Review of the Western Australian Rail Access Regime

The State Government has been reviewing the operation of the Western Australian Rail Access Regime to ensure the efficient use of, and investment in, railway facilities by facilitating a contestable market for rail operations.

Progress to date

In July 2017, an Issues Paper was released to assist discussion regarding potential improvements to the Western Australian Rail Access Regime, and to facilitate stakeholders wishing to participate in the review process.

In December 2018, a Draft Decision Paper was released.This contained a number of recommendations that sought to strengthen the operation of the Regime in line with its objectives. Further stakeholder consultation was undertaken as part of this process.

In February 2020, a Final Decision Paper was released, incorporating stakeholder feedback on the Draft Decision Paper and outlining recommendations for improvements to the Regime. The Government has approved the recommendations of the Final Decision Paper. 

Current status

The reform recommendations have been approved by Government.

Next steps

Regulatory amendments will be developed in consultation with industry to act on the recommended changes.

Papers

Submissions – Issues papers

The Department received public submissions in response to the Issues Paper from the following stakeholders:

Rail Access Review Issues Paper Arc Infrastructure
Rail Access Review Issues Paper Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Rail Access Review Issues Paper Australian Rail Track Corporation
Rail Access Review Issues Paper Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd (CBH)
Rail Access Review Issues Paper The Pilbara Infrastructure Co
Rail Access Review Issues Paper WA Local Government Association
Rail Access Review Issues Paper Wheatbelt Railway Retention Alliance

Submissions – Draft decision papers

The Department received public submissions in response to the Draft Decision Paper from the following stakeholders: 

Rail Access Review Decisions Paper Arc Infrastructure
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper Australian Rail Track Corporation
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd (CBH)
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper Co-operative Bulk-Handling Frontier Economics (CBH)
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper Grain Growers from the Eastern Wheatbelt
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper The Pilbara Infrastructure Co (FMG)
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper WA Local Government Association
Rail Access Review Decisions Paper Wheatbelt Railway Retention Alliance
Page reviewed 20 February 2020