About Swietelsky ESG

Building ever better - our 2025-27 ESG strategy

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ESG is more than a legislative requirement for Swietelsky Rail Australia, it is an operational imperative.

Guided by the Swietelsky Group principle of "Building Ever Better," our 2025-2027 Strategy marks a commitment to measurable action across decarbonisation, circular economy leadership, and social equity. We are not just maintaining tracks; we are building a resilient future for the communities we connect.

 

Our fundamental action areas

Our strategy is built on four core pillars embedded within ISO-certified management systems and supported by Swietelsky’s Group wide commitment to formal ESG governance framework:
1.

Decarbonisation & Emissions Reduction:

We are on a defined pathway to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10% by 2027. This includes transitioning over 50% of our fleet to biodegradable Panolin oils.
2.

Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency:

We lead the industry in material recovery. Our mechanised ballast cleaning programs achieve >98% material reuse, diverting over 430,000 tonnes of waste from landfill to date.
3.

Increasing Social Capital:

We invest in people. From our 7.4% Indigenous participation rate to our status as a Certified Family Inclusive Workplace, we ensure our growth benefits our employees and the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work.
4.

Governance & Accountability:

We lead with integrity. Through transparent risk management and ISO certified systems, we ensure total operational compliance. Our Board level ESG reporting is designed to align with global CSRD principles, providing our partners with the assurance that our philosophy is backed by rigorous oversight and ethical governance.

Real impact. Real data.

Environmental:

15,000+ truck movements removed from Australian roads through on-site ballast recycling.

Social:

Winner of the 2025 ARA Rail IndustryRI Wellbeing in Rail Award and 2024 Finalist for the Diversity & Inclusion Award.

Governance:

Full alignment with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001, and active membership in the TrackSAFE Foundation and ARISO.
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Acknowledgement of Country

We recognise the First Peoples of this Nation and their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to the lands, waters, seas, skies, and communities we connect with, and acknowledge the Wonnarua people as the Traditional Custodians and caretakers of the lands and waterways where Swietelsky Rail Australia reside. 

We acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Custodians and Lore Keepers of the oldest living culture and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples. 

Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
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Connection to Country

Our commitment to reconciliation is visible in our actions - from commissioning bespoke First Nations artwork for our machinery fleet to achieving industry-leading Indigenous employment rates. We don't just work on the land; we respect its history and its future.

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Indigenous Participation Plan

Swietelsky Rail Australia’s Indigenous Participation Plan is built around a simple principle: translating commitment into meaningful outcomes through practical project delivery and continuous improvement. Our approach focuses on creating participation opportunities through workforce engagement, supplier partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Through this approach SRA seeks to strengthen Indigenous participation across its workforce, supply chain and project activities.

 Download our Indigenous Participation Plan

Frequently Asked Questions
What is SRA’s commitment to Net Zero?

SRA has set a target  for a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027 through fleet modernisation and operational efficiencies.
How does ESG influence operational delivery on rail projects?

ESG performance is integrated into project planning, fleet management and workforce systems. Mechanised ballast cleaning enables in-situ material recovery, reducing landfill and truck movements, while ISO-certified management systems (ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001) ensure quality, environmental and safety controls are embedded into daily operations. Asset reliability programs have restored fleet performance to greater than 95%, reducing unplanned downtime, repeat possessions and associated environmental impacts.
How does SRA manage environmental risk on heavy haul networks?

Environmental risk is managed through ISO 14001-certified systems, structured environmental management plans and data-driven fleet controls. Since 2021, operations have recorded zero significant environmental non-compliances. Initiatives such as transitioning more than 50% of the fleet to biodegradable Panolin oils and achieving >98% in-situ ballast reuse reduce soil, water and waste impacts across live rail corridors.
How is workforce wellbeing treated as part of ESG performance?

Workforce sustainability is treated as a safety-critical priority. A structured wellbeing framework supports 100% workforce participation and addresses psychosocial hazards in alignment with WHS Amendment Regulation 2022 requirements. Certified Family Inclusive Workplace status, paid parental and grandparental leave and proactive wellbeing check-ins strengthen workforce resilience, engagement and safe performance in high-risk environments.
How does SRA support a Circular Economy?

Through mechanised ballast cleaning, we recycle over 98% of material in-situ. This process has repurposed over 430,000 tonnes of ballast for access roads and drainage, drastically reducing landfill waste.
Is Swietelsky Rail Australia a family-friendly employer?

Yes, SRA is a Certified Family Inclusive Workplace. We offer industry-leading benefits including paid Parental Leave for all parents, paidGrandparental Leave, five days paid "Balance Breaks" per year, and flexible work arrangements to support a diverse workforce.

 Learn more here