Background:
Rail
must have sufficient understanding of environmental and economic
issues such asthe use of
future fuels, the possibility of further electrification, and
dealing with the need for rapid technological change in the rail sector.
Objective:
The
general aims of the project are: to understand the pre-conditions
for a substantial modal shift and upgrading of Australian rail
transport, especially in the context of high global fuel prices and
a carbon price; to estimate the economic, social and environmental
benefits arising from these two changes; and to assess the policy
options, funding models and the corporate responses required for
these changes to occur. The project will also prioritise issues for
future research.
Project scope:
The project will
identify areas for concern, provide timely response on these
issues, and signal directions for ongoing research.
Benefits:
It is
envisaged that the project will map out future research directions,
all the while providing the industry with continual updates
regarding climate change themes that can be used to formulate
informed policy positions regarding these important
issues.
Expected outcomes:
The
project aims to provide the following deliverables:
- An analysis of the external economic and social costs and
benefits of rail and road use, and hence of the benefits of a modal
shift
- Descriptive analysis of the Australian transport sector, with
special emphasis on modal issues, energy issues and greenhouse gas
emissions
- Definition of the likely operation of an Emissions Trading
System, and its impact on the transport sector
- Review of infrastructure and related issues affecting the
distribution of the freight task between road and rail, and of the
options for addressing them
- Review of the issues involved in passenger movements in the
major cities, and of the options for major changes (including an
assessment of changes in Perth)
- A review of recent and prospective technology developments
relevant to transport, and the extent to which they could be
implemented in Australia
- An analysis of the companies and agencies involved in rail
transport in Australia, and of the issues and incentives they
face
- Definition of policy options, and modelling of their net
economic, social and environmental benefits
- Prioritisation of issues for future research
Project timeframe:
01/06/08 –
30/09/09
Project Chair:
Brett
Hughes, Director Policy, Australasian Railway
Association
Project Leader:
Prof. Neal Ryan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), Southern
Cross University
Tel:
02 6620 3719
Email: neal.ryan@scu.edu.au
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