Rail Express December 2024

Grain season on track

Building the #NextGenRailways of tomorrow

From the Editor

ISSUE 11 - DEC 2024

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Josh Farrell Editor - Rail Express

Welcome to the December edition of Rail Express

Rail

Express has come to a close and every day I have continued to be astonished by the rail industry.

I joined the magazine with an interest in trains but the more time I spend in and around the sector, I have caught the rail bug and I find myself growing more and more passionate for this industry.

This edition contains a story that was the highlight of my year – sitting down with outgoing Australasian Railway Association (ARA) chair, Danny Broad.

Broad truly encapsulates what the rail industry is all about. He has a passion for the sector and the people that are in it. This passion is a clear example of why the ARA has grown to what it is today.

Something he said during our interview really stuck with me and in my mind, accurately depicts what makes the rail industry go around.

Broad said, “the people who work in rail care about supporting the community and improving their access to public transport.”

This is pivotal to all the work that is happening in rail, we should always be striving to improve people’s access to the rail network. We must continue to advocate to government and the wider community to allow more people to have access to rail.

Broad’s time as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and then as chair has steered the organisation through a transformational period. He should be immensely proud of his service to the sector and we should be grateful he is stepping aside at a time when he feels is right to ensure the organisation continues to grow.

I am excited to see what the ARA’s new chair, Lucio Di Bartolomeo will bring to the organisation and I wish him the best of luck as he begins his time at the ARA.

It has been a pleasure putting together the last edition of Rail Express for 2024. The cover story delved into Pacific National’s movement of grain. The company has been

committed to growing how much grain is moved on rail and has been making great strides in recent years. It is important rail freight providers are prepared to scale up and Pacific National has been setting itself up for this.

MTR Corporation takes us on a journey of how technology is helping the organisation improve the passenger experience and train maintenance on its international lines.

Further on, we learnt more about Martinus’ development to become a leader in major rail projects. The company understands leadership is key to the delivery of major projects and is working on improving leadership in rail while bringing the rest of the industry on the journey.

Managing director of Brimble, David Brimble looks at the future of rail and what it means for rail maintenance. He encourages the industry to look 100 years into the future and not get too bogged down in the “here and the now.”

We also learn about how Ricardo rail is working with the rail sector to help its decarbonisation journey. The company has been developing hydrogen testing facilities to help the industry grow this new technology. As a technology agnostic company it is looking at a number of solutions for the sector.

Our other feature of this edition is a look back at the news of 2024. We break down the news that mattered in each state this year with a small eye towards 2025 and what we can expect as an industry.

This month also includes comments from the Australasian Railway Association and the Permanent Way Institute of New South Wales.

Thanks for reading!

joshua.farrell@primecreative.com.au

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News Train travels through Cross River Rail tunnels

In a milestone for the Cross River Rail project, a train entered one of the project’s twin tunnels and pulled up to one of the new underground station platforms.

The train travelled almost four kilometres from the Mayne Yard stabling facility to the new Roma Street underground station platform, forming a “proof of concept” and setting up the project for success ahead of its final testing and commissioning phase.

The proof of concept involved the train entering the tunnel at low speed –approximately five kilometres per hour – and using minimal power to conduct several critical tests.

These included testing overhead power systems and safe movement through the tunnel.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Graeme Newton said the test paves the way for testing of different and more complex systems across the project.

“Following the proof of concept, crews will prepare for more rigorous testing across the remaining tunnel and station areas,” Newton said.

“These tests will start with validating individual systems and gradually expand

“While the massive feats of engineering we saw during Cross River Rail’s construction phase were impressive, the methodical and rigorous period of testing and commissioning we’re now entering into will be just as crucial to the project’s success.”

The proof of concept was made possible after the section of tunnel north of the Roma Street underground station was energised, using around 4.5-kilometres of rigid overhead conductor bars to provide 25 kilovolts of

testing the fire protection and detection systems, communications, lighting, power, earthing and bonding, CCTV, drainage, lifts and escalators, ventilation, security and passenger information systems.

Ultimately, the rigorous testing and commissioning regime will allow passenger services to run safely through the tunnels to the new underground stations at Roma Street, Albert Street in the middle of the CBD, Woolloongabba and Boggo Road.

