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Capability Statement

TasRail is setting new standards for freight logistics in Tasmania.

With an upgraded, fit-for-purpose rail freight network, TasRail is one of the largest transport service providers in Tasmania, connecting industry and commerce to major shipping ports and freight hubs across the State.

Since its establishment in 2009, TasRail has grown in capability and performance. TasRail is commercially focussed and committed to being Tasmania's trusted provider of safe and dependable rail logistics solutions. Tasmania's key industries place a high value on having a modern rail service that is closely integrated with the state's other freight transport providers.

Connectivity

TasRail operates from strategically located freight terminals at Burnie, Brighton, George Town, Conara and Devonport. Our terminals are designed to support multi modal operations and the efficient, seamless and timely transfer of freight.

TasRail specialises in handling and hauling a range of commodities, from containerised freight to bulk and dangerous goods. It also offers key services and unloading and loading facilities at several locations across the State.

As the owner and operator of Tasmania's only open access minerals Shiploader and bulk handling service, TasRail is also able to integrate its operations with industry, offering 'pit to port' solutions by transporting bulk commodities direct from mine to market.

Expertise

TasRail exists to provide safe, efficient and reliable freight transport services and it is fast earning a growing reputation for its role in facilitating new business and its commitment to designing dynamic and tailored freight logistics solutions.

Our expertise includes:

  • Multi modal haulage services for intermodal and bulk freight including for example logs, woodchips, paper, coal, cement, mineral ores and processed metals
  • Supply chain partnerships
  • Bulk handling
  • Bulk storage
  • Shiploading
  • Seamless interconnectivity between freight rail and mining and manufacturing facilities
  • Design of tailored solutions including Greenfield developments and Brownfield operations

Capacity

With its fleet of purpose-built locomotives and wagons in operation across the network, TasRail continues to increase its hauling capacity, efficiency and reliability.

Rail's economy of scale is an important consideration that results in logistical savings for all freight service providers and customers because it can handle much larger freight tasks at only marginal additional cost. For example, one freight train can haul the same amount of freight as 50+ heavy road vehicles but it requires less handling and results in less congestion at key points in the Tasmanian freight system.

TasRail is now delivering Tranche Two of the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program. This is a four-year program ($119.6 million) funded in equal measure by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments. Like Tranche One (completed June 2019) it will ensure the continued modernisation of the Tasmanian Rail Network, and further bolster TasRail's capacity to meet the growing needs of industry.

After the success of Tranche One, the Tasmanian and Australian Governments also committed $136 million to a third tranche of the program. It is anticipated that this will commence in the second half of 2020-21.

 

Safety

Safety is a core value at TasRail and working safely is fundamental to our business. Every employee and contractor working at TasRail is empowered to stop any perceived unsafe act and is required to find a safer way to carry out the task.

 

Social Licence

Rail freight transport helps fortify the social licence of many industries, which is critical to the continued stability and security of their business.

Independent research shows that rail freight is safe, competitive and environmentally friendly. It helps to reduce heavy vehicle movements, road accidents, carbon emissions, road maintenance costs and traffic noise. In this context alone, it delivers real social and economic benefits to both the community and industry.

Rail also has the capacity and the capability to support economic growth. Industry can plan in the knowledge that their production can be transported on rail at reasonable cost and that the community will accept the movement of this freight given the widespread understanding of rail's strong safety and environmental credentials.

Governance

TasRail is a State-owned Company governed by an independent Board of Directors. Formed in 2009, TasRail is headquartered in Launceston. TasRail generates important economic activity through its operations, the purchase of goods and services and the employment of its full time workforce of more than 250 talented men and women.