AusRAIL PLUS 2017

SPECIAL EDITION

The official publication of

AusRAIL PLUS 2017

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CONTENTS

AUSRAIL PLUS 2017 | SPECIAL EDITION

SPECIAL EDITION

COVER STORY

PAGE 56

The Rail Manufacturing CRC is looking for candidates for its third round of project funding. The CRC works with industry members, to partner them with the appropriate academics for Research & Development initiatives. Rail Express spoke with Rail Manufacturing CRC boss Dr Stuart Thomson about the organisation’s agenda.

The official publication of

AusRAIL PLUS 2017

Funding now open for rail innovation Rail Innovation Gateway funding open for Australian rail businesses and universities to address today’s rail challenges

8 10 12

Complete the online application form at http://rmcrc.com.au/register-your-project/

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 9 March 2018.

16 28 34

12

35 36 39 44 46 30

AusRAIL comes to Brisbane

National

New South Wales Queensland

South Australia Tasmania Victoria

Western Australia New Zealand

FEATURES 48 52 54 56

48

A word from ARA chief executive Danny Broad

NEWS UP FRONT

Front Cover image courtesy of Rail Gallery

Up to $1,000,000 funding is available for each project, to be matched by the participating rail business and paid to an Australian university to deliver rail research that truly innovates.

From the editor

56

72

New PN boss Dalla Valle gives his views on the state of play Palaszczuk puts Adani rail funding on election agenda

Farmers not happy with Inland Rai alignment Rail Manufacturing CRC looking for third round of projects

Funds scratching heads over Australian infrastructure

RAIL SUPPLY 58 60 77 64

Wearply could be big for rail joining Schaeffler’s bearing polisher boosts turnaround times

78

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 Conference Guide Featured Exhibitors

AusR ILPLUS 2017 | Brisbane

Conference & Exhibition

21-23 November

This special edition of Rail Express includes a supplement on the AusRAIL PLUS Conference and Exhibition, which takes place in Brisbane from November 21 to 23.

4 10 11 12 13 14

Conference guide

Axiomtek’s embedded computers on display

Metromatics leads the way in signage

Tools supplier Specialised Force provides unique knowledge Siemens to show off innovative solutions

ADLINK riding digital disruption wave

See centre pages of magazine

6

Enerpac adds to hydraulic cylinder range

ISSUE 3 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

PASSENGER RAIL 62 63 68

Alstom, Siemens pair up to push CRRC HCMT mock-ups on display

Siemens on how digitalization can revolutionise rail

LIGHT RAIL 64 66 67

George St retailers hoping for Christmas relief Tracks laid in Canberra

2 stages in planning for Parramatta

FREIGHT RAIL 74 78 80

Meridian Engineers shows off new weighing product Cane growers hit by price dip

Newcastle volumes stable in through good price stretch

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FROM THE EDITOR

Published by:

Oliver Probert Editor – Rail Express Level 14, 309 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Tel: (02) 9994 8086

INDUSTRY MAKES CLEAR PUSH FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURING t the start of this year, ASX-listed miner FMG took delivery of the first of eight new iron ore ships from China.

It was a big deal for FMG, but not a particularly notable one in the grand scheme of things.

But when you really think about what’s going on, things get a little weird.

Here we have an Australian iron ore miner, paying a Chinese firm to build steel ships – potentially made from Australian iron ore in a smelter burning Australian coal – with the final aim of moving even more Australian iron ore to China. Add in that FMG secured a half-billion-dollar loan from a Chinese bank to help pay for those ships, and the whole thing starts to seem truly odd.

Australia has all the knowledge, manpower and material it needs to build its own ships. But the simple economics of comparative advantage have directed that, at least in recent memory, the most efficient way for an Australian company to build a ship is to send the material to China, and have it built there instead.

To many this trend is not only unsurprising; it is a good thing. It is through this same economic mechanism that over time, many of our goods have become cheaper, and our standard of living has improved.

The same process seen in shipbuilding has taken place in the automotive market, with more major car plants shutting down this year.

The pain is very real for workers who lose their livelihood when factories close, but in the long run, many economists would argue Australia will benefit.

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And the process has, of course, also taken place in the rail sector. Victoria is the only state where significant rolling stock manufacturing continually takes place, while other states order their trains from massive factories in Asia and Europe.

From pages 16 to 22 of this magazine we examine the findings of the recent Senate Committee review into Australia’s rail manufacturing sector.

One thing the report makes overtly clear is that the rail industry is not happy with the degradation of its local manufacturing sector. And the politicians appear to agree, with directives from the Committee for state and federal governments to take steps encouraging development of more local manufacturing capacity.

The Australasian Railway Association welcomed the Committee report, and many in the rail sector would no doubt love to see its recommendations followed through.

But even if this happens, the burning question will still need to be answered: Is an Australian rail manufacturing sector sustainable in the long run, without excessive government support?

It’s questions like that which make events like AusRAIL PLUS 2017 so great. Nowhere in Australasia will you find a greater collection of rail businesses, academics, and decision makers, to discuss this issue, and a hundred more.

I hope you enjoy this special edition of Rail Express. And I look forward to seeing, and hearing from, as many businesses and individuals  as possible during this fantastic event.

Publisher Michael Mohi Tel: +61 (2) 9994 8086 Email: Michael.Mohi@mohimedia.com

Editor Oliver Probert Tel: +61 (0) 406 111 902 Email: Oliver.Probert@mohimedia.com

Head of Marketing Daniel Macias Tel: +61 (0) 427 277 074 Email: Daniel.Macias@mohimedia.com

Sales Executive Margaret Shannon Tel: +61 (2) 9994 8086 Email: Margaret.Shannon@mohimedia.com

Production Manager Ronda McCallum Tel: +61 (0) 411 045 046 Email: Ronda.McCallum@mohimedia.com

Design and Layout Jo Fuller Designs Tel: +61 (0) 414 289 699 Email: jodesign@bigpond.net.au

Oliver.Probert@mohimedia.com

Image courtesy of RailGallery.com.au

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE:

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www.RailExpress.com.au The Publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from the advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. © Copyright 2017 – No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of the publisher.

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ISSUE 3 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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AUSTRALASIAN RAILWAY ASSOCIATION

ARA

RAIL INDUSTRY CALLS FOR A NATIONAL RAIL INDUSTRY PLAN FOR THE BENEFIT OF AUSTRALIA

A

ustralasian Railway Association (ARA) Board members visited Parliament House in Canberra on 12 September 2017 to attend a Ministerial Roundtable with the Hon Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister for Urban Infrastructure and the Hon Arthur Sinodinos, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and their advisors to discuss the implementation of a National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia that was developed by the ARA. Currently, the rail industry makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy of around $26 billion a year. Australian Federal, State and Territory Governments understand the increasing importance of both passenger and freight rail to Australia as an integral part of the national transport solution. Between the governments, investment in rolling stock, integrated intermodal solutions and supporting rail infrastructure is likely to exceed $100 billion by 2030. With such commitment from these governments, a National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia will significantly assist the rail industry to achieve its full potential. The Plan calls for a coordinated and collaborative approach between all governments, key stakeholders and the industry to take advantage of all the lessons learnt and position the industry for the future.

The aim of the National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia is to highlight the important role that rail plays in the national

transport task and the Australian economy and to obtain maximum economic growth, efficiency, productivity and social benefits from the substantial investment currently being made. This will include in the areas of growth and employment, individual and company capabilities, productivity and innovation, integration of transport modes, local and export market opportunities, housing options and to provide the rail industry with greater certainty into the future. It is imperative to identify the challenges and opportunities facing the national rail endeavour, provide a manageable, realistic set of initiatives for both government and industry to implement in a realistic timeframe, and to provide a structured way forward, seeking agreement amongst stakeholders, with outcomes that add value and that can be measured.

The five key areas of focus of the National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia include:

• Recognising the importance of rail for Australia’s infrastructure development, urban planning and freight movements • Harmonising standards, minimising regulations and maximising economies of scale • Growing the capabilities of individuals and companies • Maximising opportunities for rail companies • Fostering innovation, research and development.

DANNY BROAD

Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Railway Association

Australia depends on an efficient integrated transport system. The contribution rail already makes to our economy, environment and social cohesion cannot be underestimated.

Each year almost one billion passenger journeys transport Australians on heavy and light rail networks in our capital cities and on regional services. Around 1.5 billion tonnes of freight, primarily bulk commodities, are moved on rail each year. This passenger and freight task is growing rapidly. Rail is a large employer, with close to 200,000 directly or indirectly involved through freight and passenger operators, track owners and managers, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, consultants and government administration.

A collaborative approach which engages Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments with the rail industry will enhance our economy through greater efficiencies in public transport, in freight and in the jobs created in building, augmenting, managing and maintaining rail networks.

All Australians will be the beneficiaries. An important era lies ahead of us. It is a pivotal time and a National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia will ensure the rail industry can realise its full potential. This is an area where the ARA is currently working with industry and all governments to encourage commitment to the Plan to be well positioned for the future.  The National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia can be found on the ARA website at https://ara.net.au/national-rail-plan-benefitaustralia.

Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Bob Herbert AM, Chairman, ARA and Danny Broad, CEO, ARA at Parliament House on 12 September 2017 discussing the National Rail Industry Plan for the Benefit of Australia.

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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WELCOME TO BRISBANE THE 2017 EDITION OF THE AUSTRALASIAN RAILWAY ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL AUSRAIL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION BRINGS THE RAIL INDUSTRY TO BRISBANE. HOME TO 2.4 MILLION, QUEENSLAND’S CAPITAL IS A PRIME HOST CITY FOR AUSRAIL FOR ITS BIENNIAL ‘PLUS’ YEAR.

risbane is the third-largest city in Australia, and over the last ten years, it has also been third in population growth. Between 2006 and 2016, the city’s population rose by 452,000, behind only Sydney (773,600) and Melbourne (964,600).

It’s no surprise, then, that Brisbane is also a hotspot for recent rail projects, and remains in the middle of the never-ending battle between

B

the states for the Federal Government’s attention when it comes to building new transport infrastructure.

To the city’s north is the recently-completed Redcliffe Peninsula rail line. The new line, which was known as the Moreton Bay Rail Link during construction, is the latest addition to CONTINUES PAGE 14 u

About the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Cost $170 million of Queensland Government funding to build Opened in 1995, expanded in 2012 Exhibition hall floorspace of up to 20,000m2 Great Hall with capacity for 4,000 Auditoriums with capacity for 620 and 430 Home to the Brisbane Bullets of the NBL, and the Queensland Firebirds of National Netball League

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre hosts AusRAIL PLUS 2017.

Photo courtesy of: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

12

ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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Queensland Rail’s urban passenger network, and links Petrie to Kippa Ring via 12 kilometres of railway and six new stations.

At the southernmost tip of the region’s transport network is the Gold Coast Light Rail network, known as the G:Link. With a first stage operational since mid-2014, construction is now underway to connect the line to the heavy rail line at Helensvale, and the wheels

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are in motion for a third stage to be added in the near future.

And of course, among the biggest storylines in Australia’s passenger rail sector in recent months, is Cross City Rail, proposed for Brisbane’s CBD. The State Government has committed to fund the tunnel and station project, but certainly wouldn’t mind federal help. A negative assessment from Infrastructure

Australia earlier this year has made that federal help unlikely, however, and the state must now adjust its approach.

With AusRAIL PLUS bringing an unrivalled collection of politicians, academics and businesses to Brisbane, there is little doubt these storylines will be well in the mix, along with the countless other national, regional, and  global trends on the table.

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

15

NEWS

NATIONAL

LOCAL MANUFACTURING KEY TO SENATE RAIL PLAN THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL INDUSTRY HAS WELCOMED A RECENT SENATE COMMITTEE REPORT CALLING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL RAIL MANUFACTURING PLAN, AND A COORDINATED RAIL PROCUREMENT STRATEGY.

he report, from the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, makes nine recommendation targeting improved efficiencies in Government procurement, with the aim of boosting competitiveness, continuity of work, and the overall ‘capacity’ of Australia’s rail manufacturing sector.

Squarely in the crosshairs of the Committee’s recommendations is maximising an expected $46 billion of investment in rail in Australia, over the next decade.

The paper calls for the re-establishment of a Rail Supplier Advocate to promote the rail industry in dealing with Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and industry bodies.

“Australia is currently a net importer of rail equipment,” the report explains, citing IBISWorld data indicating $1.4 billion of rail equipment imports in FY15, versus just $98.8 million in exports, and a Rail Manufacturing CRC estimate that rail equipment imports will grow 13.1% over the next five years.

T

“

The report suggests a concerted effort to stabilise the local manufacturing sector could be supported with a renewed focus on training. Photo: Rail Gallery, courtesy of Bombardier.

16

ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

THE COMMITTEE WAS TOLD … THAT IMPORTED ROLLING STOCK OFTEN DID NOT REPRESENT VALUE FOR MONEY.

Australian Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee report.

”

“Stakeholders stressed that the purchase of less expensive imports – at the expense of our own manufacturing industry – has only created another level of problems for the rail industry,” the paper says.

“The committee was told, for example, that imported rolling stock often did not represent value for money.

“There had been reports of poor quality, equipment requiring modification to meet Australian needs and significant costs associated with maintenance of imported equipment – including rolling stock … stakeholders also indicated that in addition to a lack of quality, imports frequently required expensive modifications to meet Australian requirements and standards.”

As a first step to resolve these ongoing issues, the report suggests a National Rail Manufacturing Plan be developed, with the CONTINUES PAGE 18 u

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An estimated $46 billion will be spent on rail assets over the next decade in Australia. Photo: Rail Gallery.

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t FROM PAGE 16 – LOCAL MANUFACTURING ...

aim to “smooth out the peaks and troughs in market demand and create more certainty and predictability for manufacturers servicing the rail industry”.

It also recommends a National Rail Procurement Strategy to cultivate procurement contract measures that “allow for the development of industrial capabilities for small and medium sized enterprises”.

“The lack of a strong pipeline of investment in rolling stock has resulted in a lack of continuity in rail manufacturing,” the report states.

“If Australia’s rail industry is to be sustainable, this situation needs to change. The current ad hoc approach to rolling stock orders continues to create uncertainty for manufacturers and is a disincentive for businesses to invest in expensive capital and research and development. The Rail Manufacturing CRC refers to this lack of investment certainty and ‘stop-start’ cycle of production as the ‘valley of death’, a term used in defence manufacturing.”

The public transport wagon manufacturing sector was specifically highlighted in the investigation as being based around a ‘boom and bust’ or ‘lumpy’ spending cycle.

“In recent times, the rail manufacturing sector has been shaped by the lack of a strong pipeline of investment in the manufacture of rollingstock. It was noted that this lack of investment and certainty has been a key contributor to low levels of innovation and R&D investment.”

The paper recommends a coordinating body seek the buy-in of the federal, state and territory governments, to deliver and maintain both the Plan and the Strategy.

The body would work with state and territory governments, and the rail industry, to develop the local manufacturing supply chain, by developing and expanding industry capability networks.

The coordinated Strategy would also require parties to help cultivate critical skills in the rail sector by working with state and territory governments, and the rail industry, to develop Rail Industry Skills Centres at local TAFEs and colleges.

Together the Commonwealth, the states and the territories should also work together to maximise local content in the manufacturing of passenger, freight and light rail rolling stock, the report suggests.

An added benefit of this coordination would be the harmonisation of safety regulations – an issue highlighted early in the Senate paper.

“The committee received a number of submissions which pointed to inefficiencies within the rail manufacturing industry,” the report says. “It was noted that regulatory structures, in relation to matters such as safety, training and recognition of qualifications can differ considerably under different regulatory structures and across different jurisdictions.”

“

WE WERE TAKING ANYWHERE BETWEEN THREE AND FIVE YEARS TO BUILD A STANDARD. MY VIEW OF THAT WAS THAT, IF IT TAKES THREE AND FIVE YEARS TO BUILD A STANDARD, INDUSTRY DOES NOT NEED THAT STANDARD.

RISSB chief executive Paul Daly.

”

(above) The Senate Committee’s report recommended serious efforts be made to manufacture more rollingstock in Australia. (below) Australia is a major net importer when it comes to rail equipment, and experts estimate the gap between imports and exports will widen. Photos: Rail Gallery.

CONTINUES PAGE 20 u

18

ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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Don’t miss out!

Applications close 9 March 2018.

Funding now open for rail innovation Rail Innovation Gateway funding open for Australian rail businesses and universities to address today’s rail challenges Up to $1,000,000 funding is available for each project, to be matched by the participating rail business and paid to an Australian university to deliver rail research that truly innovates.

Complete the online application form at http://rmcrc.com.au/register-your-project/

The Rail Manufacturing CRC is working to foster, sponsor and direct collaborative research and commercialisation partnerships in rail manufacturing.

Project proposals must address a key priority area:

01 Power and Propulsion

02 Materials and Manufacturing

03 Design, Modelling and Simulation RMCRC_Ltd

rail-manufacturing-crc

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An added benefit of a more co-ordinated effort in rail manufacturing could be the harmonisation of safety standards and regulations, the report suggests.

Photo: Rail Gallery.

t FROM PAGE 18 – LOCAL MANUFACTURING ...

Submissions to the Committee’s investigation were “consistent in their view” that greater harmonisation of standards, regulations and procurement practices across all rail sectors was “required” for the industry to thrive, with the Australasian Railway Association’s asserting that “best practice in tendering will reduce the cost burden”.

“It was acknowledged, however, that the process required to reach this end has remained a wicked problem,” the Committee conceded, however, reviewing the history of the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB), and its recent separation from the ARA. Asked during the investigation whether he was satisfied with the progress made by RISSB to harmonise standards across Australian jurisdictions, RISSB chief executive Paul Daly didn’t mince words.

“When I first started with RISSB [in 2016], I would talk to industry – we were going through the transition at this time – and my own staff and ask them for their views on how RISSB in particular and [how] the standards were going,” Daly said in evidence.

“We were taking anywhere between three and five years to build a standard. My view of that was that, if it takes three and five years to build a standard, industry does not need that standard. So we heavily revamped our processes. We have taken it from what some in the industry saw as an organic process into a project management process.

It must be done.”

CONTINUES PAGE 22 u

“ 20

WE MUST STANDARDISE THE ROLLING STOCK PLATFORM USED IN THIS COUNTRY INSTEAD OF DESIGNING A NEW MODEL EACH TIME A GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO ACQUIRE NEW TRAINS OR TRAMS.

Shadow minister for transport and infrastructure, Anthony Albanese.

ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

”

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t FROM PAGE 20 – LOCAL MANUFACTURING ...

THE NINE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SENATE’S REPORT:

Industry welcomes Senate plan

Danny Broad, chief executive of the Australasian Railway Association, said he was pleased the inquiry’s focus on the importance of maximising the benefits of the Australian rail manufacturing industry echoed the ARA’s National Industry Plan detailed in its own September report.

“The nine recommendations from the Senate Committee further validate the importance of State, Territory and Commonwealth Government’s getting behind a National Rail Plan to ensure there is greater rail coordination nationally,” Broad said.

“The ARA thanks the Committee for acknowledging the ARA’s efforts in putting together a truly national plan and looks forward to its continued support.”

Federal Opposition transport and infrastructure Spokesman Anthony Albanese supported the report’s call for a national coordinated procurement strategy for rail.

Australian Government should 1 The establish a National Rail Manufacturing

5

Plan should develop a mechanism 2 The to smooth out the peaks and troughs

Commonwealth body should be 6 Aestablished, headed by a tripartite

Industry Plan to maximise the benefits of $46 billion of expected investment over the next decade.

in market demand, creating more certainty and predictability for rail manufacturers.

3

State and territory governments should endorse the Plan, and agree on methods to adequately support, resource and progress it.

Commonwealth, in coordination 4 The with states and territories, should

develop a National Rail Procurement Strategy. As signatories to the Strategy, states and territories should include measures in their procurement contracts which facilitate the development of industrial capabilities for SMEs. Consideration should be given to: •

Photo: Anthony Albanese / Facebook

“Under current arrangements states are doing their own thing on procurement, with 36 different train models in our public transport fleet, many being purchased overseas,” Albanese said.

“We must standardise the rolling stock platform used in this country instead of designing a new model each time a government decides to acquire new trains or trams.

Action must be taken to preserve the strategic capabilities of Australian rail  manufacturing.”

• •

• •

Maximise local content for rollingstock procurement The relevant financial and non-financial costs and benefits of each project Requirements for contractors to undertake training strategies that educate and engage local apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets Commitments to local industry development and supply chain engagement Harmonisation of safety standards

The Strategy should be used to maximise local research and development, engaging with universities and research agencies.

council, to drive and coordinate both the National Rail Manufacturing Industry Plan, and the National Rail Procurement Strategy.

Rail Supplier Advocate should 7 The be re-established, to promote

the rail industry in dealing with Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and industry bodies.

Commonwealth coordinating 8 The body should be given direct terms

of reference to work directly with the rail manufacturing supply chain in developing and expanding industry capability.

9

The Australian Government should work with state and territory governments, and the rail industry, to develop Rail Industry Skills Centres at local TAFEs and colleges.

Image courtesy of RailGallery.com.au

Don’t miss the

Urban Infrastructure feature in the January/February edition of Rail Express

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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NATIONAL

NEWS

LYON TO LEAVE IPA INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AUSTRALIA WILL SEEK A NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AFTER BRENDAN LYON ANNOUNCED HE WILL LEAVE THE LOBBY GROUP NEXT YEAR.

yon will depart at the end of his current contract in the second quarter of 2018, after a decade as chief executive.

“While I will be sad to leave next year, after a decade it’s time for me to seek new opportunities and I am very grateful to the board for their support as I move on to my next role,” Lyon said on October 16.

“IPA is a very different organisation to what it was a decade ago, with a clear mandate, solid resources and very skilled professional staff and I am looking forward to seeing a new CEO appointed to take IPA even further.”

IPA chairman Adrian Kloeden said Lyon – who plans to seek roles in business – had been a crucial piece of the body’s development over the past ten years.

“In his decade as CEO, Brendan has led IPA from a tiny start-up, into one of Australia’s most respected and successful public policy organisations,” Kloeden said.

“Brendan has been an outstanding CEO and we will miss his leadership, passion and skill, but we support his decision and look forward to seeing him move to a senior role in business, next year. Until then, it will be business as usual for IPA.” Kloeden said Lyon’s impact on infrastructure policy during his time at IPA had been “deep, positive and sustained”.

He said IPA was well prepared to find a new CEO.  “We expect a strong field of candidates,” Kloeden said.

