trading conditions helped drive volume
growth of 31 per cent from the previous
year with 8.3 million tonnes of product
transported across the ARTC network.
The East West route of our Interstate
network continues to lead the transport
market for a range of commodities
with a return to an 82%market share
of land transport. This growth reflects
the continued strength of the Western
Australian economy and ARTC is
committed to retaining this hold on the
East West route.
ARTC’s other primary inter-capital market
is the East Coast of Australia between
Melbourne and Brisbane and 2011-12
saw ARTC moving into the final stages of
a major investment program to improve
corridor performance. During the year
volume growth of 11.1%was achieved,
with future growth prospects on this
corridor being strong as the benefits of
the investment program are able to be
passed through to ARTC’s rail customers.
Strong demand for thermal coal exports
and continued investment in expansion
of the Hunter Valley network has
resulted in growth of 12.5% per cent of
export coal volumes.
During the year ARTC concluded take or
pay contracts with all Hunter Valley export
coal producers which provide for projected
volumes of 150 million export tonnes
during 2012 with forward commitments
to more than 200mtpa underpinned by a
continued investment program by ARTC
and other supply chain participants.
opportunities that have arisen from the
continued international demand for
Australian metal and energy resources.
Considerable prospects have been iden-
tified in South Australia. In particular,
two major minerals developments in the
Gawler Craton region have consolidated
their volume on the ARTC network with
planning work being undertaken for a
third development scheduled to com-
mence in the early part of 2012‑13.
Both the East West and North South
corridors of our Interstate network are a
critical part of the steel industry supply
chain. During 2011-12 the Company
delivered a 5.2% increase in steel volume
on these corridors. This will be further
boosted by Bluescope Steel’s announce-
ment to increase its future use of our
Interstate network between Port Kembla
and Melbourne in preference to shipping.
The grain season has also delivered an
increase in volumes and revenue with our
Interstate network supporting a number of
key supply chains for domestic and export
grain in South Australia, Victoria and New
South Wales. Favourable weather and
ARTC CONTINUES TO RESPOND TO A
HIGH LEVEL OF MARKET INTEREST IN
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTS.
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