Rail
Rail freight is essential to Australia’s commodities export. It is dominated by iron ore and coal, which represent over 75 per cent of Australia’s total rail freight volume by weight. Rail freight is expected to gradually decline to 2037 and then plateau to 2050*. This is driven by stagnating global steel production and the increasing share of solar and wind for power generation. Interstate non-bulk rail freight is projected to increase steadily in line with domestic population growth.
ten-fold
Growth in rail freight volumes between 1970-71 and 2023-24*
446.8 billion
Tonne kilometres of rail freight moved in 2024-25**
5.7%
Projected growth in total rail freight task between 2020 and 2050*
46,700
Rail transport jobs in August 2025**
Rail interactives
Do you work in the rail freight industry? Find out more about how 2-way data sharing can help you improve outcomes and boost productivity.