New South Wales News
Improving rail track access in NSW

Improving rail track access in NSW
IPART is reviewing the regulatory framework for train operators to access NSW rail network. IPART has released its draft report and recommendations and is calling for submissions.
The existing rail access framework has been in place for 20 years. With the freight movements in metropolitan NSW set to double over the next 30 years, it is important that NSW has the right rail access framework for allowing third-party train operators to use the rail network.
IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the regulatory settings are critical to achieving this objective.
“IPART’s draft recommendations recognise that rail owners and train operators are generally best placed to negotiate the access arrangements that meet their commercial objectives.
“Train operators seeking to access the rail infrastructure need more information to make informed, timely and efficient decisions about emerging opportunities,” she said.
“They also need confidence that when they negotiate it will be on fair and reasonable terms.”
IPART has proposed that parties would need to negotiate according to defined time frames. If agreement is not reached within 3 months (or a date as agreed), a dispute resolution mechanism would be triggered.
“This would provide a greater incentive for parties to reach a timely agreement and more certainty around the processes when a dispute arises,” Ms Donnelly said.
Track owners would also be required to publish more information on services, costs, prices, network development and performance, and comply with transparent rules governing how they allocate and manage track capacity.
“One of the key problems under the existing framework is that it is difficult to hold track owners to account when they don’t comply with the rules,” Ms Donnelly said.
“Our draft recommendations would provide IPART with new enforcement powers. We are also recommending lower cost dispute resolution methods and clear time frames to help resolve disputes.”
NSW rail track owners are the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). The third parties that access their rail networks include coal, grain, general freight, passenger, and heritage rail businesses. IPART’s recommendations would not affect how it sets passenger fares.
The Draft Report is available on IPART’s website, with submissions open until 16 December 2022. IPART will hold a public hearing in November, before finalising its recommendations to Government in May 2023.
Breaking News
NSW Government Unveils Bold New TAFE NSW Charter to Address Critical Skills Needs

New South Wales News
Unlawful Merchant Fees Charged to Customers

New South Wales News
Agreement Signed Between NSW Government and PSA

New South Wales News
NSW Government Seeks AI and Technology

Health News
Public Health Warning: Heroin Overdoses Linked to Drugs Thought to Be Cocaine

-
Tweed Shire News2 years ago
A NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News2 years ago
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years ago
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News4 years ago
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News4 years ago
Lismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News4 years ago
Vale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham