INTRODUCTION

Transport activity involves the movement of goods or people from an origin to a destination. It is a fundamental activity of all economies, connecting businesses to markets and to supplies of inputs. For example, building construction is reliant on transport to get materials and labour to sites. Retailers rely on transport to bring items from suppliers, and to bring customers to their shops. Complex and specialised transport services, such as those used for perishable foods, may cross several countries and include corridors of road, rail, sea and air journeys. A substantial part of people's time and income is used for travel to work, school, recreation and other activities.

Transport activity has considerable economic, social and environmental impact. Effective transport systems contribute to economic prosperity, as well as benefits to the community that arise through access to a greater range of options – for places to live and work, shop and take holidays. Information about aspects of transport activity is used by governments, local authorities and industry, to support planning and investment decisions.

This chapter provides information on Australia’s domestic and international transportation systems, including statistics on transport activity and the incidence of transport-related accidents, injuries and fatalities. Data are drawn from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collections and other sources, including the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics and the Australasian Railway Association Inc.

Information on use of energy by transport can be found in 19 ENERGY.

More information on the Transport, postal and warehousing industry can be found in chapters 8 LABOUR, 15 INDUSTRY STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE, 25 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY and 26 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION.