AN INCENTIVE program to shift more freight onto rail and strengthen Australia’s supply‑chain resilience, alongside a refreshed Freight Industry Reference Panel to guide future policy and investment, has been launched by the federal government.
Applications have opened for Round 1 of the Transport Resilience and Capacity Kickstart (TRACK) pilot program, with $26 million available to support operators moving additional freight by rail. Applications close 1 October 2026.
The TRACK program totals $52 million and will expand in later rounds to include incentives for both rail and coastal shipping.
Designed to encourage more fuel‑efficient freight movements, TRACK aims to reduce diesel consumption, ease road congestion, lift productivity and build greater resilience across national supply chains.
Australia’s freight task is projected to grow by 26% between 2020 and 2050, placing increasing pressure on national networks.
The government says better utilisation of rail will be critical to meeting that demand while improving safety, lowering emissions and reducing exposure to global supply‑chain shocks.
The move has been welcomed by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), which has released a media statement saying TRACK is an important step towards moving more freight on rail and reducing fuel use and emissions across Australia's transport network.
ARA chief executive Caroline Wilkie said the program recognised the immediate opportunity to make better use of rail as part of Australia's freight system.
"The recent fuel crisis confirmed that we must move more freight on rail to increase the fuel efficiency and environmental performance of the national network," Ms Wilkie said.
She believed the program was an important first step, but sustained policy support was needed to deliver long-term mode shift.
"Freight customers make decisions based on the full supply chain, including cost, reliability, service and transit time," Ms Wilkie said.
"Incentives need to be supported by measures that keep rail competitive and improve the productivity and reliability of the network."
To support this work, the government has also refreshed the Freight Industry Reference Panel, appointing members with expertise across all freight modes.
Chaired by Michael Byrne AM, the panel includes Marika Calfas AM, Hermione Parsons, Peter Allen and Ian Porter.
Three new subcommittees—covering heavy vehicles, rail, and ports and shipping—will provide specialist advice and may be tasked by the transport minister to investigate specific freight or supply‑chain issues, including actions under the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
Further information and application details for TRACK are available at business.gov.au.
Transport minister Catherine King said the government is investing in the freight sector and ensuring they receive the best possible advice on how to make it more productive and resilient.
“Moving more freight onto rail and sea just makes sense – TRACK is just one part of a package of freight rail investments the Government is delivering to ease congestion, improve road safety, reduce fuel reliance and emissions, and get goods where they need to go,” Ms King said.
“I also welcome the new Freight Industry Reference Panel and subcommittee members, who bring incredible industry, leadership and governance expertise between them.
“They will play an important advisory role as we continue to work together, across all levels of government and industry, to deliver on the critical actions agreed to under the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy and its National Action Plan.”
Freight Industry Reference Panel and Subcommittee Members
Freight Industry Reference Panel: Michael Byrne AM (Chair), Peter Allen, Ian Porter, Marika Calfas AM, Hermione Parsons.
Heavy Vehicle Subcommittee: Senator Glenn Sterle (Chair), Warren Clark, Gary Mahon, Peter Anderson, Michelle Harwood, Mathew Munro.
Rail Subcommittee: Mark Mazurek (Chair), Ingilby Dickson, Alan Beacham, Roland Simpson, Andrew Harding.
Ports and Shipping Subcommittee: Angela Gillham (Chair), Jodie Ransom, Robert Coombs, Mike Gallacher.