Queensland Rail completes upgrades

Queensland Rail’s North Coast and West Moreton rail lines have fully reopened following completion of major maintenance upgrades which aligned with other Aurizon and Cross River Rail track closures.

Queensland Rail Head of Regional, Scott Cornish, said crews had worked in collaboration with local contractors to safely deliver important track, signal and rail bridge

resume normal operation between Brisbane and Cairns on the North Coast Line and Rosewood and Miles on the West Moreton line,” he said.

“Since mid-September, there have been hives of activity and heavy machinery at various locations spanning across 1,700 kilometres of rail. At Alligator Creek we had crews pull apart and put back together an

preparation was in full swing with the completion of culvert renewals to ensure waterways can withstand wet weather across Columboola, track reconditioning and resleepering at Laidley and rail welding to reduce track buckling between Gowrie and Macalister.”

Timber sleepers were replaced with concrete and new rail was laid, improving track reliability and allowing services to travel at higher speeds and through warmer weather conditions.

Cornish said that in addition to delivering crucial infrastructure upgrades, the works provided a boost to local construction industries, with more than 300 jobs supported.

“We are extremely grateful for the hard work put in by our employees and contractors,” he said.

“Our focus remains on safely transporting customers and encouraging more freight on rail and we are continuously undertaking projects like these to enhance and future-proof our network.”

The train travelled through the tunnels at almost four kilometres an hour.

The project will improve reliability on the line.

First major contracts awarded for Gold Coast Faster Rail project

The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project has kicked off with two of three major contracts awarded.

The $5.75 billion project, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, is crucial to increasing train services and catering for a booming population on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines.

The project will:

• double the tracks from two to four between Kuraby and Beenleigh

• upgrade and rebuild train stations betw Kuraby and Beenleigh

• remove five level crossings

The Martinus Degnan Joint Venture (Martinus Degnan) has won the contract to deliver the Loganlea Station Relocation project.

The $173.76 million project will better connect customers with nearby health, education and community services with a brand-new Loganlea station built at a new location directly opposite Logan Hospital and close to Loganlea TAFE and Loganlea State High School.

Construction on the new station is expected to start in 2024, and open to services by mid 2027. The current Loganlea station will remain open until the new station is completed.

“Without it, the network will struggle to cater for a fast-growing population and the capacity to move spectators during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said. “Awarding these two contracts means work can begin on this critical transport project.

New chair announced

After an extensive national recruitment process, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Board has endorsed Lucio Di Bartolomeo as the new chair of the ARA.

Di Bartolomeo ’s formal appointment will be endorsed at the ARA Annual General Meeting to be held in late November.

Di Bartolomeo has been a full-time Non-Executive Director (NED) for 18 years including as chair of Australia Post, Northwest Rapid Transport, Australian Naval Infrastructure, Health Infrastructure New South Wales and Macquarie Generation. He has also held NED roles with Australian Super, the Australian Rail Track Corporation, Downer EDI and Moorebank Intermodal Company.

Prior to commencing NED roles Di Bartolomeo was the Managing Director

of ADI/Thales Australia’s leading defence, systems and engineering contractor following a 26-year career in the transport industry.

From 1986 to 2002, Di Bartolomeo held a number of senior management positions that put him at the forefront of rail industry reform including group general manager of FreightRail and CityRail before finishing as managing director of FreightCorp.

Most recently Di Bartolomeo was appointed by the New South Wales Government to an independent advisory panel to oversee the NSW Freight Policy Reform Program.

Di Bartolomeo is a qualified Civil Engineer and has a Master’s degree in Engineering Science. Di Bartolomeo will be attending AusRAIL and said he looks forward to meeting with industry.

the first being addressed under the South East Queensland (SEQ) Level Crossing Program 2024.

Mellish said the program is the state’s new co-ordinated approach to cost-effective solutions to the most problematic level crossings across the South East.

The project is the next step in better connecting the Gold Coast.

Outgoing chair Danny Broad with incoming chair Lucio Di Bartolomeo.

IMAGE: ARA

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Contract awarded to safeguard Sydney’s southwest metro line

It’s full steam ahead on work to convert the T3 Bankstown Line to metro standards, with a major contract awarded for important infrastructure upgrades.

The Sydney Metro Southwest Metro Conversion and Station Works (SWM4) package has been awarded to Australian-owned railway infrastructure company, Martinus.

A total of 15 bridges and 66 locations, including car parks and roads, adjacent to the railway corridor between Sydenham and Bankstown will be upgraded as part of the contract scope.

Starting 30 September, the team will complete a program of work over the duration of the 12-month closure to install barriers, bollards and other structures, such as fencing, to reduce the risk of vehicles impacting on the network.

These protective measures ensure driverless Sydney Metro services are safe for passengers and that the 130-year-old rail corridor meets modern safety standards.

Delivering these essential upgrades will, where possible, be completed without major impacts to the community, however some upgrades will require

traffic and pedestrian changes and out-ofhours work.

The 12-month closure of the T3 Bankstown line to upgrade the railway to metro standards involves an intensive program of work including installation of mechanical gap filler technology to allow seamless access to metro trains for all commuters, the conversion of Bankstown Station to support Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro services, and the installation of critical trackside signalling and communications equipment.

Taking shape at Diggers Rest

The road bridge has started to form at Old Calder Highway as crews continue work to make Diggers Rest level crossing free.

The level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road are being removed by building two road bridges that will

improving safety on local roads for the growing community.

Work continued throughout September to install 450 concrete panels for the retaining wall for the new Old Calder Highway Road bridge. Measuring two metres long and

A temporary transport plan including free bus travel is in place while the metro conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line is completed to help the tens of thousands of impacted commuters get to their destination.

When the line opens, passengers will have safe, fast and reliable metro journeys to take them from Bankstown to Central in 28 minutes, Belmore to Martin Place in 24 minutes, Marrickville to Waterloo in eight minutes and from Dulwich Hill, under the harbour, to Victoria Cross in the city’s north in 21 minutes.

Diggers Rest from a casting yard in Albury. These panels were then stacked on top of one another to form the walls for the new road bridge.

The work followed the completion of piling to form the foundations of the new bridge.

Later in 2024, crews will begin site establishment at Watsons Road ahead of major works to build the second road bridge in Diggers Rest.

More than 8000 vehicles use the Diggers Rest level crossings every day, with 27 trains travelling through the boom gates during the morning peak, creating 36 minutes of boom gate down time.

The project will take the Sunbury Line one step closer to being level crossing free in 2025. Together with the Metro Tunnel, the projects will allow more trains, more often for commuters in Melbourne’s north-west.

In total, 110 level crossings are being removed across Melbourne by 2030, with 84 already gone for good.

The project will help prepare the line for conversion to metro standards.

The project is edging towards completion early next year.

IMAGE: SYDNEY METRO

IMAGE: VICTORIA’S BIG BUILD

Ruby launches into action to build final Metro West tunnel

Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Ruby has begun its journey to carve out the final section of tunnel for the city-shaping Sydney Metro West project.

Launching from The Bays, TBM Ruby will join TBM Jessie in constructing 2.3-kilometre twin railway tunnels that will take metro deep below the harbour, this time creating another key connection into the heart of the city for people living in Sydney’s west.

TBM Ruby is named after women’s rights activist and Australia’s first radio astronomer Ruby Payne-Scott and is the sixth and final TBM deployed to build the 24-kilometre Metro West tunnels.

The 1,100-tonne machine will operate around the clock, seven days a week. It will

slowly inch its way alongside the iconic Anzac Bridge, through the Pyrmont Station site, and under Darling Harbour, before arriving at its final destination at Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

TBM Jessie is hard at work on the parallel tunnel and has excavated 615 metres and installed 2,238 concrete segments to line the new tunnel walls since commencing its tunnelling journey in June.

A total of 460,000 tonnes of material will be excavated and 16,536 segments will be installed by the two TBMs to construct the tunnels between The Bays and Hunter Street.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen spoke about the milestone.

Dutton Park station reopens

Dutton Park station reopened to customers on Monday 21 October, providing a new and more accessible station for the local community.

The station includes new accessible entry points on Noble Street and Annerley Road, two new high-level platforms to make boarding the train easier, and a new overpass for better access to the platforms.

Three new lifts and stairs have also been installed, while the two new accessible entries include shade canopies, seating, drinking fountains and footpaths.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Graeme Newton said the accessibility features will make a real difference for the public.

“The Delivery Authority is pleased to do its part to make train travel easier for everyone across the network,” he said.