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Brendan Lyon. Photo: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

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The Opposition believes the Government’s $10 billion rail plan is actually going to delay funding for a number of key projects. Photo: Rail Gallery.

LABOR PROBES “SHAM” NATIONAL RAIL PROGRAM OPPOSITION CRITICISM OF MALCOLM TURNBULL’S $10 BILLION NATIONAL RAIL PLAN HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY TESTIMONY FROM A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL DURING A SENATE ESTIMATES HEARING, CONFIRMING THERE IS NO INTENTION FOR ANY OF THE MONEY TO BE SPENT PRIOR TO THE 2020 FINANCIAL YEAR.

hadow transport and infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese has repeatedly targeted the National Rail Program, labelling the 2017 Budget announcement a “sham”.

The Government committed $10 billion to the Plan in the Budget, but has only included $600 million in spending in its forward estimates (i.e. over the next four financial years).

“Under the so-called National Rail Program, not a single dollar is available for building rail in this entire term of Parliament,” Albanese

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Photo: Creative Commons / Jpp 26

ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

said following the Budget this year. “Nothing this year, nothing next year, and nothing the year after that.”

Albanese has said there are a number of rail projects deserving of funding that could be supported by the Program, but the Turnbull Government’s idea of due process means none of these projects will get funded any time soon.

The former deputy-PM’s criticisms were confirmed at a Senate Estimates hearing on October 23 when Jessica Hall, the Department

of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s general manager for infrastructure policy, further outlined the Program.

“At the moment, we’ve got the $200 million profiled in 2019-20 and then another $400 million profiled in 2021,” Hall said. “The profile after that is outside the forward estimates, and we haven’t actually worked out how that will be profiled at this stage.”

Asked by Labor senator Glenn Sterle how the first $200 million would be spent, Hall had no answers.

“There have been no decisions on the expenditure for the National Rail Program at the moment,” she said. “We’re still waiting for business cases and other like from states and territories, but we anticipate that there’ll be a range of projects coming forward over that period of time.

“The reason that the profile of the $10 billion is outside the forward estimates at this particular point of time is that we recognise that a lot of these projects are actually quite large and that, in addition, they’ll also take a considerable period of time to build.”

Hall said all projects valued at over $100 million would still go through the Infrastructure Australia process, as per the Commonwealth’s infrastructure mantra.

Albanese also criticised the Senate Estimates hearing’s further finding of $3.9 billion in Coalition “underspending” on infrastructure over the last three budget years, calling it evidence of “the Abbott-Turnbull Government’s ineptitude”.

Federal spending on infrastructure was $1.7 billion lower in FY17 than what was outlined in that year’s Budget, due to lower actual figures across a range of programs.

This followed similar figures of $1.2 billion in FY16, and $829 million in FY15. “[The Coalition] Government is either misleading Australians about its actual spending intentions, or is too incompetent to deliver its promises,” Albanese said after the hearing.

“In infrastructure, it is not uncommon for money allocated one year to be delayed into the following year because of factors like weather delays or difficulty finalising contractors to complete work. However, when this happens, the extra spending is delivered in the following year.”

What the Coalition’s figures show, the shadow minister says, is less of a year-by-year correction process, and more of a trend of underspending on infrastructure.

“The Coalition is drastically underspending its infrastructure budgets year after year with the figure increasing each year,” the member for Grayndler continued.

“It appears the tactic here is promise big on Budget night, when Australians are watching the Treasurer’s Budget speech, but then fail to deliver what was promised in the hope nobody will notice. This deceptive behaviour lets down Australians.

“Investing in the right railways, road and other infrastructure generates economic activity in the short and medium term, and boosts economic productivity in the longer term.” 

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Moorebank Intermodal terminal. Graphic: Qube

NEWS

NSW

QUBE TAKEN TO COURT OVER RARE PLANT REDISCOVERY THE DISCOVERY OF A SHRUB UNSEEN BY EXPERTS FOR ALMOST 200 YEARS FORCED QUBE TO MAKE CONCESSIONS ON ITS MASSIVE MOOREBANK INTERMODAL DEVELOPMENT, AFTER A COMMUNITY ACTION GROUP TOOK IT TO THE NSW LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COURT IN OCTOBER.

he Court held a three-day hearing after action was brought by the Residents Against Intermodal Development Moorebank (RAID), supported by the NSW Environmental Defenders Office.

According to reports, Qube’s lawyers had attempted to block RAID’s action via a motion to dismiss at the NSW Supreme Court, but were rejected on October 9, clearing the way for the full hearing.

RAID’s case was based around the discovery of hibbertia fumana at the Moorebank site during surveys late last year.

Hibbertia fumana is described as a low-lying shrub, and is listed as a critically endangered species.

Originally discovered in 1802 near South Head, and in Western Sydney, the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage says the Moorebank population of hibbertia fumana

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is now the only known extant population, saying the plant is “currently only known from a single population at Moorebank but potentially elsewhere in greater Sydney”.

Qube’s development already received approval from the state Planning Assessment Commission, but RAID is arguing via its appeal that the PAC was not fully aware of the shrub’s rediscovery when it handed down its original decision.

According to a Daily Telegraph report, Qube made a number of concessions at the hearing, in the process preventing RAID from outright blocking the project. The group has also challenged Moorbank over sound pollution issues.

“Qube indicated to the court that concessions would be made in respect to the issues raised about the future of the rare and threatened plant species, and also made

A rare plant was discovered on the Moorebank site after the project had received planning approval.

Photo: NSW Office of Environment & Heritage.

new concessions in respect to noise,” RAID vice president Jennifer French was quoted as saying.

RAID has also raised concerns over increased traffic in the local area, and the potential of the project to pollute the Georges River.

“The potential for dangerous diesel particulate pollution in our city area alone makes this project an exercise in irresponsibility, but the traffic implications and environmental damage are also a huge concern for residents,” French was quoted.

A Qube spokesperson was also quoted, saying the company was “pleased that during the course of the hearing, the residents’ group confirmed that it was no longer asking the court to cancel our approval but, instead, to consider changes to the current conditions”. 

(left) Moorebank represents a significant injection of intermodal capacity for the Sydney region.

Graphic: Moorebank Intermodal Company.

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The new Newcastle Interchange is at the site of the old Wickham Station. Photo: Revitalising Newcastle.

NEWS

NSW

NEWCASTLE INTERCHANGE OPENS TO PUBLIC NEWCASTLE’S NEW HEAVY RAIL TERMINUS HAS OPENED, IN WHAT IS BEING HERALDED AS A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR THE CONTROVERSIAL LIGHT RAIL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GROWING NSW CITY.

evitalising Newcastle, the NSW Government body tasked with overseeing the delivery of the light rail line, and the subsequent overhaul of the city’s transport network, announced in late September the Newcastle Interchange had been opened to the public at Wickham.

“Newcastle Interchange will be your final stop when arriving into Newcastle on the Central Coast and Newcastle, and Hunter train lines,” the body said on its Facebook page.

Commuters can use the terminal to get to and from shuttle buses, travelling between the interchange and Newcastle’s CBD.

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The shuttle service will eventually be replaced by the new light rail line, which will service roughly the same route the old, heavy rail line into central Newcastle used to service.

Some local residents and businesses have complained this dynamic makes the light rail line a pointless – and expensive – project, but the State Government believes the line will help evolve the city’s public transport network, while encouraging substantial development along its route.

Revitalising Newcastle program director Michael Cassel, who spoke with the Newcastle Herald, no doubt hopes the

opening of the new Interchange will help improve public opinion.

“You only have to stand here today and talk to a few people around to know it has been well and truly worth it,” he was quoted as saying.

“This is the first major milestone for that $650 million [investment in Newcastle].

If we can get the outcome for the rest of the corridor to this standard, we’ll be quite happy.

“This part of the city was chosen as the CBD moves further west. We’re right now in the centre of where the CBD will be in the future, as the east becomes more of a  residential village.”

BROADSPECTRUM EXTENDS BLUESCOPE MAINTENANCE DEAL AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE FIRM BROADSPECTRUM HAS BEEN AWARDED A FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION ON ITS DEAL TO MAINTAIN 78 KILOMETRES OF RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE BLUESCOPE STEELWORKS AT PORT KEMBLA, NSW.

roadspectrum, which was publicly traded as Transfield Services until it was acquired by Ferrovial in 2016, announced the new deal in October.

The news extends the existing contract – which started in 2001 – to at least 2021.

Broadspectrum said its new status meant it could collaborate with Amey, a fellow Ferrovial subsidiary which specialises in utilities and transport maintenance.

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This collaboration allows Broadspectrum to enhance its offering to BlueScope, with the new contract now covering asset management, facilities management, shutdowns and project management services, the company said.

“I would like to thank the team for their long-term dedication to BlueScope and for their initiative to implement our rail capabilities as a value-add to our industrial

services,” Broadspectrum’s resources chief executive Tom Quinn said.

The company’s transport chief executive, Peter Richardson, added: “By working together with our Resources team, we are leveraging our own rail capabilities to deliver a comprehensive set of essential services to add value to our clients.”

The new five-year contract will start on  December 1, 2017.

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NEWS

NSW

The Future Transport 2056 strategy from the Greater Sydney Commission aims to create three city centres across the Sydney region. Graphic: Transport for NSW.

THREE-CITY SYDNEY, RAIL PROJECTS OUTLINED IN NSW 40-YEAR PLANS A THREE-CITY SYDNEY CONNECTED BY NEW RAIL LINKS, AND A RANGE OF OTHER REGIONAL, LIGHT AND PASSENGER RAIL PROJECTS ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN A PAIR OF MAJOR PLANNING DOCUMENTS RELEASED BY THE NSW GOVERNMENT IN OCTOBER.

ransport for NSW released its Future Transport 2056 draft strategy, in conjunction with the Greater Sydney Commission’s draft Greater Sydney Region Plan, on October 23.

Together, the plans aim to deliver a 40-year blueprint for the NSW Transport system.

Greater Sydney Chief Commissioner Lucy Turnbull outlined the three-city plan,

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which breaks Sydney down into a Harbour City to the east, a Central River City at Parramatta, and a Western Parkland City.

“Reshaping Greater Sydney as a metropolis of three cities – Eastern, Central and Western – will rebalance it, fostering jobs, improving housing affordability, easing congestion and enhancing our enviable natural environment across the entire region,” Turnbull said.

Turnbull said the plan was “particularly exciting” for Western Sydney, where “an entirely new city” will emerge west of the M7.

“The new Western Sydney Airport and the surrounding aerotropolis will support tens of thousands of jobs,” she said. “Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown will become university towns, which means even greater opportunity for young people growing up in Greater Sydney’s west.”

The joint plans have technology as a key facilitator to transport development. Graphic: Transport for NSW.

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www.railexpress.com.au

To support Sydney’s new tri-city model, Transport for NSW’s Future Transport plan proposes a new strategy aimed at getting 70% of residents within 30 minutes of their place of work.

“Five years ago, we provided a blueprint about what transport would begin to look like over the next 20 years,” NSW transport and infrastructure minister Andrew Constance said.

“With most of these projects either being built now or in planning, it is time to refresh the blueprint given what we’ve achieved.

This time we’re looking at what’s possible over the next 40 years, not 20.”

Transport proposals include a potential mass transit/rail link between Parramatta and Kogarah, to eliminate the need for passengers to move via the Sydney CBD. There’s also a future plan to link the growing Norwest region – currently being linked to the wider network by the Sydney Metro Stage 1 project – to Parramatta by mass transit. The program outlines some potential for extensions to light rail in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle, and the expansion of the Metro network to extend the reach of the “30-minute city”.

Also part of the Government’s 40-year plan is a blueprint for regional NSW, which includes the potential of light rail or mass transit connections to Tweed Heads and Queanbeyan, and electrification of the rail network to Bathurst, Goulburn, Telarah and Bombaderry.

The much-discussed, on-and-off-again Maldon to Dombarton link is also rolled into the report, with the aim of improving EastWest connectivity and port access.

Roads, maritime and freight minister Melinda Pavey said the plan would handle the projected 25% growth expected in freight movements across regional NSW by 2056, and the doubling of freight movements expected in metropolitan areas in the same timeframe.

“That’s a big number and an even bigger task to manage these increases safely, especially with the regional population expected to top 3.6 million over the same period,” Pavey said.

Transport for NSW’s 40-year program also includes regional transport projects. Photo: Rail Gallery.

“Some of this will be managed through technology driven improvements, but a lot of it will be through offering customers safe and reliable choices. We want to grow the industry as a whole and give people new and different travel options, not even dreamt of a decade ago.”

Business Chamber welcomes plan

The representative body for Sydney businesses said if the new 40-year program is properly implemented, the city could manage its growth “while remaining a productive and competitive economic region”.

Sydney Business Chamber executive director Patricia Forsythe welcomed the draft plan, saying it fulfils the Commission’s brief by bringing land use and transport planning together in a whole-of-government strategy. “[The joint plan] recognises that Sydney faces significant challenges to manage its growth,” Forsythe said.

“Three things stand out in the draft plan, and that is the overt linking of growth with transport infrastructure; a recognition that future development may be shaped by digital technology that may alter how cities and their

NSW

NEWS

networks function; and the importance within the big framework of the role of place-based planning so that precincts and suburbs will have the capacity to develop strong and unique characteristics within the broader region,” she continued.

The key to getting things right will be successfully extrapolating central Sydney’s current success, across the new growth areas, Forsythe said.

“What is clear is that the Eastern City, Sydney’s global city, is already a highly competitive economic region when compared to other global cities but that for all of Sydney to achieve its potential, the job opportunities in the Parramatta CBD and the future Western Sydney Airport Region will have to be a focus of government strategy and enhanced spending on infrastructure.”

Forsythe said the relationship between state, federal and local governments will be crucial.

“What the Plan makes clear is that land use and planning cannot be delivered in a silo and that various Agencies of Government cannot embark on their own strategies in isolation from the agreed plan,” she concluded. 

dŽŽůŝŶŐ Θ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ůĞĐƚƌŝĮĞĚ ZĂŝů EĞƚǁŽƌŬƐ dZ < D /Ed E E ͬ KE^dZh d/KE ͬ ^/'E >>/E' ͬ Ks Z, dZ d/KE Tension Stringing and Hauling Equipment ,LJĚƌĂƵůŝĐ ƌŝŵƉŝŶŐ͕ ƵƫŶŐ͕ ^ƚƌĂŝŐŚƚĞŶĞƌƐ͕ >ŝŌŝŶŐ͕ WƵŵƉƐ ƵƐƚŽŵ ĂŶǀĂƐ ĂŶĚ Ws ^ƚŽƌĂŐĞ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ĂďůĞ >ƵďƌŝĐĂŶƚƐ͕ ƵĐƚ ^ĞĂůĂŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ dƌĂŶƐĨŽƌŵĞƌ ZĞƉĂŝƌ dŽĞ :ĂĐŬƐ͕ ŚĂŝŶ ,ŽŝƐƚƐ͕ ŽŵĞĂůŽŶŐƐ͕ LJŶĂŵŽŵĞƚĞƌƐ dĞƐƚ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƌƚŚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ZĞƐĐƵĞ &ŝďƌĞŐůĂƐƐ ^ƟĐŬƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵůĂƟŶŐ WW >ŝŶĞ DĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶŶĞĐƚŽƌƐ

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NEWS

QLD

The Oaklands Crossing Grade Separation Project looks to simplify a complex junction of road and rail in Adelaide’s south. Graphic: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, South Australian Government.

SA RAIL WORKS SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE OVER $200 MILLION WORTH OF RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FROM THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S 2017-18 BUDGET WERE SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION

BY THE PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE IN OCTOBER.

he projects include the $31.4 million relocation of Adelaide metropolitan rail Operations Control Centre from its existing premises near SAMHRI to Dry Creek, the $16.4 million Port Adelaide rail spur, and the $174.3 million Oaklands Crossing.

“South Australia is experiencing a once-in-ageneration infrastructure boom as we deliver the rail, roads, schools and hospitals our state needs,” transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan said.

The minister also stressed that the investments would open-up job opportunities for South Australians and support local businesses.

“By setting strict requirements for local content, and putting more apprentices

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and trainees into work, we’re making sure South Australians reap the benefits of our investments,” he said.

The Port Adelaide rail spur project will reinstate train service to the centre of Port Adelaide for the first time in almost 30 years, linking the Port’s commercial centre and the Dock One residential precinct to the Adelaide CBD. “It’s exciting to see our plans coming along for returning train services to Port Adelaide for the first time in almost 30 years,” Labor Member for Port Adelaide Susan Close said.

“This is a significant project in the ongoing renewal of Port Adelaide and with more and more people choosing to live and work here

it’s important they have access to fast and reliable public transport.”

The Port Dock Railway Line Project will see the construction of new dual mainline connections from the Outer Harbor Line to the Port Spur, as well as track upgrades and the building of supporting infrastructure on the spur line.

A new Port Adelaide Railway Station is also to be built as part of the project, while a new railway signalling system to control the junction and spur line is to be installed.

The relocation of the Adelaide metropolitan rail operations control centre to the Dry Creek depot will mean that the existing North Terrace control centre is to be demolished and the site made available for the development of a new medical research facility.

Under the Oaklands Crossing Grade Separation Project, the rail line will be constructed under Morphett Road, along with modifications to road junctions along Morphett Road and Diagonal Road located either side of the rail crossing.

“The Oaklands Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the southern suburbs and everyone who travels through the area, whether it’s to access local shops and businesses or the aquatic centre, school or medical facilities knows how much of a difference the underpass will make,” Labor Member for Elder Annabel Digance said.

A new 160-metres-long Oaklands Park Railway Station is also to be built that to cater for longer trains and to support the passenger growth on the Seaford line, while on Morphett Road a grade separation of the Marino Rocks Greenway pedestrian and cycling shared use path will be carried out.

“I have long campaigned for this upgrade and it is great to reach another milestone in the project which will have a big impact on the  lives of local residents,” Digance said.

HARVEST BEGINS EARLY ON EYRE PENINSULA

he company’s western region operations manager, James Murray, said crops on western Eyre Peninsula were ahead of other areas.

“Importantly, our sites are ready to go when growers are able to start. We’re well prepared to handle a range of quality characteristics and have the ability to be flexible with grades and segregations as harvest progresses,” Murray said.

“We aim to help growers capture as much value from their grain as possible while meeting buyers’ needs at the same time, and

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

encourage growers to provide feedback at any stage during harvest.”

Viterra says it has worked closely with a number of visiting grain buying delegations this year to make South Australia their origin of choice.

“Here on the EP we hosted a delegation from United Arab Emirates and they were impressed by the farming practices and the quality control and food safety within our supply chain,” Murray continued.

“This year we have a new declaration process for growers at receival which helps to meet increasingly tighter requirements from export markets, critically important in an export region like the Eyre Peninsula.”

Viterra is still moving the record 2016/17 crop out of the Eyre Peninsula, with over 3 million tonnes exported between October 2016 and September 2017.

“Viterra has shipped 3.09 million tonnes of grain from the Eyre Peninsula since October last year, which is the second-largest total on record,” Murray said.

“This has been remarkable effort by our employees and transport partners, achieved with exceptionally low vessel wait times.

“New season shipping is expected to start about mid-November, with nine different exporters committed to exporting from the  Eyre Peninsula in 2017/18.” www.railexpress.com.au

Photo: www.Viterra.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AGRIBUSINESS VITERRA RECEIVED ITS FIRST EYRE PENINSULA LOAD FOR THE 2017/18 HARVEST INTO ITS POOCHERA RECEIVAL SITE ON OCTOBER 10.

Aurizon’s coal volumes were improved in the September quarter thanks to a major new contract. Photo: Rail Gallery

NEWS

SA

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ANOTHER MINING EXPERT JOINS AURIZON BOARD MINING INDUSTRY LIFER MARCELO BASTOS HAS BEEN NAMED THE NEWEST NON-EXECPublished by Rail Express and endorsed by The Australasian Railway Association

UTIVE DIRECTOR OF AURIZON, JOINING THE RAIL OPERATOR’S BOARD ON NOVEMBER 15.

astos has more than three decades of experience in the mining sector, working in major project development, operations and logistics across multiple sectors, including iron ore, gold, copper, nickel, zinc and coal.

A non-executive director of Iluka Resources, and an external director of Golder Associates, Bastos spent the last six-and-a-half years as chief operating officer of MMG Limited, an ASX-listed, Melbourne-headquartered ChineseAustralian resources business, which has base metals operations in three continents.

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Marcelo Bastos is the latest addition to Aurizon’s leadership team. Photo: Aurizon.

Before working at MMG, Bastos spent seven years with BHP, where he spent time as president of Nickel Americas, president of Nickel West, and chief executive officer of the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance.

Bastos also had a 19-year career with Brazilian mining giant Vale, performing a range of senior management and operational roles.

Aurizon chairman Tim Poole said Bastos would be a valuable addition to the board.

“Marcelo has extensive operational and project management experience in the resources sector globally,” Poole said.

“Marcelo has an excellent understanding of our business, our customers and our opportunities and will further diversify the skills and experience of the Aurizon board.”

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Bastos joins fellow former mining executive, Andrew Harding, who was Rio Tinto’s iron ore chief executive before becoming Aurizon’s managing director.

The Australasian

Coal volumes bolstered by AGL deal

Rail Directory

Aurizon’s coal haulage volumes jumped 7% year-on-year in the September quarter, thanks in part to the commencement of its 8.7 million tonnes per annum AGL Macquarie deal in NSW. The Brisbane-headquartered operator won the AGL contract, which used to belong to competitor Pacific National, late last year, and commenced services in July 2017.

The contract is to haul coal from the Wilpinjong mine and Mangoola mine to AGL’s Bayswater and Liddell power stations, in the NSW Hunter Valley.

The additional volume helped Aurizon deliver 13.3 million tonnes of coal haulage in NSW in the September quarter, up 15% year-onyear. Queensland volumes were up 5% to 41.6 million tonnes.

Combined, the operator hauled 54.9 million tonnes of coal in Queensland and NSW, up 7%.

“September Quarter 2017 volumes of 54.9mt were the highest quarter coal railings since December 2013 (56.2mt) … largely resulting from strong customer demand following Tropical Cyclone Debbie in Goonyella, and commencement of the AGL Macquarie contract in NSW,” the company told the ASX. Aurizon’s annual guidance remains at 215-225 million tonnes for the 2017/18 financial year.

Elsewhere, a full quarter running of IMEX and K&S volumes, which commenced in September 2016, led to a 6% year-on-year increase in intermodal container volumes, to 105,900 TEUs. The operator also outlined a 4% drop in other bulk volumes, to 14.2 million tonnes.

