FORG wants to state its case on the challenges and obstacles facing freight operators.

The Freight on Rail Group (FORG) of Australia is seeking to speak at the next Transport and Infrastructure Council (TIC) to help gain the sort of traction road transport has gained recently.

The group, which represents major rail and intermodal operators, including Pacific National, SCT and Qube and other rail-related operations, is concerned a lack of focus on helping shift obstacles to rail productivity will undermine initiatives already under way.

FORG says it is looking to more clearly and concisely state its case on the challenges and obstacles the sector faces to state and territory department heads and major decision-makers.

"It is long overdue for Australia’s rail freight sector to have a seat at the TIC table," says chairman Dean Dalla Valle.

"In terms of large-scale investment in rail freight and what it takes to successfully run above and below rail operations in Australia’s vast transport supply chain, if you are not talking to us, you are not in the know," he says.

"Australians from every walk of life want safer roads, less traffic congestion during their daily commute and lower vehicle emissions – hauling bulk goods and commodities by rail ticks all these boxes."