Leaders in rail from across Australia will be gathering today in Hobart, Tasmania, for the first time to share knowledge,
ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities currently facing the nation’s short haul rail sector.

The inaugural national Short Haul Rail Forum, hosted by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and TasRail, will see
senior executives and managers representing all of the major rail organisations, network managers, suppliers, regulators
and State and Commonwealth Governments gather for a one day forum and networking dinner.

TasRail CEO Damien White said he was looking forward to the opportunity to have so many of the key players in the one
place.

“Short haul rail has its own set of advantages and challenges. My challenge as CEO of TasRail is helping our customers
understand the value proposition of the short haul rail freight task against other modes of transport,” said Mr White.

“Asset utilisation is more critical across a short haul network, and reliability is paramount as the margins for absorbing
delays are limited. The issue of the ongoing disparity between road and rail funding is also something that needs to be
continually elevated.

“By looking across the industry holistically all along the supply chain, we can collectively share information and seek
solutions to mutual barriers,” he said.

ARA Chief Executive Officer Bryan Nye OAM said the Forum would provide great insight and perspective on short haul
operations both domestically and internationally with speakers such as Qube Logistics, Genesee & Wyoming and McLeod
Rail all presenting at the Forum.

“Members from the rail industry are collaborating today to unlock the impediments and barriers to growth for short haul
rail in Australia and put this vital transport mode back on the radar of major movers of freight,” said Mr Nye.

“There is a lot happening in the short haul space in terms of new infrastructure, technology and research making it the
most competitive, reliable and efficient it has ever been,” he said.

The Forum will focus on key barriers to growth across the industry, the experience of different operators in running a
short haul rail business, and conclude with an afternoon of facilitated workshops with the industry participants to come
up with some shared solutions to the identified issues.
Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and TasRai