This decline was due to the closure of the Mt Isa Freighter service at the end of January, and temporary production issues for one of Aurizon’s iron ore customers during the  quarter.

2018

NEW RAIL DIRECTORY 2018 OUT NOW! To order your copy, please call Daniel Macias on 0427 270 774 or email: info@railexpress.com.au

Image courtesy of RailGallery.com.au

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

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Photo: Creative Commons / Stephen Edmonds.

NEWS

TASMANIA

HOBART LIGHT RAIL SUBMITTED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITY LIST TASMANIA SUBMITTED A $200 MILLION LIGHT RAIL PROJECT IN HOBART FOR CONSIDERATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA’S NEXT INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITY LIST, AS PART OF ITS PLAN TO INCLUDE THE PROJECT IN THE PROPOSED HOBART CITY DEAL WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

nfrastructure Australia opened submissions for the 2018 edition of Infrastructure Priority List on August 17.

The list ranks projects worth more than $100 million, with the aim of informing the Commonwealth Government on funding decisions.

The Hodgman Government in Tasmania has been in talks with the Turnbull Government over a City Deal for Hobart – a joint effort between the State and the Federal Governments to fund development – with light rail at its core.

“I recently toured the rail line with federal minister for cities Angus Taylor and spoke very positively about the potential for light rail to

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be further progressed as part of the Hobart City Deal,” Tasmanian infrastructure minister Rene Hidding said on October 30. “[Infrastructure Australia] referral will add further weight behind this business case.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull promoted the potential of a Hobart City Deal while talking about a similar deal – the Launceston City Deal – in August.

“Will [Hodgman] and I have been talking about a similar deal in Hobart,” the PM said, “we want this to be the model for federal engagement and infrastructure investment.”

“A Hobart City Deal will help improve our capital’s livability, and take what is already a

world-class city to the next level,” Hodgman said at the time.

“I will continue to work on a City Deal for Hobart and to partner with federal and local governments to improve quality of life, and seize new opportunities for our community.”

Along with the light rail line, Tasmania is also submitting the third tranche of the Tasmanian Irrigation Project, and the development of the island’s future energy opportunities, to the Infrastructure Priority List.

Among the Tasmanian projects already on the IPL, is the Burnie to Hobart freight corridor strategy, which addresses the growth of the  state’s highest volume freight corridor.

Image courtesy of RailGallery.com.au

Don’t miss the

Light Rail feature in the January/February edition of Rail Express

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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TASMANIA

Biarri’s system will use TasRail’s freight data with the aim of boosting efficiency. Photo: TasRail.

AUSTRALIAN COMPANY AWARDED TASRAIL PLANNING SOFTWARE CONTRACT

utilising excel spreadsheets and across a number of departments”.

Parton said that the new system would enable better use of TasRail’s railway assets and its organisation of planning activities.

“This will result in more effective and efficient planning to meet our customers’ needs and ensure we continue to deliver freight in a safe, timely and competitive manner,” Parton said.

Biarri’s tender won out over five other mainland-Australian and overseas companies.

While the Request for Tender was in step with TasRail’s “Buy Local” policy, no Tasmanian firms submitted a tender for the new software development.

Tom Forbes, Biarri Rail’s CEO, said that they would be providing an innovative solution which would provide measurable outcomes.

“Boss MP is a new concept in planning and scheduling software, bringing together man and machine through a great user experience and powerful algorithms to help manage the complexity associated with railway planning,” Forbes said.

“Ultimately, this helps railways save money, improve asset utilisation and drive efficiency.”

The software will be introduced to TasRail’s operations in three separate stages, while the complete system is expected to be finalised in early 2019.

Three requests for tender released

BIARRI RAIL HAS BEEN AWARDED A CONTRACT TO DELIVER NEW PLANNING AND SCHEDULING SOFTWARE FOR TASRAIL, INCLUDING PROGRAMS THAT WILL REPORTEDLY CREATE EFFICIENCIES IN TRAIN SCHEDULING.

n Australian-based developer of planning and scheduling software, Biarri Rail will soon undertake the design of a Boss MP cloud-based system for Tasmania’s major rail operator.

The reported aim of the new software is to provide TasRail with improved train design planning, locomotive selection, rollingstock utilisation, rostering and train pathing.

Freight data provided by a customer (such as freight tonnage) will be able to be entered

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into the system, which will then determine various efficiency measures that can be taken

by TasRail, providing the operator with an estimation of the number of days the trains need to be run, the amount the wagons, the time of day, and the preferable organisation of the driver and crew roster.

According to Bob Parton, TasRail’s freight services general manager, this would mean a marked improvement on the existing system, where “planning is currently undertaken

“

NEW TRACK WORK THROUGH LEVEL CROSSINGS REDUCES ONGOING MAINTENANCE ...

AND ENHANCES TRACK QUALITY FOR TASRAIL’S ROLLINGSTOCK.

Damien White TasRail CEO

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

”

TasRail also recently released three requests for tender for significant track and level crossing upgrades, forming part of the $119.6 million Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation Program jointly funded by the state government and the Commonwealth.

The tender packages feature track works on the Western, Fingal, Bell Bay, and Melba lines, and level crossing upgrades at Foster Street in Railton, and Westbury Place in Deloraine.

TasRail CEO Damien White said the investment program was focusing on important developments that would enhance reliability and competitiveness of freight services on the Tasmanian rail network.

“The Bell Bay track works will improve the reliability of the intermodal and log traffic to and from George Town, while the Melba Line works will focus on the removal of maintenance-intensive mechanical rail joints as well as new line,” White said.

“New track work through level crossings reduces ongoing maintenance, improves the facility for pedestrians and road vehicles and enhances track quality for TasRail’s rollingstock.”

The state government’s Buy Local policy means that tenderers will be required to demonstrate support for Tasmanian industry and business.

Track works on the Western, Fingal and Bell Bay lines are expected to begin in December 2017.

The Melba Line welding and track works and the level crossing upgrades at Railton and Deloraine planned to start in January 2018.

The requests for the tender close in late  November.

www.railexpress.com.au

VICTORIA

NEWS

(left) Melbourne’s tram network saw a slight dip in fare compliance in 2017. (right) Fare compliance dipped to 94.2% on Victoria’s regional network. Photos: Rail Gallery.

PUNCTUALITY UP, FARE COMPLIANCE DOWN IN VICTORIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT VICTORIA OFFICIALS WILL BE PLEASED WITH IMPROVED EFFICIENCY IN SEPTEMBER, BUT WILL NO DOUBT HAVE AN EYE ON FARE COMPLIANCE MEASURES AFTER TICKET DODGING ROSE ON MELBOURNE’S TRAMS.

ublic Transport Victoria boss Jeroen Weimar praised Metro Trains Melbourne for hitting a 12-month high for service punctuality in September, after implementing a new timetable with 30 extra services.

Metro delivered 92.8% of services on time in September, up from the 90.2% 12-month average, and the highest mark since at least September last year.

“We’re seeing a continuing trend of better punctuality on our metropolitan trains, and with stronger contracts being introduced later this year we expect Metro to continue to provide a better service for our passengers,” Weimar said.

“This is the first full month of the new Metro timetable, with 30 extra weekly services providing room for an additional 27,000 passenger trips at the busiest times of the day.”

The Sandringham line was the most punctual in September, with 95.3% of services running on time, while the Cranbourne line set the lowest mark, at just 84.7%.

Weimar also praised V/Line for 87.1% punctuality in September, the highest mark since October last year. The country operator also introduced a new timetable in September, with 151 additional weekly services.

“V/Line is now running more than 2,000 regular services every week for the first time in its history, and it’s pleasing to see this has been achieved alongside an increase in on time running,” Weimar reflected.

“On-time performance on the Warrnambool line is progressively improving each month and as more level crossing upgrades are completed, temporary speed restrictions can be removed …”

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90.0% of Warrnambool line services were on time, up from a woeful 12-month average of just 50.7%.

Melbourne’s tram network also had a good month, with 84.5% of services on time, up two percentage points on the 12-month average, and the highest mark since January.

“This is a great result for passengers, and shows that Yarra Trams are capable of meeting tougher performance thresholds being introduced later this year to run 82% of services on time,” Weimar said.

“Yarra Trams operate for the most part in a shared environment with vehicles on the biggest tram network in the world, and the new contract will deliver $81.5 million in maintenance works every year to improve reliability.”

Dip in fare compliance

Fare compliance on Victoria’s metropolitan and regional transport networks dropped over the past year, according to a separate survey from Public Transport Victoria.

PTV’s survey data – which was taken in May, and released in early October – shows compliance dipped on Melbourne’s tram network to 95.1%, compared to 96.4% recorded in October 2016.

Compliance rose slightly on Melbourne’s trains – from 97.4% to 97.6% – while a substantial drop in bus compliance – from 93.6% to 89.2% – meant PTV’s overall metropolitan network compliance fell from 96.2% to 94.8% in the May 2017 survey.

Meanwhile, regional train fare compliance was 94.2% in May, down from 95.9% in October 2016.

Weimar looked on the positive, noting fare compliance remains roughly 10% higher than it was a decade ago, when the first survey showed 86.6%.

Weimar also noted the survey was the first since the introduction of a new fare compliance system, which saw better training for Authorised Officers, and the removal of on-thespot penalty fares on January 1.

“Over the past decade we’ve seen a huge improvement in the number of passengers doing the right thing and it is great to see that continuing,” Weimar said.

“At the same time we have also seen a reduction in the number of complaints about Authorised Officers, following the introduction of the new simpler and fairer compliance system.”

Despite the vast majority of Victorian passengers travelling with a valid ticket, PTV says fare evasion still cost $36.5 million in lost revenue in the last financial year.

Common reasons for not having a valid ticket were concession fare breaches, and having regional train passengers having an  ‘insufficient balance’ on their myki cards.

Melbourne Metro fare compliance was up, and the operator delivered 92.8% on-time running in September. Photo: Rail Gallery.

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

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NEWS

VICTORIA

A TBM used for Brisbane’s Legacy Way

TBMS NEEDED FOR MELBOURNE METRO TUNNEL THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT IS CASTING OUT ITS NET FOR A SUPPLIER TO BUILD THE FOUR TUNNEL BORING MACHINES (TBMS) THAT WILL BE USED TO CONSTRUCT MELBOURNE’S METRO TUNNEL.

he four TBMs required for the $11 billion project in Melbourne’s CBD will reportedly be over 100 metres long and weigh up to 1,000 tonnes. They will also need to be custom-built to deal for the unique ground conditions in the city.

The Metro Tunnel project will include the construction of five new underground stations, two of which will be directly connected to Flinders Street and Melbourne Central. The two nine-kilometre tunnels linking the stations will be dug by the new TBMs once they have been built and delivered to the launch sites in the city.

“We’re building a world-class, turn-up and go train system for Victoria and will use the world’s best to get the job done,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“These giant custom-made TBMs will work day and night beneath the ground, building the Metro Tunnel to run more trains, more often, across Melbourne.”

It is expected that it will take around 18 months to construct the machines. They will then be tested and shipped to Melbourne in segments before being delivered to launch sites at Arden and Domain in 2019, where they will be lowered into the ground and reassembled on-site by local workers.

While digging into the earth under the city, the TBMs will also progressively install concrete linings to support the excavated tunnel.

Initial works for the Metro Tunnel project are underway at City Square, and, later in the month, windows will be installed in the giant timber fences along Swanston Street to create a viewing area where people can see the former underground City Square car park demolished and removed.

“The new viewing area at City Square will give Victorians a behind the scenes look as major construction ramps up to build a new underground station,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.

“The project will create thousands of jobs, and a true underground train network for Melbourne. After years of delay under the former Liberal Government – who abandoned the Metro Tunnel — we’re getting on with it.” 

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(top) Concept image of the planned CBD North station. (left) Concept image of the planned CBD South station.

Graphics: Melbourne Metro Rail Authority.

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2018

Canberra

27-28 November

CALL FOR PAPERS

The AusRAIL 2018 Technical Papers Committee invites you to submit a 400-600 word abstract of a proposed paper in your area of expertise related to the railway sector.

The conference theme for 2018 will be announced at AusRAIL PLUS 2017.

All abstracts will be reviewed by the technical committee. Relevance, timeliness, and quality are the key factors in assessing proposed papers.

ABSTRACTS ARE DUE BY 9 MARCH 2018.

By submitting an abstract you are agreeing to comply with the conditions of the papers process and understand that if you miss key deadlines your paper will be removed from the program.

ABSTRACTS CAN BE SUBMITTED:

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Online at www.ausrail.com/abstracts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By email at ausrail@informa.com.au

www.ausrail.com

NEWS

VICTORIA

VIC’S NEW FREIGHT ADVISORY COUNCIL TO REVIEW HEAT RESTRICTIONS THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED AN ADVISORY COUNCIL THAT WILL GUIDE V/LINE IN IMPROVING THE STATE’S FREIGHT RAIL NETWORK, AND WILL BEGIN BY REVIEWING PLANNED RAIL HEAT RESTRICTIONS FOR THE COMING SUMMER.

he Freight Advisory Council is made up of leading industry representatives, who will share information with the rail operator, and make expert recommendations and consultation efforts across the freight rail industry, reaching out to stakeholders such as farmers and freight train operators.

“Our farmers and primary industries across Victoria rely on the rail freight network – it’s vital we make it as efficient and safe as possible,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.

Some of the advice that V/Line will receive from the Council will relate to operational requirements, restrictions and rail freight project delivery including the Murray Basin Rail Project, which is currently underway.

This project involves standardising the rail freight lines servicing the Murray Basin region in the north-west of Victoria, and will also increase axle loading on these lines from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes, allowing more efficient and competitive freight exports due to a reduction in logistics costs.

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Victoria’s new Freight Advisory Council will examine measures brought in last summer to deal with track conditions on hot days. Photo: Rail Gallery.

“With the Murray Basin Rail Project underway to revitalise our freight network, this group will look at the entire supply chain from farm to port and recommend ways to make it easier for farmers to transport their produce,” Allan said.

The first area that the Council will address is V/Line’s proposed heat restrictions for the coming summer. It will review the measures brought in last summer to stop trains travelling on days when temperatures reach 33˚C. Many in the freight and farming sectors are concerned about the impacts these measures on export logistics, particularly after the restrictions led to freight service

cancellations during last year’s record grain harvest.

The Council, which came together for the first time in October, is chaired by Peter Tuohey, an industry leader and a former president of the Victorian Farmers Federation.

“This group will enable regular communication across the entire rail freight industry, including farmers, freight train operators, port managers and V/Line,” Mr Tuohey said.

“The council will be ideally placed to provide expert advice to V/Line on operational requirements, heat and temporary speed restrictions and rail freight project delivery including the Murray Basin Rail Project.” 

BALLARAT LINE UPGRADES UNDERWAY CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS BEGUN AT HOPKINS ROAD IN ROCKBANK, MARKING THE FIRST DELIVERY OF UPGRADES FOR THE BALLARAT LINE IN VICTORIA.

lanning requirements for the project were approved by the Labor government in September. Once complete, the Ballarat Line will be provided with new extended station platforms, car parking and pedestrian links, train storage facilities, and passing loops.

Works will reportedly enable extra morning and afternoon services, plus a train every 40 minutes in the off-peak period, on stops on the line between Ballarat and Melbourne.

“We are getting on with the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which will deliver more frequent and reliable train services to people in Melbourne’s booming outer western suburbs, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.

The Hopkins Road works will include building site offices, toilets, storage facilities and access tracks, all of which will allow duplication

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works for 18 kilometres of track between Deer Park West and Melton to begin.

“These works mark an important milestone for this project, ensuring we are on-track to deliver the Ballarat Line Upgrade by late 2019,” Labor Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard said.

Site investigations are being carried out at Deer Park West and Melton to identify essential utility services along the Ballarat corridor that might need protection during major works for the project.

To protect them from damage during construction, endangered native species such as the spiny rice flowers and large-fruit groundsels will be removed and relocated to a nearby location.

The government expects that the Ballarat upgrades will see the creation of up to 400 jobs during the construction phase, with

10 per cent of the work to be carried out by apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets.

“This project is great for workers and our local economy, and will mean Ballarat commuters get more frequent and reliable services to meet the increased demand,” Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight said. 

Victorian transport minister Jacinta Allan Photo: Jacinta Allan / Twitter.

www.railexpress.com.au

VICTORIA

NEWS

MELBOURNE METRO DEAL HIGHLIGHTS STRONG QUARTER FOR CIMIC CIVIL ENGINEERING AND SERVICES GROUP CIMIC HAS NAMED ITS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND HAS FIRMED UP ITS STRONG PROFIT GUIDANCE FOR THE 2017 CALENDAR YEAR.

IMIC, formerly known as Leighton Holdings, announced on Wednesday it will promote Michael Wright to managing director and chief executive officer, on December 1. Wright will replace Adolfo Valderas, who recently accepted a role with Spanish civil engineering company ACS Group. Wright is being promoted from his current role as CIMIC’s deputy chief executive officer.

Meanwhile, the company also announced revenue of $3.3 billion in the third quarter of the 2017 calendar year, up 22% year-on-year, contributing to a full nine-month revenue of $9.6 billion, up 26%.

EBITDA is up 38% through the first nine months, to $1.1 billion, and net profit after tax is up 21% to $501 billion.

A number of major contract wins, totalling $4.5 billion, highlighted the third quarter, with a seven-year deal to service Melbourne Metro trains punctuating this.

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A new seven-year deal to service Melbourne Metro trains highlighted CIMIC’s third quarter. Photo: Rail Gallery.

A number of mining services contracts were also received during the quarter, including at FMG’s Solomon Hub through to 2020, the Jellinbah East coal mine in Queensland until 2020, and the Gunung Bara Utama and Mahakam Sumber Jaya coal mines in Indonesia through to 2024 and 2021, respectively.

Chairman Marcelino Fernández Verdes said the result showed CIMIC’s ability to leverage its workforce across Australia, New Zealand and Asia into revenue in the infrastructure, services and public private partnership (PPP) markets.

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NEWS

WA

WA GOV TO FUND SMES AS PART OF METRONET PROCUREMENT WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN INVITED BY THE MCGOWAN GOVERNMENT TO APPLY FOR FUNDING TO HELP PREPARE FOR WORK ON THE METRONET PROJECT’S ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENT.

he government announced at a railcar industry briefing that it would be providing eligible businesses with up to $20,000 in dollar-for-dollar funding, with an aim towards encouraging engagement opportunities between prospective railcar manufacturers and Western Australian small to medium enterprises.

At the event, which was attended by around 150 people, major manufacturing and rail companies likely to tender for the Metronet’s rolling stock procurement presented information to SME representatives about entering the local supply chain.

“The Metronet Local Capability Fund round will assist highly skilled businesses across the State to be prepared for involvement in the historic Metronet project,” WA premier Mark McGowan said.

“This funding will assist local businesses to pre-qualify for inclusion in the supply chains of

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Metronet is the McGowan Government’s staged expansion of Perth’s passenger rail network. Photo: Rail Gallery

rolling stock manufacturers and improve their competitiveness in this sector and beyond.”

The funds can be used for equipment purchases and upgrades, improvements to internal business infrastructure and systems, and expert consultancy fees.

Businesses seeking to apply for the funding must be able to demonstrate evidence of their engagement with manufacturers seeking involvement in the Metronet rolling stock project, or with manufacturers with existing

CHINA POLLUTION PLAN TO KEEP LOW-GRADE ORES DOWN LOWER GRADE IRON ORES LIKE THOSE EXPORTED BY FORTESCUE METALS GROUP WILL LIKELY CONTINUE TO BE STYMIED BY TOUGHER CHINESE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, AFTER THE COUNTRY INDICATED IT WILL CONTINUE WITH THE NEW REGULATIONS IN THE LONG TERM.

ccording to multiple reports, China’s environment minister Li Ganjie recently said pollution control measures put in place during the winter months in northern China would become more common.

“This campaign started in September and will last until March next year,” he was quoted by Fairfax, “but it will not be a one-off.

We will continue it in the following years as a long-term project. This campaign is not just a temporary measure.”

The comments are bad news for Fortescue, which has been forced to sell its lower grade iron ore at a larger discount since the regulations were put in place.

FMG’s 56.3% grade ore was being offered at a 40% discount from the benchmark price for November deliveries, according to research from the AFR. This continues the trend from

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September, which was a wider discount than the 32% discount seen in August.

Meanwhile, a 23% discount was seen for FMG’s 58.5% grade ore for November deliveries, also in line with September, but a wider discount than the 21% seen in August.

As the largest lower-grade iron ore miner, the discount FMG accepts impacts smaller producers.

US miner Cleveland-Cliffs president Lourenco Gonclaves – without naming FMG – said its lower-grade WA iron ore business was under threat of going under due to the major discounts being accepted.

“I have a competitor over there that is 13 times our size in Australia giving their stuff away,” Gonclaves said in October.

“So that is the problem we have over there, they will dictate the fate of what’s going on  with the [discount].”

interstate or international project exposure.

According to government plans, a total of 102 railcars are to be procured to provide for Metronet Stage 1 projects, and at least 50 per cent of rolling stock manufacturing is to be done locally as part of a 15-year railcar strategy. Future fleet maintenance and repair of the new electric rolling stock is also included in the project.

Applications for the first round of the Local Capability Fund will close on January 31, 2018.

t FROM PREVIOUS PAGE – MELBOURNE METRO DEAL ...

Fernández Verdes confirmed CIMIC’s net profit after tax guidance of $640 million to $700 million, subject to market conditions.

“We remain positioned to meet our 2017 guidance supported by the diverse nature of our operations and markets, and our proven experience in growing sectors,” he said.

“Our positive outlook has its foundations in our unchanging focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet, generating cash, and being disciplined in tendering.”

Fernández Verdes said CIMIC’s new $2.6 billion working capital cash facility would help it thrive in Australia.

“The financial flexibility provided by the new facility supports our existing operations, as well as our pursuit of business and capital allocation opportunities, including into PPPs,” he said.

“Australia has one of the world’s most well-developed PPP markets, which is expected to grow considerably in coming years. To date, CIMIC has delivered more than 20 PPP projects with a value of around $32 billion, demonstrating our core capability in this area and providing a  strong platform for further growth.”

www.railexpress.com.au

Photo: Rail Gallery

NEWS

WA

CBH SETS RAIL RECORD CBH GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER DAVID CAPPER HAS CREDITED THE WA COMPANY’S RESPONSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN WITH RECORD SHIPPING AND RAIL FIGURES OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

he WA grain handler shipped 15.01 million tonnes in the 12 months ending September 30, 2017. 8.65 million tonnes of that was transported by rail.