“Station accessibility rebuilds like the one at Dutton Park go beyond Cross River Rail’s

scope of works, including the twin tunnels and four new underground stations, but they’re just as important. The local community will benefit from new lifts, stairs and a new overpass to make catching the train easier, with more

“Over the next 20 years, 420,000 people are expected to move into the corridor surrounding these future Metro stations. This new line will keep our growing city moving,” she said.

These tunnels will form the second underharbour railway crossing for Sydney, with the first built between the city’s north and Barangaroo for the metro M1 line, which has recorded 82 million journeys since opening on 19 August 2024.

TBMs Ruby and Jessie are mixed shield (slurry) machines, specifically designed for the Metro West project to excavate in the highly pressurised conditions that are anticipated under Sydney Harbour.

Parts of both TBMs came from the TBMs used to construct the Sydney Metro City & Southwest tunnels. The TBMs are expected to arrive at Hunter Street in mid-late 2025.

Major tunnelling is progressing across the alignment, with two TBMs completing the 11-kilometre tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park, and a further two TBMs in the ground to build the nine-kilometre tunnels between Sydney Olympic Park and Westmead.

Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It will make it easier and faster to travel around western Sydney, link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply.

Dutton Park is the fourth upgraded and accessible station to reopen on Brisbane’s southside as part of wider Cross River Rail works, with Yeronga, Fairfield and Rocklea stations already

core

IMAGE:

SYDNEY METRO

IMAGE: CROSS RIVER RAIL

The station has improved accessibility.

TBM Ruby is named after women’s rights activist and Australia’s first radio astronomer Ruby Payne-Scott.

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Gap Bridge Replacement project

has announced the successful completion of the Gap Bridge Replacement project in the Liverpool Plains region.

The project, delivered in partnership with contractor John Holland, has replaced the life-expired steel rail bridge at Werris Creek and delivered a new concrete ballast top structure, improving the safety and reliability of the bridge for future operations. In just four days during a scheduled 96-hour

and John Holland teams efficiently removed the existing bridge and installed a new fivespan 80-metre-long concrete bridge, which included the construction of 160 metres of new track.

The new bridge is now fully operational and designed to meet modern safety standards and support increased rail traffic, contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of the rail network in the Hunter Valley.

Clinton Crump, Group Executive Operations, ARTC, said the Hunter Valley region serves as a vital corridor for transporting goods, connecting various industries and communities.

“We are pleased to have delivered the Gap Bridge Replacement Project, which will contribute to the overall reliability of the rail network in the Hunter Valley, a critical rail corridor in our network,” he said.

“The ARTC and John Holland teams extend their gratitude to the local community and stakeholders for their support and patience throughout the project, particularly with the extended closure of Gap Road.”

Wet weather impacted the project with heavy rain and significant flooding causing erosion on Gap Road and delaying its reopening.

ARTC worked with Liverpool Plains Shire Council to have the road repaired as quickly as possible.

This project reflects ARTC’s commitment to continuous improvement and investment in vital infrastructure, facilitating smoother and more reliable rail operations, benefiting both freight and passenger services in the region.

First major timetable adjustments since 2017

The first major timetable adjustment to Sydney’s train network since 2017 kicked in on 20 October 2024, adding more than 800 new services a week to the network.

The Sydney Trains Review found that since the 2017 timetable was introduced, the resilience of the train network had deteriorated significantly. These adjustments are designed to make the system more resilient and to implement the lessons learned since 2017.

Commuter travel patterns have changed significantly following the COVID pandemic and the opening of the Sydney Metro, and while in some instances, services to particular train stations will shift from peak times to inter-peak times, this is to accommodate for changing travel patterns at these stations.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said timetable adjustments are focused on making the trains more reliable and resilient so passengers have shorter wait times, faster journeys and so the train network will be able to recover sooner when there’s a critical incident.

“We know that when there’s an incident on one part of the train network it can often

affect other train services too. Making our timetable simpler means there’s less chance of that happening,” she said. “Since 2017, the way that people travel on our transport network has changed a lot. The work commute has changed and there’s greater demand for trains outside the traditional peak hour. That’s why we are making sure there are more trains at the times when passengers need them most, particularly in the mornings between nine and 10.”

The timetable adjustments will also support the new T6 Lidcombe and

“As with any change, we know it takes time to adjust to new ways of travelling, so we’re asking passengers to please jump online and plan their trip,” he said.

“This is especially important for students and parents, as your trip may have changed slightly over the school holidays.”

