers are the backbone of our supply chains and I am honoured to represent RTBU members on the panel.

“I will make sure the people who actually drive the trains, maintain the track and load the terminals have a say in any advice that reaches ministers to help build a modern, resilient national freight network.”