Both figures were new record marks: CBH’s previous shipping record of 13.88 million tonnes, and rail record of 8.53 million tonnes, were each achieved in the 2013/14 season.

“These new records would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment by our regional port teams,” Capper said on October 12.

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“We have been working on optimising our shipping volumes for the past few years, and it is great to see our focus in this key piece of the supply chain resulting in a new all-time record.”

Capper said more than half of the volume shipped – just over 9.8 million tonnes – was exported between January and June 2017, “demonstrating CBH’s supply chain’s capacity to respond to global demand”.

“It also proves that our strategy to continue to increase total tonnages available through our shipping system and better berth utilisation is capable of handling high volumes,” he added.

Capper said the decision to invest in new rail infrastructure had helped the company increase volumes, while also minimising the cost of getting growers’ grain to market through reduced freight rates.

“We are always looking to provide real value to our growers. Through our Network Strategy, we’ll be focused on delivering an efficient and optimal supply chain from paddock to port to help our growers compete in the global  market,” he concluded.

NZ

Photo: Creative Commons / TrainboyMBH

KIWIRAIL HAILS 30 YEARS OF TRANZALPINE JOURNEYS

NOVEMBER MARKS THE 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE TRANZALPINE, NEW ZEALAND’S TOURIST PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICE OPERATING BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND.

he TranzAlpine travels 223 kilometres in under five hours, and operates daily between Christchurch and Greymouth, via Arthurs Pass.

The train journey has been heralded as among the world’s best by National Geographic and The Travel Luxury Expert. Over 100,000 passengers have taken the trip in the last 12 months.

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Peter Reidy, KiwiRail’s chief executive, said that despite coming from “humble beginnings”, the service had become one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions for tourists.

“The idea for the TranzAlpine was born more than 30 years ago, after it became clear how much passengers on our Christchurch-toGreymouth service enjoyed the scenery on their journey,” Reidy said.”

The first TranzAlpine Express ran on 22 November 1987, featuring refurbished carriages, a buffet service, alcove-style seating, and panoramic windows to allow passengers to soak up the breathtaking scenery as the train travelled across the Canterbury Plains, and through gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River on its approach to towards the Southern Alps.

The train also passes through 16 tunnels, including the 8.5-kilometre Otira Tunnel, and crosses four viaducts, including the 75m Staircase Viaduct.

These days, an open-air platform (added in 1991) is available on the train, and commentary guides passengers through the sites and scenes of the South Island countryside.

“What hasn’t changed is the stunning scenery they pass on their journey, including the Canterbury Plains and their famous ‘braided’ rivers, dramatic gorges and river valleys, High Country sheep stations, beech forests and the Southern Alps themselves,” Reidy said.

Reidy said that TranzAlpine has become an “integral part” of communities such as Greymouth on the South Island’s west coast, and that residents were always welcoming of passengers.

“In return, our train brings valuable tourism dollars to local businesses. We carry around 55,000 passengers a year into Greymouth, and West Coast Tourism estimates that the TranzAlpine brings in excess of $15 million per annum to the region,” he said.

“We invite both returning and new passengers to come and experience the journey for themselves, as we celebrate 30 years of a  New Zealand icon.” www.railexpress.com.au

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www.degnan.com.au

50 Barry Avenue, Mortdale NSW Australia 2223 | PO Box 336 Oatley NSW 2223 (02) 9584 0277 | info@degnan.com.au | www.degnan.com.au

JUMP IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT OF QLD’S NEW GENERATION TRAIN

EXPERIENCE THE VIRTUAL RAIL REVOLUTION

We Move Cities.

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AusRail Stand #435

STOP AT THE LEGO LIGHT RAIL STATION

AusRAIL PLUS 2017

CONFERENCE PROGRAM CONFERENCE DAY ONE

Tuesday 21st November 2017

08.30

Registration and welcome tea and coffee

09.00

Welcome and opening remarks • Danny Broad, CEO, Australasian Railway Association

09:15

The digital innovation agenda for rail • Craig Rispin CSP, Business Futurist and Technology Guru, The Future Trends Group

09:35

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE | The role of Crossrail on London’s economy, liveability and connectivity • Sir Terry Morgan CBE, Chairman, Crossrail UK

10:05

How much should governments be investing in rail?

• Marion Terrill, Transport Program Director, Grattan Institute

10:30

Morning tea and official exhibition opening

11:10

INDUSTRY PANEL | From digital to virtual: Technologies that will impact rail’s development and opportunities • Facilitator: Tony Braxton-Smith, Deputy Secretary Customer Service, Transport for NSW

• Andrew Dudgeon, Managing Director, Bombardier Transportation • Michael Miller, CEO, Downer Rail • Anna Squire, Principal, Global Rail Business Leader, Arup • Max Eichhorn, Executive General Manager, Mobility Division, Siemens • Paul Gill, Managing Director Signalling, Alstom Transport • Michele Fracchiolla, President Freight Business Unit | Chairman, Ansaldo STS Australia Pty Ltd 11:50

Digital solutions for advancing the supply chain • David McNeil, Customer Service & Fulfilment Manager, Liberty OneSteel • Bonnie Ryan, Senior Manager – Trade, Transport & Heavy Industry, GS1 Australia

12:15

Getting more freight on rail • Facilitator: Damien White, CEO, TasRail • Priscilla Radice, Principal, Australasia Business Leader, Arup • Tim Cope, Manager Trade Strategy, Port of Brisbane • Jonathan Lafforgue, General Manager Operations and Environment, NSW Ports • Paul Larsen, CEO, Arc Infrastructure • Geoff Smith, Managing Director, SCT Logistics

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12:40 Lunch served within the exhibition TECHNICAL STREAMS

RTSA – ROLLINGSTOCK

RTAA

(Great Halls 1 & 2)

(Great Hall 3)

IRSE – DESIGNING THE RAILWAY FOR OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE (Great Hall 4)

RAIL SUPPLIERS

ONRSR

(Meeting Room 1)

(Meeting Room 2)

13:50 Technical speakers meeting – ALL STREAMS

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair John Watsford, Rail Engineering Consultant

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Allan Logan, Treasurer, Rail Track Association Australia

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Trevor Moore, Signals Standards Engineer, ARTC

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Paul Johnson, Chairman, Rail Manufacturing CRC

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Phil Allan, Chief Operating Officer, Australasian Railway Association

14:00 Railroad assets: Information and operational (IT/OT) convergence Mark Kraeling, Product Architect and David Fletcher, Principal Architect GE Transportation

14:00 Reducing failures of turnouts through automated inspection – Dynamically and under load Markus Nottelmann, Chief Operating Officer and Cesare Santanera, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DMA S.r.l.

14:00 Beyond CBTC basics – Information, integration, automation and driverless trains Elie Paku, Engineer, Alstom

14:00 Standardisation of minimal data collection for condition monitoring and performance management in the Aust. Rail Industry Amy Lezala, Section Lead – Through Life Engineering, SNC-Lavalin Rail & Transit Pty Ltd

14:00 The National Rail Safety Regulator – An update Sue McCarrey, Chief Executive, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator

14:30 Highly automated railway wheel set maintenance workshop supported by simulation Jose Antonio Moreno, Railway Business Director, Danobat Scoop

14:30 Use of 3D scanning in Heritage Rail Tunnel condition assessments David Gardiner, Principal – Materials Technology, SMEC

14:30 The network modelling, timetabling and fuel saving computer programs on the market Ian Fox, Network Modeller, ARTC

14:40 Standards for identification of parts and components Bonnie Ryan, Senior Manager – Trade, Transport & Heavy Industry, GS1 Australia

14.30 Our national priorities Peter Doggett, Executive Director National Operations, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator

Technical Streams continue next page 4

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CONFERENCE PROGRAM

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 CONFERENCE DAY ONE RTSA – ROLLINGSTOCK

Tuesday 21st November 2017 TECHNICAL STREAMS – CONTINUED

RTAA

IRSE – DESIGNING ...

(Great Halls 1 & 2)

(Great Hall 3)

(Great Hall 4)

15:00 Energy, time and longitudinal train dynamics costs using energy optimised driving strategies in heavy haul trains Mitchell McClanachan, Research Engineer, CQUniversity

15:00 Research and development of a new method for wirelessly interrogating the stress free temperature of continuously welded rail David Fletcher, Principal Architect, GE Transportation

15:00 Rail operational modelling – A systems engineering tool for rail projects Thomas McPeake, Signalling Engineer, Arcadis

RAIL SUPPLIERS

ONRSR

(Meeting Room 1) 15:20 Interactive discussion with speakers

(Meeting Room 2) 15.00 Policy reviews – Fatigue and drug and alcohol testing Julie Bullas, Executive Director Policy, Reform and Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator

15:30 Afternoon tea served within the exhibition TECHNICAL STREAMS

RTSA – SAFETY AND POWER SYSTEMS

RTAA

IRSE – COMMUNCATION BASED SIGNALLING SYSTEMS

RAIL SUPPLIERS

ONRSR

(Great Halls 1 & 2)

(Great Hall 3)

(Great Hall 4)

(Meeting Room 1)

(Meeting Room 2)

15:50 Technical speakers meeting – ALL STREAMS

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Bill Laidlaw, Rail Engineering Consultant

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Kieran Navin, Management Committee, Rail Track Association Australia

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Georgina Hartwell, Senior Project Engineer, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Dr Stuart Thomson, CEO and Managing Director, Rail Manufacturing CRC

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Phil Allan, Chief Operating Officer, Australasian Railway Association

16:00 Transit video analytics Arthur Constantinou, Business Development Manager – APAC, DTI Group Limited

16:00 The mobile maintenance system Andrew Keens, Track Consultant, AJK Rail Limited

16:00 Brownfield CBTC – Resignalling of operating networks with minimal disruption Pascal Dupond, Project Director – Sydney Metro Northwest, Alstom

16:00 Smart railways of the future Barry Moore, Technical Director, Transport Services, Aurecon

16:00 Emerging technology – ONRSR’s expectations of the rail industry Simon Foster, Executive Director Technical, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator

16:30 Unbiased electrical performance comparison of 1500V DC, 3000V DC and 2x25kV AC traction power Systems for Melbourne Metro Network Dr Stephen Goh, Technical Director, Energy Services, Aurecon

16:30 Human machine interfaces and remote monitoring for track maintenance machines Roger Grossniklaus, Marketing and Sales Director, MATISA Matériel Industriel S.A.

16:30 Optimising mainline passenger rail with communicationbased signalling Derick Hammond, Solution Architect – Engineering and Dr Brenton Atchison, Principal Engineer, ETCS Siemens Mobility

16:30 How digital technology has revolutionized train control – Australian case study Sarfaraz Samnakay, Director Business Development Australia, Ansaldo STS Australia

16:30 Good cop / bad cop – Can a regulator be both?

Peter Doggett, Executive Director National Operations, and Laura Paulus, Corporate Counsel, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator

17:00 Depot protection systems – What features might actually reduce risk?

David Stuart-Smith, Technical Director and Tracy White, System and Safety Assurance Manager, Arup

17:00 AIMS 3D: Rail assets digitalisation technology Anthony Wilson, Data Services Support Manager, Geomatic Technologies Pty Ltd.

17:00 Transforming the Sydney rail network using new signalling and rail systems technologies Stephen Lemon, Director, Rail Systems Development, Transport for NSW

17:00 Shorter south coast train transit times Philip Laird, Honorary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong

17:00 Closing remarks from the Chair

17:30 Closing remarks from the Chair 17:30

17:30

CLOSE OF DAY ONE

AusRAIL PLUS 2017 Exhibition Networking Drinks for speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and conference delegates. Served within the exhibition

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AusRAIL PLUS 2017

CONFERENCE PROGRAM CONFERENCE DAY TWO

Wednesday 22nd November 2017

08.00

Welcome tea and coffee

10:30

Morning tea served within the exhibition

09.00

Welcome and opening remarks • Danny Broad, CEO, Australasian Railway Association • Chair – Michelle Doolan, Civil Engineer, Aurecon

11:10

Engaging with customers in a digital world • Tony Braxton-Smith, Deputy Secretary Customer Service, Transport for NSW

09:05

The importance of branding to rail • Tim Riches, Group Strategy Director, Principals

11:35

On-board information and asset management • Neal Lawson, Deputy CEO, Metro Trains Melbourne

09:40

Rail’s role in the transport system • Neil Scales OBE, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads

12:00

10:05

Inland Rail’s role in the supply chain • John Fullerton, CEO, Australian Rail Track Corporation

PANEL | Leveraging technology to enhance productivity • Facilitator: Dr Michelle Zeibots, Research Director, Transport Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney • Leila Frances, Chairman, Keolis Downer • Andrew Lezala, Managing Director, Metro Trains Australia • Dr Natalie Pelham, Executive Director, Innovation Research & Reform, Transport for NSW

12:40 Lunch served within the exhibition. Proudly sponsored by: TECHNICAL STREAMS RTSA – DIGITAL REVOLUTION

RTAA

(Great Halls 1 & 2)

(Great Hall 3)

IRSE – APPLYING NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR SIGNALLING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS (Great Hall 4)

13:50 Technical speakers meeting – ALL STREAMS

RAIL SUPPLIERS (Meeting Room 1)

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Phil Campbell OAM, A/Executive General Manager Enterprise Services, ARTC

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair David Bainbridge, President, Rail Track Association Australia

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Somnath Banerjee, Principal Signal Engineer, Ansaldo STS

13:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Brad Hocking, Shoal Engineering

14:00 How does digitalisation help to maintain asset value?

Greg Williams, Director Engineering & Asset Management, Keolis Downer

14:00 An analysis of the viability of upgrading the Aurizon Central Queensland Coal Network (CQCN) from 26.5 t to 30.0t axle load Adam Smith, Principal Engineer Network Planning and Development, Aurizon Network

14:00 Digital wireless evolution in railway communications & signalling; local and global insights to rail, metro and light rail Anton Abrahams, Chairman, Australasian TETRA and Critical Communications Forum Ltd

14:00 VicTrack’s network transformation program, delivering an integrated IP/ MPLS network to support transport Julian Williams, Principal Network Integration, Telecommunications Group, VicTrack

14:30 Contracting strategies for obtaining VfM when procuring rail projects that will be extended Owen Hayford, Partner | Legal, PwC Legal

14:30 3D clash detection and virtual signal sighting pre-installation Mitchell McGarry, Project Leader, Laing O’Rourke

14:30 How does technology redefine the design of modern stations?

Bruno Sarret, Technical Department Director, SYSTRA

15:00 Asset management – Tailoring maintenance to deliver business efficiency Daniel Rabson, Senior Consultant, Through Life Engineering, SNCLavalin Rail & Transit Pty Ltd

15:00 Wireless condition monitoring: Case studies from London underground & UK network rail Heath Low, Business Development Manager, Position Partners

15:00 Hands-Free Pay-As-You-Go fare collection system with rapid boarding and seamless transfers for smartcard and smartphone users Jonas Kley, MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, ETH Zurich, Trapeze Switzerland GmbH

14:30 IEC61850 implementation in a DC traction power distribution network Darin O’Brien, Principal Engineer Rail Electrification and Musafare Chibowora, Systems Engineering Team Leader, Energy Management Division, Siemens Ltd. Australia Mobility Division 15:00 Interactive planning and VR training – The innovation and Its application Dr Collette Burke, Managing Director, Exner Group and Karen Sanders, Commercial Director, Real Serious Games

15:30 Afternoon tea served within the exhibition

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RAIL EXPRESS

Strong enough to take the strain.

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AusRAIL PLUS 2017

CONFERENCE PROGRAM CONFERENCE DAY TWO

Wednesday 22nd November 2017 TECHNICAL STREAMS

RTSA – LIGHT RAIL AND DRIVERLESS VEHICLES

RTAA (Great Hall 3)

(Great Halls 1 & 2)

IRSE – ADVANCES IN DESIGN AND OPERATION OF SIGNALLING SYSTEMS (Great Hall 4)

15:50 Technical speakers meeting – ALL STREAMS

RAIL SUPPLIERS (Meeting Room 1)

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Steve Muscat, Director, Rail Confidence Pty Ltd

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Christina Young, Management Committee, RTAA

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Sandra Karrasch, Signal Engineer, Queensland Rail

15:55 Opening remarks from the Chair Karen Moss, Systems Engineer, Shoal Engineering

16:00 Bombardier’s drivers assistance system for trams Steve Brooks, Mechanical Engineer, Bombardier Transportation Australia

16:00 Do we need more standards?

Frank Szanto, Design Authority, Downer Rail

16:00 Practical application of AS7470 Human Factors integration in engineering design – General requirements Gareth Hughes, Manager, Human Factors, Asset Standards Authority, Transport for NSW

16:00 Meeting the future needs of rail passengers Doug Pickering, Associate Rail Consultant, Arup

16:30 From data to design: How digital engineering has changed collaboration on Sydney Metro Damien Cutcliffe, Digital Engineering Lead ANZ, WSP Australia

16:30 The identification, treatment and use of expansive soils in railway construction Dr Chris Bridges, Technical Principal, SMEC Australia Pty Ltd

16:30 Digital track work authorities for staff working on the track Graham Hjort, General Manager – Control Systems, 4Tel and Ben Hope, Manager Network Operations, Country Regional Network, John Holland Rail

16:30 Leveraging virtual reality and visual tools in the rail sector Michael Gardiner, Associate, Visualisation – Global Technical Lead, Aurecon

17:00 Rationale and applications for ‘Wire Free’ light rail technologies Bruno Petin, Engineering Director – Sydney Light Rail Project, Alstom

17:00 Development of an innovative Metro viaduct design more efficient and eco-friendly Serge Montens, Bridge Department, Technical Director, SYSTRA

17:00 Digital advances in monitoring and planning for natural hazards along networks and remote track sections Casey Palmer, General Manager, UBIMET

17:00 Future railway radio communications – What next after GSM-R? Vinh Nham, Principal and Lovan Pushparatnam, Director, SYSTRA

17:30 Closing remarks from the Chair 17:30

CLOSE OF DAY TWO

19:00 RTAA Yellow Tie Dinner Commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6:30pm Proudly sponsored by:

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AusRAIL PLUS 2017

CONFERENCE DAY THREE 08.30

Welcome tea and coffee

08.55

Chair – Emma Thomas, Director General, Transport Canberra

09.00

ARA Chairman’s Address Bob Herbert AM, Chair, Australasian Railway Association

09:20

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE | Digitalisation Gerhard Kress, Director Mobility Data Services, Siemens AG

09:45

Implementing digital change and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector • Mark Peters, Director, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre

10:10

Advanced systems: Benefits of transforming our legacy networks • Stephen Troughton, Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure & Services, Transport for NSW

10:30

Morning tea served within the exhibition Chair – Danny Broad, CEO, Australasian Railway Association

11:10

PANEL | Getting the right people – Challenges and opportunities • Facilitator: Deb Spring, Chair, Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) • Emma Thomas, Director General, Transport Canberra • René Lalande, CEO, Transdev • Nicole Stoddart, Managing Director, Construction Services, ANZ – AECOM • Georgina Mahony, Infrastructure Leader VIC / SA, Aurecon • Tom Larter, General Manager, WithYouWithMe • Heidi Beck, General Manager Human Resources, Pacific National

11:40

The next wave of innovation: 2017 Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition, featuring live audience voting Judges: • Sue McCarrey, Chief Executive, Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator • Emma Thomas, Director General, Transport Canberra • Damien White, CEO, TasRail • Shaun Wilson, CEO, Shoal Engineering Finalists: • Ross Anderson, Frazer-Nash Consultancy • Victoria Burke, Metro Trains Melbourne • Oliver Lake, Sydney Trains • Tyler Plowright, Pacific National • Jamie Ross-Smith, UGL Pty Limited

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Thursday 23rd November 2017 12:40

Lunch served within the exhibition

13:55

FEDERAL OPPOSITION ADDRESS Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, Shadow Minister for Tourism

14:15

INDUSTRY PANEL | How is the ‘Internet of Things’ reshaping our workforce?

• Facilitator: Paul Harris, Principal Engineer – Operational Control Systems, Network and Product Development, Public Transport Victoria • Erin Watson-Lynn, Director, Asialink Diplomacy • Jo Kirby, Adjunct Lecturer and PhD Candidate, University of Queensland

14:45

Running the revolutionary • Facilitator: Georgia Crouch, Associate, Infrastructure Advisory, Aurecon • Dean Dalla Valle, CEO, Pacific National • Nick Easy, CEO, Queensland Rail • Michael Bailey, General Manager Railroad Operations, BHP • Loretta Lynch, Managing Director, Keolis Downer Gold Coast • Howard Collins OBE, Chief Executive, Sydney Trains

15:25

Where are we heading?

• Facilitator: Paul Daly, CEO, Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) • Michelle Doolan, Civil Engineer, Aurecon (Winner, Inaugural Pitching Competition) • Ben Mason, Economist, Arup (Finalist, Inaugural Pitching Competition) • Winner, Future Leaders’ Forum • Runner up, Future Leaders’ Forum

15:55

Where are we in the revolution: Closing summary Danny Broad, CEO, Australasian Railway Association

16:00

CLOSE OF AusRAIL PLUS 2017

19:00 AUSRAIL PLUS 2017 GALA DINNER

Commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6:30pm Proudly sponsored by:

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FEATURED EXHIBITORS

STAND 592

AusRAIL PLUS 2017

Axiomtek at cutting edge of embedded computing Technology firm Axiomtek will show off its range of embedded computer systems, specifically designed for the transportation industry, at AusRAIL PLUS 2017, which takes place from November 21 to 23.

Rail Express spoke with Axiomtek business development manager Andrew Wan about the company’s stand at the Brisbane event.

AusR ILPLUS 2017 | Brisbane

Conference & Exhibition

21-23 November

STAND 236

Andrew Engineering is a well renowned rolling stock maintenance equipment supplier, specialising in the following equipment: Depot Personnel Protection Systems, Bogie Exchange equipment, Turntables, Lifting Jacks and Wheel Lathes.

Our expertise includes: engineering, design, manufacturing, consulting, recondition and repair of equipment, installation and scheduled service and breakdown assistance.

Phone: +61 3 9457 07 00 Email: Chrisp@andeng.com.au

Rex: Tell us about Axiomtek in Australia and New Zealand.

