This article raises many questions and offers a few answers. Rail transport is one but has its obvious limitations (not to mention the different rail gauges across states), one still needs feeder transport and go the "last mile" etc. However, in Europe trucks and/or trailers (with/without drivers depending on circumstances) are moved by rail over substantial distances via Ro-Ro services. Yes, that needs infrastructure investment but would it be doable? The same railway cars could also move cars (& caravans) etc to support the annual migration of grey nomads - would they be happy to pay less for fuel and instead travel in comfort by rail?
One mode of transport the article does not mention is coastal shipping, e.g. Ro-Ro services along the (East?) Coast, say Melbourne - Sydney - Brisbane etc.
Again, citing Europe as an example, why not run ferries along the coastal ports (and not just Geelong - Devonport). Time for a feasibility study/CBA?
This study was conducted in 2023 focusing on QLD:
Full article: Potential demand for coastal shipping in Queensland: a behavioural econometric analysis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03088839.2023.2191255#abstract
Thoughts?
ABC article for reference:
It just cost $2,553 to fill up 'Whiskers' - and Australians might bear the cost
| Abc |
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| It just cost $2,553 to fill up 'Whiskers' - and Australians might bear the cost |
| On Australia's busiest freight route, it takes four shots of coffee, $2,553 of fuel and a little hair metal to keep the wheels of the economy turning. |
| View this on Abc > |
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Klaus Zillner
Senior Consultant
klauszillner@yahoo.comAustralia
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