The project will support the Hunter region.

The project heralds a major shift in New South Wales train networks.

IMAGE: ARTC

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past decade and contributing an average of $15.5 billion per annum in gross value to the Australian economy.

However, high supply chain costs have a significant and direct impact on Australian grain growers and threaten the global competitiveness of the Australian grain industry.

Already facing comparatively higher costs of production, reducing supply chain costs presents a key opportunity to ensure Australian grain remains globally competitive and deliver savings for Australian growers.

GrainGrowers association, in a recent report, stated it wants to see greater scalable capacity in the supply chain. As annual grain production fluctuates, the organisation believes scalability is important.

Pacific National is the largest hauler of agriculture on the eastern seaboard.

Moving 800,000 tonnes of grain by rail takes 20,000 B-double trucks off the road.

“During this season’s bumper harvest, Pacific National is loading grain at more than 100 sites and running grain services throughout New South Wales and Victoria,” he said.

“We’re able to call on the resources of 300 highly trained and skilled essential frontline freight workers and a rolling stock fleet of more than 150 locomotives and 1200 grain hopper wagons.”

O’Donnell said Pacific National has also increased the tonnage per train to improve service efficiency and value for its customers this harvest season.

“We’ve reconfigured our fleet of locomotives to deliver more for our customers and ensure we can move more grain from paddock to port,” he said.

3,000 tonnes of grain each trip.”

O’Donnell said as Australia’s largest private rail freight operator, Pacific National recognises the crucial role the agricultural sector plays in advancing the Australian economy.

“As the country’s leading grain and agricultural freight operator, Pacific National provides freight solutions that support productivity for Australia’s leading agribusinesses,” he said.

“Our expansive network gives us an unparalleled advantage, with a system of terminals and ports in every Australian mainland capital city facilitating seamless, market oriented, supply chains.”

With Pacific National’s expansive operational footprint, the business has been

O’Donnell said Pacific National’s heritage dated all the way back to 1855 and hauling grain was deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA.

“The rail sector is inextricably connected to producers and we’re proud as a business to be supporting the grain industry,” he said.

“The country’s regional grain lines are the backbone connecting paddocks to port, and it’s incredibly important they’re retained to ensure this valuable commodity can continue to be moved now and in future seasons.

“One of the best ways for government to reduce carbon emissions, diesel particulate matter, road accidents and fatalities, noise, traffic congestion and road ‘wear and tear’ is to support more grain on rail.”

Pacific National recognises the crucial role the agricultural sector plays in advancing the Australian economy.

Industry association

Celebrating Danny

As Danny Broad’s time at the Australasian Railway Association comes to an end, he shares some insights into his time with the organisation and industry.

You would think as Danny Broad’s 27 years in rail, including eight years as a director with Downer and more than nine years as an executive at the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), draws to a close he would be slowing down. Ever the professional, the outgoing chair is charging to the finish line.

Rail Express sat down with Broad in October shortly after he had returned from a study tour to Paris and London and the four-day global rail exhibition, InnoTrans, in Berlin. He had just attended the ARA High Speed Rail Conference in Sydney, was preparing his speech for the ARA Rail Industry Dinner in Adelaide, about to head off to Taiwan for a week to attend an International

High Speed Rail Association (IHSRA) three-day forum and was looking forward to AusRAIL 2024 at the Gold Coast – the largest event in the Asia Pacific region for rail professionals.

This hectic schedule exemplifies the service to the rail industry that Broad has become known for, including his time working for Walkers, Downer and the ARA.

After stepping down as chair of the ARA in late November, Broad will continue in his role as chair of the TrackSAFE Foundation, which he has held since 2021 and been a member of the Board since 2015.

He will also remain a member of the Rail Industry Innovation Council and the IHSRA,

proving what many in the industry say – you can never fully leave the rail sector.

Broad explained that the time was right for him to step aside at the ARA and let the next industry leader take the chair.

“I think senior executives should have a five-to-seven-year term where you complete the work you want to, improve the organisation and then give an opportunity for further growth and improvement to somebody else,” he said.

“As Chief Executive Officer and then chair it has been a combined nine and a half years. I love the job and rail people, and I love the industry, but the time is right for me to step aside.”

IMAGES: ARA

Danny Broad with Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton and national rail manufacturing advocate Jacqui Walters.