Andrew: Axiomtek has over 27 years’ experience working with local partners in various industries for different projects. As a market leader in transportation industry, we’re committed to delivering best-in-class, and state-of-art solutions to our partners, enabling them to be competitive in their market. We also plan to continue investing and developing our business for the future, to ensure our partners have in-time support.

Rex: What is Axiomtek exhibiting at AusRAIL PLUS 2017?

Andrew: We are showcasing our latest transportation-certified embedded systems (known as our tBOX systems). Specifically, we’re showing visitors the tBOX500-510-FL, and tBOX324-894-FL, our IP Surveillance scenario and a PIS system demo.

Visitors will also be able to interact with a demo kit, and our experienced sales team will be able to take them through the various features in great detail.

Rex: Who will visitors be able to meet at your stand?

STAND 71

Andrew: Our stand will have our Sales VP for Business Strategy, our Business Plan and Execution Details Sales Manager, and our Product Manager for Solution Scenario and Project Discussion.

Rex: Can visitors pre-book meetings at your stand?

Andrew: Absolutely, they are welcome to.

I would urge anyone interested in a meeting to please send me an email, at andrew.wan@axiomtek.com.tw.

Rex: Will you be conducting any competitions or giveaways?

Andrew: Yes, we have prepared our transportation-related brochures for visitors to easy understand about our experience, products and solutions. Furthermore, we will be giving away many items like notebooks, pens and Bluetooth speakers at our stand.

Rex: Flipping things around for a moment: What is Axiomtek looking to achieve at AusRAIL PLUS? What are some things about the conference and exhibition you are looking forward to?

Andrew: We’re hoping to enlarge and strengthen our brand awareness and exposure in Australia, and to find more qualified partner candidates. We’d also like to generate more potential project leads and establish a good relationship with local SI/distributors during the event.  (below) Axiomtek’s tBOX324-894-FL is a fanless embedded computer system, designed for railway, vehicle and marine applications. Photo: Axiomtek.

Delkor Rail is a global supplier of high quality track and rolling stock components and solutions. Our range of products include resilient rubber bonded rail fasteners designed for noise and vibration attenuation as well as ballast mats, under sleeper pads, FFU Synthetic sleepers and primary and secondary rolling stock suspension components. Delkor rail solutions are backed with over 25 years’ experience in the Rail Industry.

Pre-book a meeting at AusRAIL PLUS: phone (02) 9709 2918 or email george@delkorrail.com

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AusRAIL PLUS 2017 Photo: Metromatics.

STAND 591

Display product range, Durabook Rugged Laptops/Tablets and the DEWESoft Ride Comfort Testing System.

We are sharing our booth with Acorel, manufacturer of the Automatic Passenger Counting Systems, and Arthur Tete will be able to show visitors how this system operates.

Metromatics looks to continue signage success Signage and passenger display manufacturer Metromatics have three of its new products at its AusRAIL PLUS 2017 stand. Metromatics marketing manager, Janine Meade, spoke about the business, and what it has planned for the AusRAIL Exhibition.

Rex: Tell us about the business.

Janine: Metromatics is a manufacturer of indoor and outdoor LCD digital signage displays, on board and platform LCD passenger information systems, public information displays and other LCD based display technology branded under our trademark name MetroSpec.

We have been representing quality suppliers of defence products and industrial sub systems and on-selling and supporting these products to our own customer base in Australia and New Zealand, since we were established in 1989.

Rex: Where are you based?

Janine: Our Head Office is located in Brisbane, Australia, and we have sales & support offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Auckland.

Rex: What caused the expansion from defence and industrial, into public transport?

Janine: In 2005, we were approached by one of our customers who had an interest in using LCD technology to provide public transport information to their customers and couldn’t find the right product on the market. So, we researched and developed our first MetroSpec Fully Sealed IP65 Rated LCD Passenger Information Display and won the project.

Rex: And since then?

Janine: Since that time, over 2,500 MetroSpec LCD Passenger Information Displays have been installed in both indoor and outdoor conditions, in most major railway stations in Australia, as well as tramways in Melbourne, light rail stops on the Gold Coast, busways in Brisbane and ferry networks in Sydney.

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Rex: Can visitors pre-book meetings at your stand?

Rex: What’s made them so successful?

Janine: Our LCD displays are chosen because they are reliable, maintenance free, vandal resistant and built and tested to an IP65 standard to meet our public transport operators’ requirements.

We are ISO 9001 accredited, and we continue to be a leader in this industry, constantly researching and developing new technologies to make our LCD Passenger Information Displays more versatile and feature rich. They therefore provide our customers with an excellent return on investment.

Janine: Yes, visitors can pre-book meetings at our stand. Send us an e-mail: sales@metromatics.com.au and we can schedule a time.

Rex: What is Metromatics looking to achieve at the event?

Janine: We are looking forward to catching up with our existing customers, meeting some new potential customers, and showcasing our range of display technologies and systems. 

AusR ILPLUS 2017 | Brisbane

Rex: What is Metromatics exhibiting at AusRAIL PLUS 2017?

Conference & Exhibition

Janine: We will be exhibiting the following NEW products at AusRAIL PLUS 2017:

21-23 November

STAND 405

• MetroSpec 32” Digital Display Bus Totem • Solar Powered, Wireless, E-Paper Bus Stop Passenger Information Display • Acorel’s Automatic Passenger Counting System • Durabook Rugged Lap Tops and Tablets We’ll also be showcasing some of our other products: • MetroSpec 49” H Series LCD Passenger Information Display • MetroSpec Double-sided Slimline Passenger Information Display • DEWESoft Ride Comfort System

Rex: Who are the key people representing Metromatics at the stand?

Janine: Grant Williams, our General Manager and Mitch Callon, our Technical Sales Engineer will be at our stand and they will be available to talk about our MetroSpec Public Transport

Mackay is a major supplier of a diverse range of engineered rubber and bonded metal/rubber composite products for the Rail Industry in Australia and overseas.

Designing & manufacturing: raft & engine mounts; primary & secondary suspension mounts for passenger & locomotives; cab mounts; bushes and miscellaneous elastomeric products. Mackay offers Australian operators short lead times and small manufacturing batch sizes more suitable to Australian fleet sizes.

Contact – Michael Morgan (T) 03 9276 4605, (M) 0437 712 546

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Unique knowledge helps Specialised Force stand out

STAND 664

Now a nationally-recognised brand, hydraulic tools and specialised equipment supplier Specialised Force came from humble beginnings in Sydney, 35 years ago. Product and Marketing manager Kevin Harrold sat down with Rail Express, and explained how the company’s unique knowledge of the equipment supply sector has kept it in the game.

Rex: Kevin, how long has Specialised Force been in business?

Kevin: Specialised Force has been operating and expanding for over 35 years. Founded in 1982, the company has expanded from its head office in Sydney, to now operate in all states and territories, with an additional support distribution network covering all areas throughout Australia & New Zealand.

Rex: What makes you stand out?

Kevin: Specialised Force’s success rests on unique knowledge of specialised hydraulic, electrical tooling equipment and other products.

This includes synchronised lifting systems, torque equipment, heat exchanger, pipe maintenance equipment, Rail Equipment and overhead/underground power installation equipment. We have a number of focused Business Areas:

• RAIL – Maintenance, Construction & Safety Equipment • ELECTRICAL – Overhead & Underground Power Installation Machinery & Equipment • MINING – Jacking, Maintenance Tools & Tensioning Devices • OIL & GAS – Flange Maintenance, Alignment, Spreading & Torque Tools • CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE – Bending, Crimping, Punching & Cutting Tools • INDUSTRIAL – Heavy Load Lifting/Shifting, Maintenance & Safety Equipment • COMMUNICATIONS – Drum Handling Equipment, Rollers & Winches

• TRANSPORT – Jacks, Presses, Pullers, Repair Kits & Torque Tooling

Rex: Who will be there, representing the business at the event?

Kevin: We are looking forward to catching up with our existing customers and introducing new customers to our vast range of rail products.

Kevin: Among those on the exhibition floor will be our Brisbane Branch Manager – Jason Wilson and Brisbane account manager and Rail Equipment Product Specialist – John Kelly.

We’ll also have Ian Taylor – Sales Director for IPS Canada, a manufacturer of Rail Handling Equipment & Track Tools.

Rex: What can visitors expect from your stand?

Rex: Can people pre-book meetings at the stand?

Rex: What is Specialised Force looking forward to at AusRAIL PLUS 2017?

Kevin: The major focus of the stand will be on the company’s new rail catalogue.

We will be featuring products from the following manufacturers: • ALDON – 100 Year of Railroad Safety and Maintenance Products from Chicago USA • AIRTEC – Scottish Quality Master35 Petrol Impact Wrench, High Impact Sockets & Railway Trolleys • IPS (Innovative Parts and Solutions) – Rail Tongs, Pullers, Threaders & Measurement Gauges from Canada • TRAK STAR – Large range of Rail Drills, Twister Rail Cutters & Accessories out of the USA • FCS – Italian quality, Includes an extensive range of Railway Maintenance & Construction Equipment • DURAPAC – Rail (Toe) Jacks & High Pressure Hydraulic Pumps

Kevin: Yes! Please email our Brisbane branch manager, Jason Wilson, at: jwilson@specialisedforce.com.au.

Rex: Are you running any competitions or giveaways?

Kevin: Yes! Please leave your business card or register your details with us at stand 664 and go into the draw to win a St Andrews Golf putter, at the end of the show on Thursday. The putter has been kindly donated

by AIRTEC International, manufacturer of the Master35 Petrol Impact Wrench, High Impact  Sockets and Railway Trolley.

For a hard copy of Specialised Force’s newlyreleased 2017 rail catalogue, you can register at www.specialisedforce.com.au/catalogues/enquir y-hardcopy/2307 or download an electronic copy www.specialisedforce.com.au/catalogues/rail.

(left) Specialised Force has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville (pictured), Darwin, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Port Hedland.

Photo: Specialised Force. (right) Stand visitors will be able to enter the draw to win a St Andrews Golf putter.

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AusRAIL PLUS 2017

STAND 142

Siemens shows off wide range at AusRAIL Global technology giant Siemens will be a key exhibitor at AusRAIL PLUS, displaying a range of innovative solutions and digital technologies for the rail industry. Max Eichhorn, Executive General Manager of Siemens’ Mobility division in Australia and New Zealand, spoke about the company’s stand at this year’s event.

Rex: Tell us about Siemens in Australia and New Zealand.

Max: Siemens has been active in Australia for 145 years, with one of our earliest projects being an electric tramcar network in Hobart back in 1893. Today, you will find Siemens technologies across the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand, ranging from rail electrification technology in Auckland and Sydney to rolling stock in Melbourne, from locomotives in Queensland and the Pilbara to ETCS in Adelaide. With 500 employees, including the largest assembled group of rail signalling engineers in the Southern hemisphere, today we play a leading role in the digitalisation of the rail industry, implementing proven global technology with local expertise across Australia and New Zealand.

Rex: What is Siemens exhibiting at AusRAIL PLUS 2017?

Max: We are displaying a wide range of technologies and solutions, including an ETCS simulator that lets visitors take control of a train along a route and switch between Automatic Train Operation (ATO) mode and human driven mode, and then compare punctuality and energy efficiency between the two driving modes. We’ll also be displaying our Mobility Services Centre, which demonstrates the enormous potential of data analytics in rail networks, showing how operators are able to achieve 99% availability on their networks using our digital services. The brand new locally designed, developed and manufactured M23A MkIII point machine, a robust and reliable machine that is already being trialled in various sites across Australia and South America, will also be on display. Visitors will

find a range of rail automation and industrial communication technologies, along with a 3D printing and additive manufacturing showcase.

A leading edge network capacity management tool from HaCon, and the locally developed digital track and wheel condition monitoring solutions from MRX Technologies, will also be on display.

AusR ILPLUS 2017 | Brisbane

Conference & Exhibition

21-23 November

STAND 151

Rex: Who will visitors be able to meet at your stand?

Max: There will be a range of local and international Siemens team members at our stand, including Dr Gerhard Kress – the head of our Mobility Data Services area. Experts in ETCS, rail automation, data analytics, trackside equipment and a variety of other areas will also be present, along with members of our sales and business development team.

Rex: Flipping things around for a moment: What is Siemens hoping to achieve at AusRAIL PLUS 2017? What are some things about the conference and exhibition you are looking forward to?

Max: At AusRAIL PLUS, Siemens is hoping to strengthen our existing relationships with customers and build new ones. We have been participating in this event for a long time and look forward to the opportunity to hear from experts and leading practitioners in our field, and of course we’re proud to have a number of papers being presented in the technical streams. Personally I am looking forward to hearing from Dr Gerhard Kress, a worldrenowned expert on big data and ‘the internet of trains’, who will be presenting a keynote on digitalisation in the rail industry during the  plenary session on the final morning.

Graphic: Siemens.

At AUSRAIL 2017 Ikon Lifting Equipment will be demonstrating bogie-fromwagon separation with a system of battery powered mobile lifters able to lift 7 wagons at a time to 180cm in 94 seconds all synchronised to within 15mm now with optional Powered Axle accessory.

Phone: 03-9440 5500 Contact name: Cameron Thomas Email: cam@ikonlifting.com.au

STAND 591

Metromatics is a manufacturer of LCD Passenger Information Displays, Public Information Displays and other Display Technology branded under our trademark name MetroSpec.

Installed at most Major Railway Stations; Tramways; Light Rail and Ferry Networks in Australia as our products are weatherproof, fully sealed, and built and tested to an IP65 rating.

Contact Grant Williams on 07 3868 4255 E-Mail: sales@metromatics.com.au

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AusRAIL PLUS 2017

ADLINK aims to take on rail’s digital disruption Taiwanese technology firm ADLINK Vincent Tseng, ADLINK’s general manager for Asia Pacific.

AusR ILPLUS 2017 | Brisbane

Conference & Exhibition

21-23 November

STAND 664

Rex: Tell us about ADLINK.

Vincent: ADLINK Technology designs and manufactures embedded computing, aiming to drive data-to-decision applications across industries.

Established in 1995, and headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, we have operations in America, Singapore, China, Japan, Korea, India and Germany, and over 1,800 employees.

Rex: What does your product range cover?

Specialised Force has been expanding throughout Australia since 1982. The company now operates 9 branches/offices nationally, covering all states and territories. 8 branches have fully functional warehouses and 6 include service centres.

Our rail offerings include: De/Rerailers, Impact Drills, Saws, Trolleys and Jacks; as well as Track Welding, Grinding, Bending, Safety, Test, Measurement, and Electrical Equipment.

For all Enquiries and to order a copy of our “NEW” Rail catalogue, please contact our Sales team on (02) 9547 1844 or email sales@specialisedforce.com.au

STAND 610

Rex: What’s your target for railway market in Australia and New Zealand?

Vincent: By leveraging more than 15 years of railway experience, ADLINK is focused on railway signaling and digitalisation applications in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

In particular, ADLINK has many digitalisation projects experience in Train-to-Ground Communications, Maintenance and Condition Monitoring, Smart Railway Gateway, Surveillance, and Infotainment applications.

Vincent: ADLINK’s goal is to provide robust and reliable hardware platforms, data connectivity and complete Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. To that end, our products include motherboards, blades, chassis, modules, gateways, systems, panel PCs, displays and end-to-end solutions based on industry standard form factors.

Rex: What are you looking forward to at AusRAIL PLUS 2017?

Rex: What will you be showing at AusRAIL PLUS 2017?

Rex: Who can visitors meet at your stand?

Vincent: The recent emergence of IIoT has initiated a digital disruption of railway infrastructure. IIoT technologies are appearing more frequently in real-time signaling, machine-to-machine communication, train radios, lineside communication, level-crossings, station information and security checkpoints.

Taken together, all this railway technology forms a finely-tuned web of components and systems. Quality railway IT results requires quality equipment, and that’s where ADLINK enters into the picture.

Among other technology, ADLINK at AusRAIL will showcase its Modular 3U CompactPCI platforms, its Driver Machine Interface (DMI), and its rugged, fanless, EN 50155-compliant embedded computers.

Vincent: We are looking forward to a deeper engagement with railway signaling system integrators, and to provide them with a cutting edge embedded computing platform to help them fulfil railway operators’ needs.

Vincent: ADLINK Australia and New Zealand’s Region Sales Head Ben Wei will be joined at the stand by sales manager Jennifer Chen.

Exhibiting together with local distributor Micromax Technology, they will be happy to share details on our solutions and products for railway signalling applications.

Rex: Can visitors pre-book meetings at your stand?

Vincent: Yes, visitors can email news@adlinktech.com, or they can register online, at www.adlinktech.com/eDM/20171121_AusRAIL _PLUS/index.html.

Photo: ADLINK Technology.

Treotham Automation is a leading supplier of high quality components and products to industrial markets.

Treotham supplies a large range of products specifically suited to the railway industry. These include PMA flexible conduits, Ilme multipin connectors, Lapp Group halogen free cables and Igus bearings, energy chains and special chain cables.

Phone: 1300 65 75 64

Email: info@treotham.com.au

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PACIFIC NATIONAL

Q&A Image: Rail Gallery

Photo: Supplied

Q&A MIDWAY THROUGH 2017, FORMER BHP BILLITON CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER DEAN DALLA VALLE BECAME THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF PACIFIC NATIONAL. HE SPOKE WITH RAIL EXPRESS ABOUT HIS FIRST FEW MONTHS IN CHARGE, PN’S ACQUISITION OF AURIZON’S INTERMODAL BUSINESS, AND THE FUTURE OF THE RAIL SECTOR.

Dean Dalla Valle

REX: You officially became Pacific National CEO on July 17. How were your first four months in charge?

Dalla Valle: My background and strong suit is running day-to-day large-scale mining operations – being right at the coal face.

In the first four months at Pacific National my focus has been to get out of the office and into the field – to listen and learn.

Our train and terminal crews are a valuable source of information and insights – what they don’t know about the rail network and our daily operations is not worth knowing.

I’ve also spent a lot of time listening to the needs of our diverse range of customers and getting to know their businesses.

As I tell my executive team – in the rail freight game, you can’t stockpile customer service.

Image: Rail Gallery

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PACIFIC NATIONAL

REX: What have been your first impressions of the rail freight sector?

Image: Rail Gallery

Dalla Valle: Overall, rail freight tends to be on the ‘right side of the debate’. People genuinely want to see more freight moved by rail. They want transport of goods and commodities to be safe, clean and cost efficient. Exporters need reliable access to freight terminals and ports to remain competitive.

It’s fair to say however, the sector needs to be more vocal about the benefits we bring not only to the nation’s economy, but also our communities and the environment.

Pacific National has a long and proud history – a big thread of our company DNA can be traced all the way back to the Commonwealth Railways Act of 1917.

We haul numerous types of goods and commodities, we have a geographic footprint right throughout the continent, and we employ thousands of people in regional Australia…problem is, very few people outside of our industry know this!

I want to help better promote rail freight, and just recently I accepted an offer to chair the ‘Freight on Rail Group’ – an industry lead group established to engage with government and key stakeholders to promote and grow the rail freight task.

I was also recently appointed to the NSW Freight Advisory Council – a council reporting directly to the NSW Minister for Freight. I don’t believe in shouting from the sidelines.

Engineering our future railways KBR is one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of engineering and project management services. We assist our clients to deliver safe, reliable and efficient rail networks including associated bridge, station and depot infrastructure.

Our portfolio includes engineering solutions for some of the nation’s most complex urban and regional rail projects including Sydney Metro Northwest, Melbourne Metro and level crossing removals in Victoria and Torrens Rail Junction in South Australia.

At KBR, we have the experience and technical expertise to safely deliver your project on time and within budget, with minimal disruption to the community and existing operations.

We Deliver

Contact: Ray Mahony I Director, Transport and Buildings, Australia I Phone: 03 9828 5333 I ray.mahony@kbr.com

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PACIFIC NATIONAL

Q&A Image: Rail Gallery

REX: How does Pacific National’s structure (post-Asciano breakup) position it well to make the decision to acquire Aurizon’s Queensland Intermodal business?

Dalla Valle: Pacific National is fortunate to have owners that are stable, reliable and focused on long term investments.

Like any business, Pacific National is looking to grow and provide new opportunities for its employees and add to our network of freight terminals; a great example being our Parkes Logistics Terminal.

We have signed an agreement to buy the Aurizon Acacia Ridge Terminal and the Aurizon Queensland Intermodal business.

Both transactions are subject to approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Foreign Investment Review Board and we continue to work closely with each of these bodies.

If we have the opportunity to acquire these operations, we will be competing against a competitive trucking sector in Queensland. For instance, the $8.5 billion upgrade to the Bruce Highway – which runs from Brisbane to Cairns – is the largest road infrastructure program that Queensland has ever seen.

There are substantial volumes travelling along the Brisbane-Cairns corridor by road, with some industry estimates suggesting road has more than a 50 per cent share of the non-bulk freight movements on that corridor.

“

Dalla Valle: Australia has some of the highest quality thermal and metallurgical (coking) coal in the world.

The coal industry employs thousands of people in high wage and skilled jobs (particularly in regional Australia); supports countless local tradespeople, suppliers and engineering firms; provides affordable base load electricity; not to mention generating tens of millions each year in royalties for governments.

But if you read most of the media at the moment, you would be confused into thinking coal is the cause of all ills. Don’t get me wrong, no industry is perfect, but the current vitriol directed at coal has become ridiculous.

What concerns me is how people not closely involved in the industry are starting to lose all rational perspective on coal. Here at home, relentless scare mongering and ill-informed campaigns – which now have a ready-made platform in the form of social media – have started to erode confidence in the sector.

As CEO of Australia’s largest rail freight operator, I’m happy to say I’m proud to haul Australian coal.

IF WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE THESE OPERATIONS, WE WILL BE COMPETING AGAINST A COMPETITIVE TRUCKING SECTOR IN QUEENSLAND.

Image: Rail Gallery

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REX: What do you see for the future of the coal industry in Australia?

ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

”

REX: How will changes in the freight market over the next five years impact how Pacific National does its business?

Dalla Valle: In terms of the bigger rail freight picture, I’m thrilled to see governments of all political persuasions working together to rapidly improve rail freight networks through historic initiatives, including the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project – the Australia Government has committed an equity investment of additional $8.4 billion to help deliver the project.

In fact, off the back of this commitment, Pacific National announced last month an initial $35 million investment to develop a major freight terminal at Parkes in the Central West of NSW. Then there is the NSW Government’s $400 million Fixing Country Rail program and the $440 million Murray Basin rail gauge project in Victoria – a joint funding initiative between the Australian and Victorian governments to shift board gauge lines to standard gauge (i.e. harmonisation of rail gauge in Victoria).

I see tremendous opportunities for rail freight as a whole to grow our depth of engagement with industry, government, communities and media to help drive reforms and projects to increase Australia’s economic prosperity.

But it’s just not new infrastructure that ‘moves the dial’…I’m particularly interested in the ‘modernisation’ of the rail freight sector; notably through the adoption of new and innovative technology. In this space, the trucking industry leaves us for dead.

For instance, Pacific National is now working on a program to better monitor the movements of our locomotives and wagons.

The application of digital communications and technology will give us enhanced capacity to run operations more safely and efficiently across our entire fleet, particularly on busy and congested networks.

This includes better on-time running so our freight trains don’t miss tight delivery windows at ports; more efficient use of fuel; better allocation and utilisation of labour; precise tracking of cargo containers … but significantly improved safety outcomes.

Safety is crucial though. Any advances we make start with a focus on safety. I want our employees to lead a safe and healthy life – a safe workplace is the bedrock of an excellent company culture. Safety is the first step to being a profitable company.

Certain aspects of rail freight present risks … but these risks can be managed by constantly striving to implement safer procedures and safer equipment. Safety is a never-ending story.

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PACIFIC NATIONAL

REX: What are you looking forward to at AusRAIL? Dalla Valle: I’m looking forward to catching up with my colleagues from the rail freight industry and the wider rail sector. I’m also looking forward to seeing my fellow board members from the ARA and the opportunity to meet many people in the industry that  I haven’t met yet.

Images: Rail Gallery

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FREIGHT RAIL Adani wants to build the rail line with initial capacity to handle 40 million tonnes of coal per annum.

ADANI TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN QUEENSLAND ELECTION Photo: Rail Gallery

QUEENSLAND PREMIER ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK HAS DECLARED HER GOVERNMENT WILL VETO A POTENTIAL $1 BILLION LOAN FOR ADANI’S PROPOSED CARMICHAEL MINE AND RAIL PROJECT, AS IT WAS REVEALED HER PARTNER WORKED ON BEHALF OF THE MINING GIANT.

alaszczuk said in early November her partner, Shaun Drabsch, worked on Adani’s loan application to the Turnbull Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, as part of his job at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The Premier denied to reporters that there was any conflict of interest, but accused the Federal LNP of attempting a smear campaign against her in the lead-up to the Queensland election, scheduled for November 25.

She said she would exercise her right to veto the NAIF loan, which is to help build Carmichael’s rail line, if she was still in power when the decision was made.

“This afternoon I announce that my Government has had no role to date in the Federal Government’s assessment process for Adani – now we will have no role in the future,” she said.

“To action my decision, I propose to write to the Prime Minister to notify him that my Government will exercise its ‘veto’ to not support the NAIF loan,” she said, adding the move was “to remove doubt about any perception of conflict”.

The announcement by Palaszczuk – now in caretaker mode in the lead-up to the election – is likely to put the Adani project firmly in the minds of voters on November 25. Palaszczuk is unable to exercise her power to veto while acting as caretaker premier, so a veto would only happen if she was re-elected. Opposition leader Tim Nicholls is unlikely to veto the loan, if it is approved at the Federal level.

Palaszczuk accused the Federal LNP of attempting to interfere with the state election, after she heard of a “rumour” that her partner’s role on Adani would be brought into the spotlight.

P

She said her partner’s work was commercial-in-confidence, and that he had not discussed it with her. She also noted that his work was on a federal loan, and he had not been a part of any of the state-level approvals.

“I think we have reached a new low in Australian politics,” Palaszczuk said. “I have done everything by the book, my partner Shaun has done everything by the book.

“During an election campaign, [the LNP] seek to smear his name and my name.”

Palaszczuk has received support from an unlikely source following her announcement, with former Queensland LNP stalwart Vaughan Johnson calling for a fair fight.

“We’ve seen now a bucket of mud that’s been thrown from Canberra that’s lobbed right in the face of the election campaign in Queensland,” Johnson was quoted by ABC. “The fingerprints of Canberra are all over this exercise … I’m an LNP member and I’m loyal to the operation, but there’s one thing I am not loyal to: mudslinging. Let’s keep this a clean, fair dinkum state election operation between Nicholls and Ms Palaszczuk and may the best team win.”

Nicholls denied there was any LNP involvement in the revelations.

“I don’t know where Vaughan Johnson would get that information from because there’s not a skerrick of evidence that supports it,” Nicholls was quoted as saying by ABC. “If there had been, Annastacia Palaszczuk would have produced it.  She seems to be running on rumour and polls.”

COMMENT

WHY ADANI MAY STILL GET ITS GOVERNMENT RAIL LINE LOAN DESPITE PREMIER ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK’S VETO OF A LOAN TO ADANI, THE COMPANY COULD STILL RECEIVE FUNDS FROM A NEW GOVERNMENT OR VIA PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS, BRENDAN GOGARTY WRITES.

ven though Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she would be vetoing the around A$1 billion loan to Adani for a rail link to its proposed Carmichael coal mine, funds could still flow to the company.

Currently in caretaker mode for the Queensland election, the premier would need the consent of the opposition party to exercise such a right.

That is very unlikely given the LNP’s longstanding support of Adani’s mine.

This means any veto could not be exercised until late November, or more realistically, December 2017.

As the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) loan doesn’t need state approval (but rather explicit veto) it could also mean the money will make its way to Adani, without any direct action by the state government.

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How would Commonwealth money make its way to Adani?

The NAIF body was established in 2016 and administers A$5 billion in Commonwealth funds. It’s been empowered to award grants to the northern states and Northern Territory for infrastructure projects.

Practically, however, these jurisdictions are used as financial conduits to pass this money to large corporations operating in northern Australia.

The NAIF is established under the “tied-grants” provision of the Constitution, Section 96, which states: …the [Commonwealth] parliament may grant financial assistance to any state on such terms and conditions as the [Commonwealth] parliament thinks fit.

This section was intended to provide for a short-term (around ten years) mechanism for central funds to be granted to the new states affected by the restructuring of national public finances, after federation.

However, the Commonwealth parliament continued to use this section u

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FREIGHT RAIL t

well into the 20th century (and increasingly today) to grant funds to cash-strapped states.

Over time, the Commonwealth started to impose terms that required the states do things that were outside of the Commonwealth’s legislative power – such as education or, indeed, infrastructure development.

The early-20th-century High Court concluded that this was acceptable, as long as the state technically consented to the terms and conditions of the grant.

While the NAIF legislation does not require such consent, under rules issued by the Commonwealth minister the NAIF has to: … commence consultation with the relevant jurisdiction as soon as practicable after receiving an investment proposal

In Adani’s case, the Investment Rules indicate that the “jurisdiction” is the “state or territory the infrastructure project is located”, namely Queensland. The state government after reviewing project and investment may provide:

… written notification that financial assistance should not be provided to a project.

If that is the case then the NAIF is not permitted to provide the grant money to the applicant (Adani). But that doesn’t mean the state hasn’t consented to the loan.

The problem is that the High Court has never really addressed what the word “state” means in Section 96. Specifically, who should the money be paid to: the “parliament of the state”; “government of the state” or, as seems to be implied in the Palaszczuk statements the “premier of the state”?

Conventionally, when we talk of “state consent” to funds, we envision a complex process by which money is paid into a central state fund under the control of state parliament. However, the NAIF legislation appears to allow for merely the state government to consent in a very minimal way, simply by passing the money directly to Adani without the state parliament ever reviewing or approving the transaction.

The NAIF legislation also doesn’t specify who in the government might consent. To date, it is the treasurer who seems to have been most actively involved in working with the NAIF, and indeed Adani.

It seems that, so long as the state has been “consulted”, unless it takes active steps to stop the loan, it will go ahead.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (right) with planning minister Jackie Trad.

Photo: Queensland Premier’s Office.

So, unless the Queensland opposition takes the very unlikely step of agreeing to a veto, Palaszczuk would appear to lack the power to issue one herself until after the election.

In the interim, NAIF has no legal restrictions on issuing the loan and, with the apparent agreement of the Queensland treasury, this money is likely to flow through to Adani. While Palaszczuk can say her government gave no active assistance to Adani, without active measures to block the  loan, it would certainly be a silent partner in the process.

Brendan Gogarty is Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Tasmania.

This article was originally published on The Conversation.

Does Palaszczuk have a ‘veto’ power?

The premier’s reasoning for the veto is a continuation of her government’s legacy of having “no role to date in the federal government’s NAIF Loan Assessment Process for Adani” and no “role in the future”.

These statements seem to be contrary to earlier ones by the Queensland treasurer, Curtis Pitt, that the government would “do what is required” to facilitate Commonwealth funds going to Adani. In fact, as early as November 2016, Pitt declared in state parliament: Since we came to office, we have been working very closely with the Commonwealth government to facilitate … the NAIF – in North Queensland… It is through the NAIF facility, which the state wholeheartedly supports, that Adani can get the infrastructure support that it needs.

As a result, it would seem that everything needed to pass the NAIF funds to Adani is provided for. The only thing to actively stop it is a formal, written statement by Palaszczuk to the NAIF refusing the loan (not to the prime minister as she claimed). Given Palaszczuk’s statement that she intends to write this statement, it is clear that no formal notice has yet been issued to the NAIF. However, it would seem that a “Master Facility Agreement” between Queensland and the NAIF has already been agreed to and set up. This agreement seems to envision the treasurer of Queensland passing the money to Adani, without it ever going into the state’s bank accounts.

Hence, in May this year, the Queensland treasurer confirmed that: Our role, for constitutional reasons, is the legal financing contract, the loan agreement including the drawdown and timing, repayment of interest — all of those things have to have state involvement constitutionally.

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INLAND RAIL

INLAND RAIL: NATIONALS NOT HAPPY WITH YALARBON TO GOWRIE ROUTE

The four alignments shown to stakeholders.

The alignment in purple is the chosen link

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INLAND RAIL

Image: Rail Gallery

POLITICIANS HAVE CHALLENGED THE ALIGNMENT OF A KEY QUEENSLAND SECTION OF THE INLAND RAIL PROJECT, AFTER A HEATED SENATE COMMITTEE HEARING LED TO QUESTIONS OVER THE PROCESS BEHIND THE ARTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALIGNMENT PROCESS.

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www.treotham.com.au 1300 65 75 64 info@treotham.com.au

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to tell me, is it? The alternative is that if you find serious challengesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not limiting it to these three things: that you cannot solve the engineering solution, that it is cost prohibitive, or that the solutions will impact so adversely on the 274 farmers I think it is who will be affected by the 12.5 kilometresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you will retreat and you will start to investigate an alternative route. Is that a fair statement?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that is a fair statement,â&#x20AC;? Fullerton replied.

The evening after the fiery hearing, a letter was sent to Chesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office signed by eight Nationals MPs and senators, including Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan and Senator Matt Canavan, asking Chester to publicly state that the chosen alignment was not final. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are now requesting you to make a public statement, which confirms that the Wellcamp/Charlton alignment may not be the final corridor,â&#x20AC;? the senators wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition, we request that a more transparent process in determining this corridor be created whereby the community has access to all assessment reports, together with a mechanism for the community to ď Ž raise questions about those reports.â&#x20AC;?

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he preferred route for the Yalarbon to Gowrie portion of the $8.4 billion Inland Rail project was announced on September 21, with an alignment via Pittsworth, Brookstead and the WellcampCharlton industrial precinct chosen from a field of four potential options.

Queensland farmers had spoken against the route during the consultation process, with experts warning the alignment would cross the Condamine floodplain, potentially threatening crop production, and the safety of the local community.

Federal transport and infrastructure minister Darren Chester defended the choice in September, saying it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;based on rigorous technical analysis and consultation with community and industry representativesâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All options present challenges but it is my view, based on the available information, that the corridor via Wellcamp and Charlton is the right decision,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Chester said the route was chosen because, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as much as possible it uses existing rail corridors; it goes past Wellcamp Airport, which didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist in 2010 when the original route was considered; and it is [a] significantly more economically viable option than the alternative routesâ&#x20AC;?.

However, during testimony before the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Senate Estimates hearing on October 23, ARTC boss John Fullerton conceded that no further work had been done on the alignment to address precisely how the route would account for crossing the Condamine floodplain, and that the costing of the route was still based on a business case from 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assume how weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll deal with it until the environmental work is complete,â&#x20AC;? Fullerton told the hearing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be various engineering treatments to deal with the hydrology â&#x20AC;Ś a combination of solutions.â&#x20AC;?

Fullerton defended the decision-making process to Committee Chair Barry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, a Nationals senator from Queensland, saying a number of â&#x20AC;&#x153;high-level assumptionsâ&#x20AC;? had to be made during the alignment process, because some things cannot be known until detailed surveys take place, later in the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the end of the day, when building a railway, it needs to be flat and straight,â&#x20AC;? Fullerton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[From] the various alignments weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to choose from â&#x20AC;Ś some very high-level assumptions are used, because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only at the concept design stage, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough to form the basis of a decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once that decision is made, you then move to what we call phase 2, which is reference designâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more detailed designâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and that forms part of the environmental approval work that you undertake to make sure that, in building the railway, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to have an adverse impact on the communities, from a hydrology point of view, noise, vibration, property severance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All those types of things would be considered as part of that environmental assessment.â&#x20AC;?

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan asked how the ARTC would respond if, through further design works, the cost of the chosen alignment became prohibitive.

Fullerton replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If that was the scenario, the coordinator-general in Queensland wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t approve the project,â&#x20AC;? but Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan was not satisfied with his answer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr Fullerton, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my question to you,â&#x20AC;? the senator said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are the people who are doing this. If you get to a pointâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;because the alternative answer is no. The alternative answer is: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care what the cost is. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care what the complexities are. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care what the impact on the community is. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going down this alignment whether you like it or not.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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RAIL SUPPLY

RAIL MANUFACTURING CRC ON HUNT

FOR FINAL ROUND OF PROJECTS THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT SPONSORED RAIL MANUFACTURING CRC IS LOOKING TO CREATE MORE PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN RAIL BUSINESSES AND UNIVERSITIES IN ITS FINAL OPEN FUNDING ROUND. RAIL EXPRESS SPOKE WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DR STUART THOMSON ABOUT THE CRC’S MODEL, AND WHAT COULD BE NEXT FOR THE ORGANISATION.

he proposal to form a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Australia’s rail manufacturing sector came from the ‘On Track to 2040’ program.

Subsequently, the Rail Manufacturing CRC was established in 2014 and will operate for a period of six years, funded by the Business Cooperative Research Centres Programme of the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.

Since commencing, the Rail Manufacturing CRC has held two funding rounds, and now embarks on its third and final round, with submissions due early next year.

“Our focus is set by industry,” Dr Thomson told Rail Express ahead of AusRAIL PLUS 2017.

“It’s very industry-led. Part of [On Track to 2040] was developing a 30-year strategy for the rail industry, and three specific research areas were identified, which we’ve committed to as our three key objectives.”

The CRC’s three research program themes are ‘power and propulsion’, ‘materials and manufacturing’, and ‘design, modelling and simulation’. Within each theme there are already several ongoing projects, which each see at least one industry member partnered with a university or research institution.

“When the Centre began, we had an initial number of members who joined the Centre,” Thomson explained. “Our membership ranged from the tier-one manufacturers, right through the SMEs, and now we have operators on board as well … because they are clients for a lot of our work.”

Companies already undertaking CRC-driven projects include Knorr-Bremse, Bombardier, UGL, OneSteel, Downer, CRRC, and Sydney Trains. Academic and research institutions

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include the University of Technology Sydney, the CSIRO, the University of Queensland, the University of Wollongong, CQ University, QUT, Deakin University, Swinburne, Monash University and RMIT. To take part in research, companies are invited to approach the CRC with an idea for new R&D. The CRC will match their funding – with grants worth up to $1 million in this third round of funding – and help partner those companies up with the most suitable universities and researchers.

“We’re set up to provide capacity for business who want to undertake research that, perhaps is either very high risk [technically], or requires extra skillsets, for organisations which typically may not have those people working inhouse.

“Australia has an excellent research history.

It punches well above its weight globally.

I think that’s underutilised at the moment within the rail industry, and our focus is really to ensure that rail makes the most of those skillsets and opportunities.”

The process

The CRC’s third round of funding is open to applications until early March 2018.

“We work with rail businesses to identify innovation opportunities and introduce them to identify the universities they could partner with,” Thomson explained.

“Then we start to engage with the universities to find the right people, and develop a project brief.”

Thomson says the CRC will match any amount of funding, “whether it’s $50,000, or $1 million,” for the right project.

Dr Stuart Thomson. Photo: Rail Manufacturing CRC.

“The money is then used to fund activities and supply equipment for that project,” he explained. “Typically, the money goes to support labour costs within the university undertaking the project.

“Obviously, because it’s taxpayers’ money, there must be a benefit to Australia, so a lot of the support is for either projects that are specific to Australia, or would help the development of intellectual property and technologies that are going to have a distinct benefit to Australia.”

The CRC helps coordinate the intellectual property (IP) and technology ownership agreements between the industry participant and university in each project upfront, and Thomson says these deals are established early in each project’s development.

“Our model is very simple,” he explained.

“We don’t take any ownership of any of the IP. The IP terms and conditions, and the commercialisation rights, will be negotiated between the parties – the university and the industry participant. That’s specified in the agreements, and is all done prior to the project starting.

It’s very much a commercial contract.”

With over a dozen ongoing projects, there is no limit to how many – or how few – the CRC may take on in its third and final funding round.

“There’s no set number,” Thomson said.

“It’s really about the quality of the projects.

Where we feel that it’s answering a need, Photo: Rail Manufacturing CRC.

Applications for Rail Manufacturing CRC’s third funding round close on March 9, 2018.

Visit www.rmcrc.com.au/register-your-project to find out more.

Rail project opportunities include: • Condition monitoring • Internet of things and digital manufacturing • Virtual and augmented reality • Digital design and planning • Lightweight and durable components • Responsive passenger information systems • Improved energy systems • Improved materials and processes • Process improvement and innovation

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RAIL SUPPLY there’s a benefit for Australia, and there’s going to be a benefit to the industry, we will support those projects.”

The CRC has a prescribed lifetime of six years, and has just passed the halfway point. After the final round of projects are selected, they will be expected to commence in April 2018, and run for up to 18 months.

“The success of the [CRC] will really be borne out by the outcomes of the projects, and we have a number of them ongoing,” Thomson said.

“The CRC has two missions: one is to develop projects with industry, and the second is to train the next tier of postgraduate researchers for the rail industry. We currently have over 20 PhD students, and so our current focus is keeping them within the rail industry, making sure they engage with the industry participants we’re dealing with and increase the knowledge within the industry.”

Longer term, the CRC will be seeking to establish a new proposal to take to the Commonwealth and will be seeking continued funding for the rail sector.

AusRAIL key to rail’s future

Thomson, who will chair a portion of AusRAIL PLUS 2017’s rail supply technical stream, says events like AusRAIL are absolutely crucial to the future success of the industry.

“AusRAIL is really an opportunity for us to see the state of play, or the thinking of businesses going forward,” he said. “There tends to be a lot more high-level discussion on strategy, for the future of rail. That helps us shape our programs in terms of our content and our strategy.

“It’s clear that the next ten years is really going to be a golden era for rail. I think events like this become more and more important, given the amount of work that’s on, but also in helping the industry to shape its thoughts and strategies.

“Because we’ve got this period where the [work] pipeline is going to be full for an extended period of time, it creates both challenges and opportunities for the rail sector.

Keeping and retaining qualified staff in the industry is just one example of this.”

RAIL MANUFACTURING CRC’S

CURRENT LIST OF PROJECTS PROGRAM 1: Power and Propulsion

• New lithium-ion batteries with high energy and long service life HEC Group / University of Technology Sydney • Supercapacitor energy management system CRRC / CSIRO • Supercapacitor development and scale up for manufacture CRRC / CSIRO • High energy supercapacitor development CRRC / CSIRO • Supercapacitor energy management system stage 2 – CSIRO / CRRC CRRC / CSIRO

PROGRAM 2: Materials and Manufacturing

• Accelerated life testing and characterisation of critical components Knorr-Bremse / CSIRO • Axle bearing maintenance optimisation Bombardier / University of Queensland • Manufacturing processes for rolling stock fabrication UGL / University of Wollongong • Monitoring and control of false brinelling Bombardier / University of Queensland • Advanced steel development for rail and sleepers OneSteel / Monash University Thomson believes the continued development of Australia’s intellectual property will help it continue to thrive in the rail space.

“Traditional manufacturing is one thing that will benefit over the next few years, but there’s also a period of time we’re reaching, where business can look to diversify what they’re doing to develop niche technologies,” he said.

AUTECH VM8000 RAIL GRINDER

• Performance of recycled rubber inclusions for improved stability of railways Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation / Tyre Stewardship Australia / University of Wollongong • Application of geogrids for minimising track deformation and degradation under high frequency cyclic and heavy haul loading Global Synthetics / Foundation QA / University of Wollongong

PROGRAM 3: Design, Modelling and Simulation

• Integrated passenger behaviour, train operations diagnostics and vehicle condition monitoring system Downer / University of Technology Sydney • Development of a responsive passenger information system for the Sydney Trains network Sydney Trains / University of Technology Sydney • Detection and monitoring on trains – feasibility study Knorr-Bremse / University of Technology Sydney • Experimental and computational study on the key ventilation issues affecting air quality and thermal comfort in train cabins Airlinx, RMIT University

“Through intellectual property – and the protection of that intellectual property – we can create new industries, that will hopefully create new export opportunities. So it’s an exciting time for rail, and AusRAIL helps play a major part in shaping how we’ll go forward  in the future.”

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

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RAIL SUPPLY

LOCAL SUPPLIER ADDS LATEST RANGE

OF HIGH-TONNAGE HYDRAULICS HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER ENERPAC SAYS ITS NEW RANGE OF HIGH-TONNAGE CYLINDERS (HTCS) IS A RESPONSE TO INCREASING DEMAND IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA FOR HEAVIER LIFTS IN HARSHER ENVIRONMENTS.

he new range of HTCs, dubbed ‘Summit Edition’, come in standard capacities, ranging from 50 to 1,000 tonnes.

Enerpac, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wisconsin-based Actuant Corporation, has supplied high-pressure (700 bar) hydraulic equipment in Australia and New Zealand for the last 50 years.

The company’s national sales manager, Darryl Lange, told Rail Express the new HTC range is designed for increased heavy lift capability in demanding industries requiring maximum durability, uptime, cost-efficiency and safety.

