CEO & CHAIRMAN’S
OVERVIEW
The past year has seen Australian Rail
Track Corporation deliver another strong
earnings performance and this is a further
reflection of the progress the business is
making toward delivering the high per-
forming rail network our customers expect.
We have grown strongly on the back of our
investment program over recent years,
particularly in the Hunter Valley coal
network, and despite tough economic
conditions being experienced throughout
the wider economy.
The most pleasing result over the
last year has been our continued
improvement in service levels. Hunter
Valley and Interstate network reliability
has improved substantially on last year
as a result of infrastructure investment
and cooperation with our customers
on specific reliability initiatives. This
has been especially important for our
intermodal customers where on-time
reliability is a critical factor in their choice
of transport mode.
After a substantial period of investment
for the business we have delivered our first
dividend payment since 2004.
Looking ahead, there are challenges for the
business — reduced economic activity has
been reflected in flat intermodal volumes
and greenfield coal projects are being
deferred as a result of lower coal prices and
over supply. While we will need to respond
to these issues, our fundamentals as a
business remain sound and we remain well
placed to continue our growth path which
will create long term Shareholder and
customer value.
from left to right:
JOHN FULLERTON
Chief Executive Officer
JOHN CALDON
Chairman
3