A LOVE OF THE INDUSTRY

Sitting with Broad, his devotion and passion for rail is obvious as he speaks of the people in the industry and their potential. He said the industry’s ability to connect the nation for the benefit of communities, both in capital cities and regional centres, is what drove him throughout his career.

He noted his experience working in Maryborough, Queensland, on passenger train and locomotive manufacturing as one such example.

“They have been manufacturing at Walkers since 1867 and they had such a passion for what they were doing,” he said.

“I enjoyed watching the design and build of both passenger trains and locomotives in our regional facilities and overseas and then delivering the finished products to customers from the Pilbara to the east coast.”

Broad said his time as Chair and CEO of the ARA has been very rewarding. He said overseeing the team’s hard work and advocacy, which is now gaining traction with government, and enabling real change and improvements to the industry was very satisfying.

“I have seen the change in the industry from various businesses in each state or territory growing into a united industry, working together for the benefit of communities – both in passenger rail and freight rail sectors,” he said.

“No doubt joining the rail industry at Walkers in Maryborough and learning so much from the employees there, from the design office through to the shop floor and then the test and commissioning teams, was a major highlight. They were all passionate about delivering a product that would serve its users well for many years.

“With that opportunity, I was introduced to

the ARA in the late 1990s – then located in Melbourne – and realised the potential that the ARA could offer the industry as a whole.”

TIME AT THE ARA

In 2016, the then chair Bob Herbert AM and Broad wrote the ARA Constitution which created a governance structure that has served the organisation well. Broad ushered the ARA through a time of change and growth, re-establishing aspects of the organisation that matter to the industry.

“The events that the ARA hosts are important for both networking and they encourage learning and knowledge sharing amongst rail professionals,” he said.

“They bring suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, consultants and operators together. They can learn so much from each other, and from each state, as we all have so many similar challenges.”

It’s not just big organisations who benefit from being members of the ARA.

“A company that may have never worked in the rail industry but is now providing a component, for example for rollingstock, may want to know how to grow further into rail and ARA membership gives them that chance,” Broad said.

“Small SMEs are able to join as the ARA’s membership tiers are based off an organisation’s annual revenue in rail. So even if rail is 10 per cent of their business, they can join the ARA and be a part of our industry.”

During Broad’s time at the ARA, some of the things that gave him immense pride were the establishment of the Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB), the introduction of the e-mentoring program for women and the formation of the Women in Rail Committee.

“Our future depends on attracting and retaining a young, diverse rail workforce and

we have made huge strides towards this – but there is still much more work to do and we are focused on making it happen,” he said.

“At InnoTrans our delegation included a cross-section of CEOs, senior executives and managers alongside young rail professionals. I really enjoyed watching the CEOs talking to these young professionals and listening to what they had to say.

“This is what makes our industry great and what has been important for the ARA to deliver.”

Broad said that he was grateful for the humble nature of the delegation to listen and learn from each other regardless of their time and experience in rail.

Other highlights in Broad’s time at the ARA include successful engagement through the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meetings in 2019 that gave the National Transport Commission a renewed focus on the key issues impeding productivity and competitiveness, including a lack of harmonisation and interoperability and workforce shortages and skills; the appointment of Caroline Wilkie as the CEO; and the growth of the team to meet the increasing demands of the ARA members and the industry.

THE FUTURE OF THE ARA

When Broad made the decision to transition from CEO to chair it was critical for him that the right replacement was found.

Broad wanted more time with his family but Caroline Wilkie, who would become his successor, was sceptical as to why the current chair was leaving and the CEO was moving to the role of chair.

“Caroline and I were both in Canberra at the time and we caught up for a coffee and went through the position of the ARA. Wilkie was interested in the role after understanding why the changes were occurring,” Broad said.

“Caroline shadowed me for a couple of months, especially at AusRAIL PLUS 2019 in Sydney and then took over, basically on the cusp of COVID.”

Wilkie could not have asked for a more difficult beginning to her time at the ARA but Broad believes this showed the organisation her ability to support the rail sector during a very challenging period.

“We set up weekly meetings between passenger operators so they could share challenges and learnings to help the industry get through these difficult COVID periods,” Broad said.

“We did the same with freight operators as they navigated operating across states. All of this was to support our members”.

Broad and ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie and her team at InnoTrans 2024.

Industry association

were doing to support the industry.”