Lange said the new HTCs offer improved durability, longer service life, and greater side-load resistance, while advanced bearing and sealing technology extends the boundaries for eccentric loads, while reducing cylinder maintenance intervals.

The cylinders can be used to precisely lift, shift, balance and position objects in tandem, via a PLC-controlled synchronous lifting system.

The HTCs can also be custom-manufactured to capacities of more than 1,000 tonnes.

“The effects of corrosion and scoring are no longer a concern with the Summit ranges because of the cylinders’ black nitrocarburization surface treatment for improved load and wear resistance, plus corrosion protection,” Lange said.

“Safety has long been a major feature of Enerpac cylinder designs, and these cylinders lift our outstanding safety record further to a new level,” he added.

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Safety and durability features of the new cylinders include: • • • • • • •

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Corrosion protection and wear resistance Side load resistance up to 10 per cent Long service life thanks to robust design Mechanical securing of the load Certified lifting eyes for safe handling Overflow port and safety valve Collar thread and base mounting holes for securely attaching the load

“These new cylinders are precision engineered to the high standards,” Lange continued.

“Simultaneously raising the benchmark for cylinder design and engineering, while maintaining outstanding safety features, the Enerpac high tonnage cylinder range defines a new durability standard.”

Lange said the new HTCs’ longer service life, and reduced maintenance requirements, are

further backed up with the supplier’s national service and technical engineering network, “which helps avoid downtime, provides optimum use guidance and on-site safety  training where required”.

Contact: Australia, info@enerpac.com.au; New Zealand, neville@enerpac.co.nz; Papua New Guinea, patrick.molloy@enerpacpng.com.

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

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2018

Canberra

27-28 November

CALL FOR PAPERS

The AusRAIL 2018 Technical Papers Committee invites you to submit a 400-600 word abstract of a proposed paper in your area of expertise related to the railway sector.

The conference theme for 2018 will be announced at AusRAIL PLUS 2017.

All abstracts will be reviewed by the technical committee. Relevance, timeliness, and quality are the key factors in assessing proposed papers.

ABSTRACTS ARE DUE BY 9 MARCH 2018.

By submitting an abstract you are agreeing to comply with the conditions of the papers process and understand that if you miss key deadlines your paper will be removed from the program.

ABSTRACTS CAN BE SUBMITTED:

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Online at www.ausrail.com/abstracts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By email at ausrail@informa.com.au

www.ausrail.com

RAIL SUPPLY

ADVANCED MATERIAL COULD BE

NEXT BIG THING IN RAIL JOINING A NSW-BASED SUPPLIER IS OFFERING A DURABLE PLASTIC COMPOSITE FOR RAILWAY APPLICATIONS THAT IT SAYS WEIGHS HAS UP TO 10 TIMES THE SPECIFIC STRENGTH OF 1020 STEEL, DESPITE WEIGHING LESS THAN ALUMINIUM.

at Flood, NSW manager of Yennorabased Cut To Size Plastics, told Rail Express the company’s Wearply material can withstand millions of stress cycles at 1400 bar (20,000 psi) without fatigue failure, making it ideal for demanding rail applications.

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“This advanced engineering material is winning the attention of machinery designers globally for its superior performance in a huge range of applications, from rail, materials handling and associated electrical plant through to vibratory machinery in minerals

Wearply from Cut To Size Plastics is used for applications ranging from insulated rail joints, (top of page), through to vibratory conveyor leaf springs used in processing and loading equipment as well as electrical motor, generator and transformer components. Graphics: Cut To Size.

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

and primary production processing and loading applications,” Flood said.

Wearply’s strength and durability comes from epoxy resins reinforced with continuously aligned, non-woven filaments, allowing plies to be laid so reinforcement is oriented to give greater strength and stiffness in the direction, or directions, in which it is most needed.

“The same qualities that make it suitable for advanced aerospace and medical applications – such as helicopter blades and MRI equipment – mean it can be employed with confidence in rail,” Flood continued, “where reliability is vital.”

Along with its impressive strength-to-weight performance, Weaply is chemical and corrosion resistant, and offers improved electrical resistance, making it a good electrical insulator in areas such as rail jointing.

Cut To Size says the material also offers damped vibration, noise and shock qualities, has high impact strength and low notch sensitivity, and has a long service life, a high temperature stability, and a high elastic storing capacity.

The supplier, which sources its materials from Europe and Australia, has been supplying engineering plastics for over three decades.

A comprehensive CNC machining facility at Yennora means the company can cut, rout, bend or machine a wide array of materials to client specifications.  Contact: pat@cuttosize.com.au

www.railexpress.com.au

PRESENTING THE 18TH ANNUAL

RAIL INDUSTRY SAFETY AND STANDARDS BOARD

RISSB Rail Safety Conference 2018 May 2018

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Sydney

REGISTER NOW www.informa.com.au/railsafety18

PASSENGER RAIL An Alstom train on the Metro Trains Melbourne network. Image: Rail Gallery

Photo: Alstom

ALSTOM, SIEMENS MERGER TO TAKE ON CRRC TWO OF THE BIGGEST COMPANIES IN THE GLOBAL RAIL MARKETPLACE WILL MERGE, AFTER SIEMENS MOBILITY AND ALSTOM SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN LATE SEPTEMBER. nder the memorandum Alstom, a major provider of rolling stock to passenger and light rail networks in Australia and New Zealand, will merge with Siemens’ mobility business at the end of 2018.

The move comes two years after Alstom sold its energy business to General Electric for €12.4 billion.

The 2015 GE sale followed an extended period of talks between Alstom, GE, and Siemens as an alternate bidder. Both Siemens and GE were rumoured to be interested not only in Alstom’s energy business, but also its transport business.

Siemens and Alstom said their new deal will create a new “European champion in mobility”.

Listed in France, and headquartered in the Paris area, the company – to be known as Siemens Alstom – will be led by Alstom chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge, and will be 50% owned by Siemens.

“Today is a key moment in Alstom’s history, confirming its position as the platform for the rail sector consolidation,” Poupart-Lafarge said when the deal was announced. “Mobility is at the heart of today’s world challenges. Future modes of transportation are bound to be clean and competitive.

“Thanks to its global reach across all continents, its scale, its technological know-how and its unique positioning on digital transportation, the combination of Alstom and Siemens Mobility will bring to its customers and ultimately to all citizens smarter and more efficient systems to meet mobility challenges of cities and countries.”

The new company will enjoy an order backlog currently in the range of €61.2 billion, expected revenue of €15.3 billion, and an adjusted EBIT of €1.2 billion.

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Siemens and Alstom view their businesses as “largely complementary”.

“The combined entity will offer a significantly increased range of diversified product and solution offerings to meet multi-facetted, customer-specific needs, from cost-efficient massmarket platforms to high-end technologies,” the companies said in a joint statement.

Siemens president Joe Kaeser said the deal “put the European idea to work”.

“This Franco-German merger of equals sends a strong signal in many ways,” Kaeser said. “Together with our friends at Alstom, we are creating a new European champion in the rail industry for the long term.

“This will give our customers around the world a more innovative and more competitive portfolio.”

The deal was seen by many as a move to take on the massive, Chinese state-owned rail manufacturer CRRC, and Kaeser all but confirmed this theory.

Sabrina Soussan

Michael Peter

“The global market-place has changed significantly over the last few years,” he said.

“A dominant player in Asia has changed global market dynamics and digitalization will impact the future of mobility. Together, we can offer more choices and will be driving this transformation for our customers, employees and shareholders in a reasonable and sustainable way.”

Siemens announced its existing head of Siemens Mobility, Jochen Eickholt, would serve as integration manager for the merger process, while Sabrina Soussan and Michael Peter would succeed Eickholt in his operational capacity at the mobility business.

Soussan will be in charge of the high-speed trains, commuter and regional trains, locomotives, metro systems and light rail businesses.

Peter will be in charge of the rail automation, traffic management, turnkey solutions and  rail electrification businesses.

Jochen Eickholt

All photos: Siemens www.railexpress.com.au

PASSENGER RAIL Photo: Victorian Government

HCMT MOCK-UPS IN MELBOURNE LIFE-SIZE MOCK-UPS OF MELBOURNE’S NEW HIGH CAPACITY METRO TRAINS (HCMT) HAVE BEEN UNVEILED BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT, PROVIDING A LOOK AT THE ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES OF THE NEW FLEET.

ixty-five of the seven-carriage highcapacity trains are to be manufactured in Victoria, commencing in early 2018.

The first trains are expected to be delivered for testing by November 2018.

The trains are intended to provide a quieter, more comfortable, more accessible journey for passengers, and will have the ability to carry 20% more passengers, compared to existing rollingstock.

“We’re building these trains right here in Victoria and equipping them with the latest technology to build a turn up and go system,” state public transport minister Jacinta Allan said.

“Advocacy groups are continuing to help refine the design of Melbourne’s new bigger,

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better trains to give all passengers smoother and more comfortable journeys.”

“We’re working collaboratively to improve the lives of the people we support. We have been impressed with the level of consultation and genuine commitment to accessibility in the train design engagement program for Melbourne’s new trains,” Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive Karen Hayes said.

“Public transport is critical in supporting members of our community with low vision or blindness to get to where they need to go independently, so we’re very excited to see how the new trains will positively affect our clients.”

The accessibility features of the trains will also be evaluated over the coming month

by Vision Australia, Spina Bifida Foundation Victoria, Scope, VicDeaf and the Public Transport Access Committee.

So far, feedback provided by passengers, accessibility and transport user groups has been incorporated into various design features of the new trains, including the doors, seats, lighting, electronic signage, straps, and handrails. For instance, the colour of the handrails has been altered, while additional hand holds and more signage have been placed on the outside of the train design. 

The global leader in digital rail solutions Driving the digital revolution for a smarter rail system.

siemens.com.au/mobility

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3:00 PM

LIGHT RAIL An artist’s impression of the project in action along George Street, at Town Hall.

NEWS All images: Transport for NSW

he announcement came in late October, after a report in The Sydney Morning Herald featured complaints from George Street shop-owners concerned about yet another Christmas plagued by light rail construction interference.

In an effort to ease the minds of some retailers, the Government said all fencing and barriers (apart from those around the light rail stop outside the QVB) will be removed by December 3, from the two major completed work zones between King and Park Streets.

“This year, George Street will get a festive makeover inspired by London’s Oxford Street as we move out of sections of George Street where major civil construction for the light rail is complete, ahead of the busy Christmas retail period,” coordinator general Marg Prendergast said.

Over 2 kilometres of track is now in place in the CBD, with most of the track and track slab in place on George Street between Park and Market Streets, and between Market and King Streets. The ground-level power supply for catenary-free vehicle movement is also close to completion.

2,000 square metres of paving is now in place on George Street between Grosvenor and Alfred Streets and between King and Park Streets. Pavers form the start of the 26,000 square metres will be laid in the city centre, stretching from Circular Quay through the pedestrianised area to Town Hall.

Some finishing work, such as paving, intersections, smart poles and systems work are to continue in the new year along with the construction of the QVB light rail stop.

Prendergast said the opening of the section of George Street would allow people to get a first look at the future pedestrian boulevard along the stretch.

“Off the back of positive feedback from retailers about our Christmas activation program last year, we’re looking forward to this year’s program which will see a series of gigantic Christmas wreaths with more than 5000 sparkly, glowing lights suspended above George Street,” she said.

Work at other zones in Surrey Hills at Devonshire Street, between Chalmers and Elizabeth Streets near Central, is also expected to be very close to completion by the end of the year, with fencing and barriers to come down in late December, in time for the new year’s busy retail period.

When completed, the CBD and South East Light Rail project will run from the northern tip of the CBD – Circular Quay – to Randwick and Kingsford to the city’s south-east.

The 12-kilometre, 19-stop route will run down George Street via Wynyard, Town Hall and Central train stations, then beyond to the Moore Park sports precinct, and down Anzac Parade to Randwick Racecourse, UNSW and hospitals at Randwick.

As of September, over 3.6 kilometres of track had been installed at Anzac Parade in Kensington and Kingsford, with work set to shift towards kerbside works, including

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SYDNEY’S GEORGE STREET TO BE OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS MAJOR LIGHT RAIL CONSTRUCTION WORK ON GEORGE STREET FOR SYDNEY’S LIGHT RAIL LINE WILL BE COMPLETE BY EARLY DECEMBER, THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS SAID.

(above) Track being installed at High Street, Randwick. (below) Work underway at Wansey Road, Randwick.

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LIGHT RAIL

NEWS

TRACKS LAID FOR CANBERRA LIGHT RAIL THE FIRST TRACKS WERE LAID ON STAGE 1 OF CANBERRA’S LIGHT RAIL NETWORK IN OCTOBER, MARKING A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL.

hen completed, the light rail network’s first stage will connect Gungahlin to the City via Dickson, with 13 stops along a 12-kilometre route that includes a terminus at each end.

The ACT Government hopes to create an integrated public transport system, where the light rail links seamlessly with the city’s bus services, helping to manage the growth of Canberra’s burgeoning suburbs and reduce road congestion.

With the laying of the first tracks, ACT transport and city services minister Meegan Fitzharris said the project was making good progress towards the opening of passenger services in 2018.

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“Laying the first tracks is a very significant moment in any rail project,” Fitzharris said.

“Light Rail in Canberra offers an exciting opportunity to transform our city. It will deliver a truly integrated transport network that provides convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable options for Canberrans and visitors to move around the city.”

The first stage is being delivered through a public private partnership (PPP) between the ACT government and the Canberra Metro consortium, which is to last for approximately 23 years and involves the construction and operation of the line.

The Canberra Metro consortium includes CPB Contractors and John Holland performing

design and construction, and has equity funding from Pacific Partnerships, John Holland, Mitsubishi Corporation and Aberdeen Asset Management.

CAF will supply and maintain the light rail vehicles, and Pacific Partnerships, John Holland, and DB Engineering & Consulting (formerly Deutsche Bahn International) will deliver ongoing operations and maintenance.

The design of Stage 2 of the network, linking the City to Woden, was opened up to community feedback earlier in the year, and the government has now received almost 5000 responses on proposed route options, selection of alignment and stop locations.

This feedback will contribute to the development of the business plan for Stage 2 that will be considered by the ACT Government.

The business case will consider the precise route, the procurement approach, detailed costs estimates, benefits, economic analysis  and other matters. (top of page) The first stage of Canberra’s new light rail project will have 13 stops along a 12-kilometre route, and will connect Gungahlin to the City via Dickson. (left) CAF is providing vehicles for the new network.

Graphics: Canberra Metro

t FROM PAGE 64 – SYDNEY’S GEORGE STREET ...

undergrounding of the electrical and communications networks to enable the replacement of the old telegraph poles with new poles that will support the overhead wiring for the light rail vehicles and the street lights along Anzac Parade.

A new public art installation is being installed in this section of the light rail, and include sculptures, street art, outdoor furniture and landscape designs.

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At Moore Park, construction crews moved to the eastern tunnel portal located near Tramway Oval, while track installation started near Lang Road and was completed on Anzac Parade near Robertson Road.

Between Lang Road and Wansey Road, after the installation of overhead wires in Zones 22 and 24, light rail systems and vehicles will begin to be tested in the coming months.

In Surry Hills, construction has now laid the

foundations for the light rail stop at Ward Park, while utility works continue along Devonshire Street, between Crown and Bourke Streets and Elizabeth and Crown Streets.

Installation of the new roadway began in Devonshire Street began in October, between Chalmers Street and Elizabeth Street alongside the completed track, and will be followed by footpath and kerb finishing work on either side  of Devonshire Street. www.railexpress.com.au

NEWS

STAGE 2 OUTLINED FOR PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL

LIGHT RAIL

BEFORE CONSTRUCTION HAS EVEN BEGUN ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL PROJECT, THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY MOVED ON TO PLANNING STAGE 2, WHICH WILL TAKE THE NETWORK TO THE SPORTS PRECINCT AND HEAVY RAIL INTERCHANGE AT OLYMPIC PARK.

he second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project will extend services to Sydney Olympic Park, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian announced in October.

As development continues towards Stage 1 of the project, the premier said planning for Stage 2 is now formally underway, and is expected to be completed throughout 2018.

The current preferred route for Stage 2 is a 9-kilometre addition to Stage 1, north of the Parramatta River through Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and on to Sydney Olympic Park.

“I am pleased to announce Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is another step closer to connecting Greater Parramatta to the booming sport, entertainment and employment hub at Sydney Olympic Park,” Berejiklian said.

“The exciting plan supports new communities and the creation of public places between Camellia and Ermington and future development planned for Melrose Park.

Transport and infrastructure minister Andrew Constance said the NSW Government has started work on a business case for the preferred route north of Parramatta River which is considered the best option to achieve a fully integrated transport and land use plan for the precincts.

“We are going to finalise a business case for this project by the end of 2018 and are working with communities to ensure we can maximise the potential for this option,” Constance said.

“We know it will provide a direct, frequent and reliable public transport connection for these areas and connects the new Western Sydney University campus at Sydney Olympic Park with its three campuses serviced by Stage 1.

“Light rail will also realise Sydney Olympic Park’s potential as Sydney’s premier destination for cultural, entertainment, recreation and sporting events, as well as linking businesses and residents in surrounding areas,” he added.

An investment decision on Stage 2 of the project would follow a final business case.

Meanwhile, expressions of interest continued to be sought late in 2017 to design and construct, supply, operate and maintain the network. Construction on Stage 1 will start in 2018, pending planning approval, and the network will begin operating in 2023, the  State Government says.

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(above) Stage one of the Parramatta Light Rail project connects Carlingford to Westmead via the Parramatta CBD. Stage two would branch east, off the original line, north of the Parramatta River, before crossing over again to finish its journey at Olympic Park. (below) The tender process is currently underway for stage one of the project.

(left) The preferred route for stage one of Parramatta Light Rail includes 16 stops, and a stabling and maintenance yard in Camellia.

All graphics: Transport for NSW

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

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PASSENGER RAIL Image: Siemens

WELCOME TO RAIL’S DIGITAL REVOLUTION

IN SEPTEMBER 2017, SIEMENS HOSTED ITS SECOND AUSTRALIAN DIGITALIZATION FORUM EXPLORING HOW DIGITALIZATION IS REVOLUTIONISING THE WORKFORCE, INDUSTRY AND THE ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS. THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ON RAIL.

opulation growth and urbanisation are creating challenges for cities worldwide. Australia is particularly affected, with approximately 90% of Australians predicted to be living in urban areas by 2030, significantly greater than most other countries. As a result, our cities need to not only be sustainable but resilient and smart as well.

One of the key challenges for our growing cities is transportation. Rail offers an effective way of meeting the increasing demand on transportation networks as it provides a high volume, cost-effective means of moving passengers and freight. As a result, we are s eeing demand on rail traffic dramatically increase. But the existing infrastructure that we have in Australia is buckling at the seams.

How can we take advantage of digitalization in order to make use of the capacity of our existing rail infrastructure?

The conventional rail systems we have today that manage our rail networks are based on established but ageing technologies and principles of operation. Digital technologies offer an opportunity for us to have a paradigm shift in the way that we manage our rail networks and our rail infrastructure.

Two key technology trends in rail today are digital train control and digital asset management.

P

“

THE CONVENTIONAL RAIL SYSTEMS WE HAVE TODAY ...

ARE BASED ON ESTABLISHED BUT AGEING TECHNOLOGIES ...

”

Brenton Atchison speaking at the Digitalize 2017 event in Sydney in August.

Photo: Siemens

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Digital Train Control

Digital train control uses communications and software technologies to optimise train movement and increase the capacity of our networks.

The core of digital train control is intelligent equipment on board every train directly connected through digital communications

to the control centre. Instead of relying on traditional lineside signals, we can now directly communicate electronic movement requests from the control centre to the train. This provides a finer granularity of control, enabling trains to be spaced closer together.

By coupling knowledge of their safe movement limits with measurement of location and speed, trains are now able to provide protection for their own movement because they know when they’re travelling too fast or potentially when they’re not moving past an area of safe operation. In fact, by communicating train schedule to onboard equipment, it is possible to automate train movement to regulate performance and optimise energy use.

Supporting higher capacity rail networks requires more sophisticated network planning and management tools. Modern systems are moving away from the manual, locally focused mode of operation to what we call integrated traffic management systems which allow us to connect train movements with other transport infrastructure such as the road network or the bus network, and planning overall traffic movements in order to accommodate a city’s needs.

The traffic management systems are becoming increasingly automated, allowing controllers to focus on optimising traffic flow than controlling individual train movements.

Adding intelligence into these traffic management systems enables them to help controllers respond to changes in demand throughout the network, and cope with any events or disruptions.

Digital train control has been in use for some time but availability of modern technologies are seeing the deployment accelerate to unlock capacity and improve safety of networks around the world. For example, in 2018, Siemens will introduce a train control system as part of the Thameslink programme to expand rail services to 24 trains per hour through the heart of London.

CONTINUES PAGE 70 u

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Supporting Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Growing Rail Network TRAINING

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683 %&2

PASSENGER RAIL t FROM PAGE 68 – WELCOME TO RAIL’S DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Australia is at the forefront of this technology. In the Pilbara we have seen major mining companies adopt this technology in recent years to fully automate their train operations, while cities such as Adelaide and Auckland have introduced these kinds of technologies as safety systems as part of rail electrification programs. Major rail upgrades are being planned for Australian cities which will transform their operation.

Digital Asset Management

A second key technology trend we are seeing is how digitalization is revolutionising the rail asset management and maintenance industry.

These technologies replace manual inspections and scheduled maintenance with self-monitoring technology and sophisticated monitoring and diagnostic systems. The result is less unplanned outages, higher efficiency and reduced operating costs.

For example, Siemens recently acquired a Perth-based business, MRX Technologies, which specialises in digitalization for train maintenance for clients around the world.

The systems use highly accurate laser-based measurement-based systems to scan approximately 120 million measurement points per train. The data is analysed in two or three minutes to generate a digital twin of

the train; a virtual representation of the train which can be analysed and inspected.

The technologies can identify anomalies and trends by comparison of data between measurements and support the efficiency of maintenance work in the depot. Using the virtual twin, technicians can also inspect the train whilst it is still in service.

In practical terms this has enabled one MRX Technologies customer to double the life of the brake pads. With 4,000 brake pads to change, the cost savings were considerable.

MRX data collection and analyzation tools will soon be integrated into Siemens Railigent® platform which hosts Smart Monitoring, Smart Data Analysis and Smart Prediction tools that support centralised rail asset management.

Automatic data visualization offers full transparency and fast troubleshooting in order to gain an overview of events affecting both vehicles and the line. Dashboards show the fleet status and relevant environmental data give system information on different levels.

This enables a quick analysis of the current status of the system. Railways can, for example, track the health status, mode of operation and the location of their vehicles during operation.

Smart Data Analysis takes this a step further and analyses failures and precisely determines their root causes within the rail system for a

2018

remote diagnosis, based on Siemens domain expertise.

Advanced prediction algorithms using artificial intelligence techniques such as machine-learning can prevent faults by proactively initiating actions before any errors occur or before they have any influence on the running system.

The prediction of component failures for gearboxes, bearings, traction motors, doors, power transformers are only a few examples for application areas in rolling stock available with Railigent®.

Digitalization is changing everything.

Ultimately it will help the industry achieve its goal of moving more people, safely, with higher efficiency, and at a reduced cost. 

By Dr Brenton Atchison and Dr Kevin Winchester Brenton Atchison is an engineer with Siemens Mobility and has 25 years’ experience in the transportation, defence and utilities sectors.

Kevin Winchester is the engineering development manager at MRX Technologies, a Siemens business, and has 12 years’ experience in the rail industry developing smart monitoring systems.

Canberra

27-28 November

AUSTRALASIA’S LARGEST RAIL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION COMES TO CANBERRA IN 2018

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Light Rail 2018

È&#x201A; 0DUFK _ 6RÈ´WHO :HQWZRUWK 6\GQH\

Photo courtesy of Transport for NSW

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GOLD SPONSOR

LANYARD SPONSOR

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FUNDING & FINANCING

POLITICS MUDDIES WATERS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTORS AUSTRALIA’S PEAK INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING BODY SAYS INVESTORS HAVE GROWN WARY OF POLITICAL INTERVENTIONS IN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, AND ARE CITING THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF THE SECTOR AS A DRIVER OF REDUCED CONFIDENCE ACROSS THE BOARD. ustralian passenger and freight rail projects have become less attractive to major investors over the last 12 months, while renewable energy and telecommunications have become more appealing, according to new research from Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.

IPA’s 2017 Australian Infrastructure Investment Report, conducted in partnership with Perpetual, suggests just 38% of investors now see passenger rail as a preferred asset type, while just 35% see freight rail as a preferred option. Those figures are both down from a year ago, when they were 55% and 45%, respectively.

Rail is not alone in this downward trend, however.

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Just 62% of investors now see roads as a preferred asset, down from 73% two years ago. Water infrastructure’s rating has dropped from 64% in 2015 to 54% in 2017. Social infrastructure has dropped from 55% to 42%. And preference for port and maritime assets have dropped to just 42%, from 50% a year ago.

IPA chief executive Brendan Lyon says investors are becoming more wary across the board, as rapid and unpredictable political interventions continue to spook the market.

“Political interventions on projects and unpredictable rule changes see Australia now receiving the type of investor commentary that’s more usually associated with emerging economies,” Lyon said.

INVESTORS’ PREFERRED ASSET TYPES

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS’ GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

Last three years

By type

Image: Rail Gallery

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FUNDING & FINANCING IPA’s report surveyed 26 domestic and global investors including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, fund managers, developers, banks and insurance companies who collectively own or manage more than $220 billion in infrastructure assets around the world.

While 70% of those surveyed said they remain ‘highly likely’ to invest in Australia, 66% said they were ‘not optimistic’ about the Federal Government’s infrastructure policies. 62% cited ‘political risk’ as a major concern.

“This shows an urgent need for the Federal Government and Opposition to stop the political games,” Lyon said.

“Australia remains one of the world’s most attractive and sophisticated infrastructure markets. But like any industry, that hard-won reputation will erode if we don’t continue to improve what we do, why we do it, and how we do it.”

62% of investors cited political risk among the most significant challenges to investing in Australian infrastructure, up from 35% om 2016, but down from 68% in 2015.

54% cited the prohibitive cost of bidding for projects as a major challenge, up from 35% a year ago, and 45% in 2015.

And 42% said one of the biggest challenges to investing was actually getting value out of an asset, up from 30% a year ago, and 32% in the year prior to that.

“Infrastructure investors continue to scan the globe for relative value,” Lyon added. “With less investment opportunities emerging and tighter pricing, Australia cannot afford to rest on its laurels as an infrastructure investment destination.”

Interestingly, the figures do show an improved preference for greenfield projects over brownfield. 35% of surveyed investors said they preferred greenfield projects, while just 17% said they were after brownfield investments, with the remaining 48% saying they had no preference.

The share of infrastructure investors preferring brownfield projects has declined steadily in recent years. 30% said they preferred brownfield work in 2015. This dropped to 28% in 2016, and is now down to just 17%.

And despite the negativity in other sectors, not all asset types are on a downward trend.

54% of investors expressed preference for renewable energy generation assets, up from just 36% two years ago. 50% favoured tunnels, up from 45%. Preference for bridges, telecommunications and  non-renewable energy assets has also risen.

LIKELIHOOD TO INVEST IN AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Last three years

All graphs – Source: Infrastructure Partnerships Australia

MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES TO INVESTING IN AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

WHAT MAKES AUSTRALIA ATTRACTIVE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT?

Last three years

Last three years

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

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ENGINEERING Meridian’s weighing and loading solution supplied to the Wedron Silica unit of Fairmount Santrol in the US. (see also top of next page)

NEW WEIGHING PRODUCT, INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION HIGHLIGHTS FOR MERIDIAN TRAIN WEIGHING AND LOADING SPECIALIST MERIDIAN ENGINEERS HAS HAD A BUSY YEAR WITH THE RELEASE OF NEW PRODUCTS AND A SUCCESSFUL PUSH INTO OVERSEAS MARKETS. MERIDIAN MANAGING DIRECTOR DR ANTHONY PRUITI SPELLED OUT DEVELOPMENTS TO RAIL EXPRESS AFFILIATE AUSTRALIAN BULK HANDLING REVIEW.

ccording to Dr Pruiti, a highlight of the past 12 months was the release of Meridian’s new flagship product for low speed in-motion train weighing applications, the ME-Trackweigh-2D-FR. “This fully redundant system sets a new standard in accuracy and reliability for in-motion weighing systems,” he explained.

“With two of these new systems installed this year, our clients are delighted with its exceptional accuracy and redundancy capabilities. More are scheduled to be installed across the Pilbara over the coming year.”

Pruiti listed some other highlights of the year.

A

• The company’s ME-Trackweigh systems now offer SQL cloud-based database management solutions for both performance and diagnostic monitoring. They also offer full HTML web-based user interface solutions.

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• In the train loading control space, Meridian continued improvements to its long-standing mass loading control system with the release of a new ‘hybrid’ loading technology.

• Meridian’s ‘bolt on’ transducers have now achieved IP68 certification and ATEX and IECEx approvals for use in hazardous environment conditions. Other improvements to the transducer included the introduction of 5mm thick cast stainless steel casings for greater mechanical protection.

• Meridian continued to expand globally and focused on the North American market where it sees great potential for its products. Meridian recently exhibited at the Railway Interchange Exhibition in Indianapolis and also at Trako in Poland, where there was considerable interest in its ‘bolt-on’ weighing technology. Earlier in the year Meridian supplied and commissioned its first three ME-Trackweigh-2D systems for the US market.

ME-Trackweigh-2D-FR

The ME-Trackweigh-2D-FR design philosophy means that the system will continue to function, without loss of accuracy, should any component fail during the weighing process.

To achieve the ‘fully redundant’ (FR) rating, the ME-Trackweigh system is supplied with duplicate weighing controllers and a total of four weighing points on the rail. Using redundancy principles comparable to those used in the aviation industry, the 2D-FR design duplicates every critical device, including weighing controllers, to create a product that would continue to function as a highly accurate weigher despite any single component failure.

“With the never-ending push to increase train loads in the Pilbara, it has never been more important to verify that ore cars are not overloaded, since the consequences of overloaded wagons travelling on the rail network can be catastrophic,” explained Pruiti.

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ENGINEERING “Train derailments or even bridge collapses could occur, cutting production for extended periods. The 2D-FR was designed for mission critical applications, where clients cannot afford failure of their weighing systems i.e. a complete and accurate train weight report must be in hand before the train can be permitted to depart the loading site.”

The 2D-FR systems supplied earlier this year

by Meridian set new benchmarks on accuracy capabilities, with individual wagons being weighed to a repeatability of less than 0.2% and total train weight errors to less than 0.1%.

To achieve these accuracies over the long term, particular focus was also given to providing a solid track slab foundation for the rail weighing systems. In the Pilbara where trains are loaded at mine sites virtually non-stop 24/7, the only way to install a track slab suitable for precision in-motion weighing was utilising precast slabs. Using this approach, the Meridian 2D-FR systems were able to be installed, complete with 30 metres of track slab, during customers’ normal scheduled maintenance shutdown of only 108 hours.

Hybrid TLMCS

The development of Meridian Train Loading Mass Control System (TLMCS) has continued with the introduction of the hybrid and volumetric loading modes. The hybrid loading

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mode combines the benefits of both: mass loading control (wagons loaded based on a mass target) and volumetric feedback (wagon loaded based on a volumetric target).

Meridian identified that since a product material changes density, different loading modes are required. Meridian’s new hybrid loading control system determines both

volumetric and mass loading information concurrently. The loading chute can therefore be closed on either volumetric or mass based criteria. Mass criteria helps load a wagon to the correct total weight, whereas volumetric criteria help balance the load between the front and rear of the wagons more effectively.

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ENGINEERING t FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

The combined functionality of mass and volume has the advantage of providing the benefits of both methods, and compensating for their limitations.

“The Hybrid TLMCS helps our client load their trains to the correct target weights and thus avoid costly over or underloading of their train,” said Pruiti.

Cast stainless steel transducer performance

Meridian released the version 10, cast stainless steel transducer over a year ago. The new design incorporates a high-pressure O-ring sealed cover plate, that along with new potting technology, can withstand harsh environments in the mining and rail industries. The transducers have achieved IP68, ATEX and IECEx certifications.

The version 10 transducers have been deployed across the iron ore and coal fields of Australia. The transducers have proven themselves over large temperature differentials (-40degC to +80degC rail temperatures) and across continents.

Cloud based SQL database management

As part of an on-going commitment to customer support, Meridian has developed a sophisticated database management system. Due to the vast quantities of weight, performance and diagnostic data generated by an ME-Trackweigh system, a new approach has been developed to efficiently manage this data.

The development of an SQL database management system started at the weighbridges themselves, with the standardisation of the raw data output produced by each of Meridian’s systems. The technical data management streaming or TDMS file is now generated by ME-Trackweigh systems with every critical data element from the weighbridge being logged and reported on a train by train basis.

TDMS files can now be transferred (with client approval) via secure file transfer protocol into Meridian’s SQL cloud database. Once the TDMS file is ingested into the database, a variety of pre-emptive services are then offered to users including near real time critical incident alerts and automated system reporting on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule.

Imges this page: Overhead and close-up view of the new ME-Trackweigh-2D-FR.

our presence in this market. Great feedback from our clients in the USA, and interest in our weighing technology from the global rail industry, gives us great confidence to expand our horizons.”

US customer Fairmount Santrol, which provides sand-related products to the US energy sector, commented on its experience.

The company’s Kevin Traun, of its Wedron Silica unit, said “The units are performing at or above promised accuracies. They are not fully utilized in our processes to date, but will be in the near future. Currently after each string of cars passes over a scale, an XML report is sent to an FTP site and imported into a database that will soon be tied into our load out systems

to provide near real time feedback to our loaders on accuracy of existing load out measurement systems. The support from Meridian during installation was above average. We are happy with the quality of materials/components provided by Meridian.

The physical installation process was smooth  and timing was as initially planned.”

Contact: Dr Anthony Pruiti, email – Anthony.Pruiti@meridianengineers.com.au; www.meridianengineers.com.au This article originally appeared in Rail Express affiliate Australian Bulk Handling Review. Visit www.bulkhandlingreview.com for more content.

International markets

As this article went to print, Meridian was participating in two international rail-focused conventions: Railway Interchange 2017 at Indianapolis in the US and TRAKO 2017 at Gdansk in Poland.

The rail convention in Indiana gave Meridian a good opportunity to reinforce local partnerships it had already made. Pruiti said “As Meridian has sold units into the USA over the last year, it was important to reinforce

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BEARINGS

AUTOMATED POLISHER BOOSTS BEARING TURNAROUND, QUALITY AN AUSTRALIAN-DESIGNED-AND-BUILT MACHINE IS HELPING A LOCAL BEARINGS BUSINESS DELIVER IMPROVED JOB TIMES, WHILE OPTIMISING OUTPUT QUALITY AND SERVICE LIFE, THE COMPANY HAS TOLD RAIL EXPRESS.

Railway and reconditioning manager, Enzo Cavalli, spoke about the Australian-made machine from the BES’s dedicated centre for reconditioning in Auburn, Sydney.

“The turnover time savings are invaluable and the quality boost is also a major benefit for customers wanting to get the longest life and greatest reliability out of their rolling stock,” Cavalli said ahead of AusRAIL. Cavalli said the new machine offers improved services for light and heavy passenger rail operators, as well as freight and heavy haul operators, across Australia and New Zealand. It also allows BES staff to spend more time focusing on other critical areas of the bearing reconditioning process, generating further returns for clients.

Additional benefits of the machine’s automated process, according to Cavalli, include:

earing Engineering Systems, a division of industrial supplier Schaeffler, is showing off the capabilities of its automated journal bearing machine at AusRAIL PLUS 2017 in Brisbane.

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BES says the machine is benefitting its rail customers through automated processes, which it says help deliver superior raceway finishes and extended service life in railway journal bearings.

• superior raceway finish as compared to traditional manual polishing methods, • improved quality control through greater accuracy and consistency, • improved service life, reducing bearing life cycle costs, • improved WHS+E outcomes to staff, with reduced manual handling and reduced intensive repetitive manual operations, and • better environmental outcomes, with improved dust and contamination controls and collection.

BES exhibits at AusRAIL 2017 alongside Schaeffler Australia. Globally, the Schaeffler Group boasts around 86,000 employees, and generated sales of roughly €13.3 billion in 2016.

The companies can be seen at Stand 429, and will promote three of their key technologies, relevant to rail, transport, mining and other resources and bulk handling industries that depend on rail. Products include Schaeffler’s high capacity TAROL (class K) tapered roller bearings, bearing reconditioning services and hybrid and insulated bearings.  Contact: Enzo.Cavalli@schaeffler.com

(top) BES ‘automated bearing polisher (left) Schaeffler Australia Manager, BES Railway and reconditioning, Mr Enzo Cavalli, left, and Schaeffler Australia’s Mr John Tawadros with BES’ new automated journal bearing polishing machine.

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

77

SUGAR Image: iStock – Jaykayl

SUGAR FIGURES REMAIN SOUR FOR CANE GROWERS RETURNS TO AUSTRALIAN CANE GROWERS ARE FORECAST TO AVERAGE 8% LESS IN THE 2017/18 SEASON, AS A RESULT OF A SIGNIFICANT OVERSUPPLY IN THE GLOBAL SUGAR MARKET, THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ESTIMATES.

ata from the Department estimates Australian growers will see around $44 a tonne for their crushed cane in 2017/18, down from $48 a tonne in the prior season.

The soft figures follow earlier forecasts from the Government, suggesting the global price of sugar will drop to historic lows in the next

D

12 months. “The world indicator price for raw sugar … is forecast to fall by 24% in 2017/18 to average US13 cents a pound,” the Department said in a September update.

In Australia, dry seasonal conditions in southern Queensland, and damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Debbie, will cut production, but this is forecast to be balanced out by a 5%

AUSTRALIAN SUGAR PRODUCTION, EXPORTS AND RETURNS

2009/10 to 2017/18

Source: ABARES

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

rise in commercial cane sugar content, leaving overall sugar production largely unchanged at around 4.8 million tonnes.

While this will translate to a largely unchanged export figure of 4.1 million tonnes, the global price drop will mean sugar exports will be worth just $2 billion, down 12%, in the 2017/18 season, the report stated.

The price dip is set to be driven by record production in several of the largest producers of sugar around the world.

“Most forecast production growth is expected to occur in Asia and Europe,” the report said. “Global supply is expected to grow faster than demand during 2017/18, leading to this significant fall in price.”

Overall, world sugar production is forecast to rise 7% in 2017/18, to 190 million tonnes, slightly higher than the Government’s earlier forecast. “Production is forecast to increase in Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Thailand and other smaller producing countries,” the report stated.

Sugar production is forecast to increase in Brazil – the world’s largest producer – by 1%, to 40 million tonnes.

“This is in response to relatively high sugar prices compared with ethanol and despite a forecast 3% decline in cane production.

Around 47% of cane crush is expected to be allocated to sugar production in 2017/18, up from 46% in 2016/17.”

Production is expected to rise 15% in China to 12 million tonnes, and by 18% in Thailand, to 12 million tonnes, due to higher relative returns, increased yields and a return to average monsoon rains during the 2016 planting season.

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SUGAR

WORLD SUGAR PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION, STOCKS AND PRICE

2009/10 to 2017/18

LOCAL GROWER IMPROVES RAIL SAFETY A KEY QUEENSLAND MILLER HAS DISCUSSED MAJOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IN ITS CANE RAIL OPERATIONS, WITH LONG-TERM TRENDS SHOWING CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS IN SEVERAL KEY CATEGORIES.

ackay Sugar, which operates four mills in Queensland’s cane region, said in its annual report it had made progress in tackling the issue of train separation in its supply chain.

“Among the many critical risks that are managed in cane rail operations, train separation is arguably one of the most critical,” the company said. “Further progress was made [in FY17] on stretch targets for forward clearance alarms.”

The number of intrusions by track vehicles into forward clearances of other track vehicles in Mackay Sugar’s supply chain dropped to 2 per day in FY17, compared to 5 in FY16. 10 in FY15, and 75 back in FY12.

“Our operations centre team is commended for their concerted effort in managing train separation risks,” Mackay Sugar said.

It wasn’t all great news in terms of rail safety and efficiency for the milling company, however, after it failed to meet its derailments Key Performance Indicator. It was targeting 15,800 tonnes hauled per derailment, but came in just below that, at 15,325 tonnes per derailment.

The annual report said this figure was driven up by additional rail movements made necessary by a boiler failure at one of its mills, which saw some cane redirected to other sites. Old bearing heat detectors were also to blame, the company said.

“The main issues were the additional transport activity due to cane transfers and unfortunately, the inability to detect hot bearings and avoid burnt out bearing failures due to insufficient funding being available to replace the obsolete hot axle detector systems at both Marian mill  and Farleigh mill.”

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FORECAST INCREASES IN WORLD SUGAR PRODUCTION

By country 2017/18

WORLD SUGAR STOCKS

2009/10 to 2017/18

Source: ABARES

Average monsoon rains and higher yields are also expected to boost sugar production in India, where the Department forecast an 11% growth to around 27 million tonnes in 2017/18.

Meanwhile, in the European Union, the abolition of EU production quotas in October

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2017 is expected to result in an 18% rise in sugar production to around 20 million tonnes which, if realised, would be the highest EU production total since 2005/06.

While the report estimated the price drop will make sugar more competitive against

high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a slight increase in the global consumption, this rise will not be enough to outweigh the significant rise in global production, which is expected to drive a 7% rise to world sugar stocks by the end of 2017/18, to 76 million tonnes. 

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 2 2017

79

HEAVY HAUL

PORT OF NEWCASTLE COAL EXPORTS

Monthly volume and value

Source: Newcastle Port Corp

NEWCASTLE VOLUMES AVERAGE IN Q1, BUT PRICE KEEPS VALUE HIGH FED BY THE HUNTER VALLEY RAIL NETWORK, THE PORT OF NEWCASTLE IS ONE OF THE LARGEST BULK PORTS ON THE PLANET. WHILE VOLUMES STAYED CLOSE TO THE SAME FOR THE SEPTEMBER QUARTER, A BUMP IN PRICES MEANT EXPORTERS HAD ONE OF THEIR BEST QUARTERS IN RECENT MEMORY.

rade was slower in August and September at the Port of Newcastle, holding the coal port back from a quarterly volume record after a whopping July.

After exporting 14.2 million tonnes (mt) of coal in July, Newcastle rounded out the quarter with smaller figures of 12.5mt in August, and 13.7mt in September, for a quarterly total figure of 40.3mt of coal exported.

This was down slightly on the June quarter 2017, when Newcastle exported 40.9mt of coal, and was up on the March quarter, when 38.5mt was exported.

Despite a flatter couple of months for volumes, the sustained price of coal in recent months meant the September quarter was incredibly valuable, on a historical basis. $4.90 billion in coal was exported in the September quarter, up from $4.85 billion in the June quarter, and $4.73 billion in the March quarter.

This came off the back of an average realised price per tonne of $121.43 in the September quarter, up from $118.69 in the June quarter, and almost on par with the impressive $122.63 a tonne realised in the March quarter.

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Source: Newcastle Port Corp

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ISSUE 2 2017 | RAIL EXPRESS

CONTINUES BOTTOM OF NEXT PAGE u

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HEAVY HAUL t FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

The port saw 152, 141 and 150 coal ships in July, August and September respectively, and those ships handled an average of 91,010 tonnes of coal apiece – down slightly on the average achieved in the June quarter of 91,510 tonnes, but an increase on the 89,790 tonnes, on average, loaded into ships in the March quarter.

Average ship volumes have generally trended down in recent months, compared to a few years ago, at the Port of Newcastle, indicating the port is seeing more visits from smaller classes of vessel.

In 2014, the average coal ship left Newcastle with 92,680 tonnes onboard.

By 2015, the average had slipped to 92,150 tonnes, and in 2016, this slipped further to 91,500 tonnes.

And so far in 2017 (up to the end of September), the port is sending coal ships out with an average of 90,770 tonnes of product onboard.

Japan is the largest importer of Newcastle coal, with 71.6mt sent there in 2016. South Korea comes in a distant second, taking 24.0mt, while China and Taiwan import 22.8mt and 22.7mt apiece.

Smaller buyers include Malaysia, Thailand,  India and Mexico.

(All figures are in Australian dollars)

NEWCASTLE COAL PRICE REALISED

Monthly averages (in A$ per tonne)

(above and below) Source: Newcastle Port Corp

PORT OF NEWCASTLE SHIP TRAFFIC

Monthly totals

Source: www.portofnewcastle.com.au

Image courtesy of RailGallery.com.au

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