Big rail worker shortfall ahead: report

A shortage of skilled rail workers will delay and blow out the costs of projects across Australia and New Zealand in the coming decade, according to a new report.

There will be a workforce shortage of up to 70,000 when rail construction peaks in 2023, the research commissioned by the Australasian Railways Association shows.

The report has called on government and industry to immediately take steps to boost fit-for-purpose training to help fill skills gaps.