Tasmanian Rail Access Framework Policy

Tasmania’s rail network plays a key role in the State’s land freight network, connecting industry to Tasmania’s key freight hubs and northern ports. The Access Framework provides the mechanism by which the Tasmanian Government implements the principles of National Access Regime and Competition Principles Agreement. These principles ensure that third party operators are able to negotiate for access to monopoly infrastructure.

The Tasmanian Rail Access Framework Policy has been prepared by the Department of State Growth in consultation with key stakeholders, including tourist and heritage rail groups, TasRail and the Department of Treasury and Finance.

The Policy sets out the roles and responsibilities of the below-rail operator and access seekers, improving the transparency for all parties, and outlines a cost effective dispute resolution process that aims to avoid the need for parties to spend significant resources. The Policy will operate in parallel with the legislative requirements under the Rail Safety National Law, which defines the requirements around rail accreditation.

The Policy also outlines rail access charges that are to be charged to above-rail operations on the Tasmanian Rail Network. The rail access charges will consist of a flagfall rate, which is to be charged regardless of length travelled or mass carried, and a variable rate, which is to be charged proportionally to the length travelled and mass carried (in terms of gross tonne-kilometres (GTK)). The charge is applicable for any section of the Tasmanian Rail Network.