RTBU: Rail Should be First Option for Dangerous Goods

National legislation to ensure that dangerous goods such as petrol are transported by rail wherever practical would save lives on Australian roads, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) said.

RTBU National Organiser Bob Nanva said amendments should be made to Federal, State and Territory Dangerous Goods Acts to make rail transport the first option for the transport of dangerous goods, especially for long haul trips.

“As a community, we all have an interest in making our roads as safe as possible.
“Major corporations, however, have shown they are more interested in saving dollars than saving lives, so it is time that governments stepped in to make them do the right thing.
“Dollars should not come before sense when it comes to the safety of people on Australian roads.”

Mr Nanva said a prime example of the unnecessary burden being placed on Australian roads was the recent decision by Shell to move the transport of fuel from rail freight to road transport.

“The Blue Mountains Highway, for example, is winding, often congested and in many places quite narrow. Sending hundreds of extra petrol tankers along this road is doing nothing for road safety, especially when a safer, viable option is already available.

“Companies should not be able to make these decisions without any consideration of the public interest or public safety.”

Mr Nanva also called on governments to step up investment in transport infrastructure to improve both road safety and to make rail a more viable alternative for business.

“Government have a responsibility to set the rules, but they also have a responsibility to provide the basic infrastructure that supports our economy.
“When it comes to genuine nation building infrastructure projects, investment in major rail freight corridors should be a key priority for all governments.”

The RTBU has written to a number of other interest groups and stakeholders to gain support for the proposal to move dangerous goods off Australian roads.