Environmental Regulations

Background

In recent years, environmental issues have become increasingly significant in Australia. Greater pressure is placed on Australian transport operators, including the rail industry, to address these crucial public concerns.

In particular, an ability to assess the cost of disparate environmental legislation/regulations and the resultant lack of harmonisation was vital. It was also important to investigate whether, in addressing these matters, the industry could adopt a leading-practice model that satisfies all stakeholders.

Objective

This project aimed to determine the impact and costs of the current lack of harmonisation with respect to legislation and regulation pertaining to the environmental performance of the Australian rail sector.

Outcomes

The work aimed to establish the cost of inconsistent environmental regulations in the various Australian jurisdictions, in addition to potential benefit of harmonisation or adopting a policy of industry-led change in order to ensure best-practice throughout the Australian rail industry.

Benefits

The project investigated possible improvements to the operating environment of the rail industry with respect to legislation and regulations. The outcomes of the project have the potential to benefit both the above and below-rail industries as well as relevant government agencies including regulators. These outcomes are expected to promote best-practice, standardisation and consistency in the industry, thereby leading to better environmental and social outcomes.