Membership of the ARA has doubled in Broad’s time. He expects the role the

the industry in advocating to governments and key stakeholders on matters relating to passenger and freight rail as well as the

supply chain supporting the operators – it provides a platform to advocate for and champion important issues for the industry,” he said.

“We have a large board of directors representing all sectors of the industry from the Pilbara, across Australia to the eastern states and to New Zealand, who are all passionate about the future of the rail industry.

“It is important we maintain the current focus of advocating to government and further developing strong relationships with key stakeholders to amplify the role rail can play in the next 20 years, including its role in sustainable and low carbon solutions.”

Broad wants to see an increase in the role the freight sector and passenger rail commuter solutions play in the transport sector’s journey to net zero, while also making the industry more attractive to a younger, more diverse workforce.

He believes the ARA has a key role in achieving industry improvements and is excited to see what Wilkie and the new chair achieve in the coming years.

THE FUTURE OF RAIL

The future of rail is front and centre of many transport industry conversations in both Australia and New Zealand, due to projects such as Sydney Metro, Inland Rail, Metronet and Cross River Rail which are set to transform the cities and regions they are in. The industry is seeking to be a major player in Australia’s decarbonisation journey and is trying to bring those from outside of it along for the journey.

Broad said it was fantastic to see the oncein-a-generation $155 billion investment in rail currently underway across Australia.

“As the populations increase in our capital cities in Australia and New Zealand, there is a much stronger need for integrated public transport solutions for these cities to reduce the congestion on our roads, to reduce the transport emissions and to provide safer transport modes,” he said. “Heavy passenger rail and light rail are very much the spine of that solution, linked with both bus and ferry services.

“Similarly, as the freight demand increases across our nations, freight rail can provide the backbone to the national supply chain, linking through intermodal hubs with the trucking industry for the final distribution of the freight.”

Broad said that over the past 10 to 15 years, governments have realised the importance of investing in efficient passenger rail services in cities and hence we see projects such as Cross River Rail, Metros,

Broad with the Rail Advocate and the Rail Industry Innovation Council at Gemco Rail’s facility in Perth.

Broad regularly made site visits to ARA members such as Rio Tinto in the Pilbara.

Parramatta Light Rail and Metronet, all of which are underway.

“Governments are supporting the important work of the National Transport Commission and the National Rail Manufacturing Advocate, Jacqui Walters,” he said.

“The rail industry is at a critical juncture. We have gained considerable momentum with government over the past few years on key issues facing the industry and the big build needs to continue.

“We need to seize the moment and stay on track.”

Broad said the challenge the industry regularly faced is a separation between the states and a lack of knowledge sharing. He noted the importance of communicating and collaboration and hopes to see the industry embrace these more in the next 10 years.

“I have seen a willingness between the states to talk more. With the work the National Rail Manufacturing Advocate Jacqui Walters is doing, we can achieve more success as a national industry,” he said.

“There is a willingness now to look at challenges facing our industry as a national issue and work through these together. If you spoke to someone 20 years ago, they would be shocked to see us working together so well.”

The use of technology has exploded in Broad’s time in rail, and he is excited to see what this could look like in the future.

“When I attended InnoTrans in the 2000s and early 2010s, it was all about transport and getting from A to B,” he said.

“This year, however, it was all about digitalisation and the AI continuous revolution and how such new technologies can benefit both products and efficiency across the rail industry.

“Chief executive officers from major manufacturers including Siemens, CAF and Alstom spoke about how they are changing to utilise data and provide information to maintainers and designers, and real time information to passengers and using that to improve the efficiencies and reliability of our networks.”

END OF AN ERA

As Broad reaches the end of his term at the ARA, he has reflected on the people that helped him throughout his career.

“Obviously, I would like to thank my wife Catherine and my four children Julia, Charles, Henry and Sally for their support and putting up with my travel and commitments to the industry,” he said. “There are also many people who have helped me, coached me and mentored me along the way including

Gary Vogel, who employed me as a young project manager in Newcastle in 1985, Ross Dunning, who offered me the role at Walkers in 1997, John Fullerton, who encouraged me to help review the ARA in 2014, and Bob Herbert AM, who sold me on taking on the ARA CEO role in 2015.

“All those individuals, as well as the directors from the ARA Board and the TrackSAFE Foundation Board, Caroline Wilkie and the ARA team including Janet Cameron who has now retired, Heather Neil, Hope Steele and Naomi Frauenfelder from TrackSAFE, have all assisted my very enjoyable working journey and I cannot thank them all enough.”

Broad said a lot of people asked why, after he has not stopped for nearly 30 years in the rail industry, he is leaving now?

“The time is right,” he said. “The ARA is on a high, the industry is on a high, and it is the right time for somebody else to come in and work with Caroline and the team to continue the good work we have been doing.

“I want to see the ARA continue to advocate for the sector and encourage young people to join and stay in the industry.

“So many people fall into the industry, just like I did. We need to make sure we keep them and make them passionate about the rail industry, just like it did for me.”

Danny Broad, NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen, Frauscher Managing Director David Townsend and Caroline Wilkie.

THE AUSTRALASIAN RAIL DIRECTORY

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Passenger rail

Pioneering smart railway solutions globally

With an aim to be at the forefront of innovation, MTR Corporation strives to continue to lead the way in smart railway solutions.

Entering its 45th year, MTR Corporation is continuing to push the development of technology to improve the rail sector.

MTR’s latest innovation, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Station Cityline, exemplifies its dedication to enhancing customer service

Pilot-launched at selected MTR stations in Hong Kong in 2024, this AI-powered service allows customers to connect with a virtual service ambassador through a regular phone call, providing instant assistance for a variety

MTR Corporation executive general manager Peter Munro said the system is powered by cutting-edge large language model, natural language processing, and dynamic knowledge retrieval technologies. The AI assistant ensures real-time engagement and delivers a human interaction experience.

“With an emphasis on smart mobility and value-added customer services, the integration of AI in customer experience marks a step towards the vision of advancing customer service excellence through leveraging on innovative communication,” he said.

GENEVA AWARDS

The mission statement of ‘safety first, quality always’ at MTR encompasses not only continuous innovation, but also the delivery of a safe, comprehensive journey experience for its customers.

MTR’s Hong Kong network daily, the optimisation of the condition monitoring of rollingstock has been one of the major focuses of the railway operations team.

MTR Corporation earned prestigious recognition at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (Geneva Awards) earlier this year by winning a total of 21 awards, comprising seven gold medals, 10 silver medals, and four bronze medals. These achievements underscore MTR Corporation’s unwavering commitment to building a ‘smart railway’ and delivering exceptional service, leveraging on the latest technologies to communities worldwide, including in Australia.

EFFECTIVENESS AND INNOVATION

With thousands of trains travelling across

“The train bogie maintenance project utilises MTR’s pioneering AI sensors fusion technique, which leverages machine learning algorithms, to analyse railway points vibration data and environmental factors,” Munro said.

“4G sensors installed on point machines capture vibration data from passing trains which is subsequently analysed by the trained AI model. By establishing a health data profile for each bogie, the AI model facilitates early warnings about train operation risks and prioritisation of corrective maintenance needs by identifying vibration pattern deviations.”

This advanced algorithm accurately predicts vibration anomalies in train bogies,

enhancing maintenance efficiency and ensuring smoother, safer rides for passengers.

During trials on the Tsuen Wan Line in 2024, the AI model successfully detected 17 high-risk bogies, leading to timely maintenance and significantly improved vibration patterns.

REVOLUTIONISING EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

Leveraging AI also goes beyond preventive measures. The AI-driven natural language processing (NLP) translation for immediate incident attention revolutionises railway emergency communication.

Developed in collaboration with the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), the NLP system provides real-time speech-to-text services

MTR Corporation won a total of 21 awards, with Gold Medal-winning inventions including projects related to ‘Smart Operations and Maintenance’.

IMAGES:

MTR

Passenger rail

on tetra radio communication with multilingual transcriptions available.

Equipped with conversation accuracy monitoring measures, such as radio signal quality, confidence level of transcription and discrepancy checking, the translation mechanism ensures immediate and accurate communication across different languages without risk of verbal ambiguity.

To better support decision making on incident handling, the enabling of incident and keywork detection and notification function assists operators to locate the relevant procedure manuals instantly, which may be critical for the implementation of immediate measures.

While timely and effective communication is achieved, the use of big data can also capture valuable insights in each crisis

management scenario. The augmented message keyword statistic analytics allows an overview of the notification trends and areas of focus by collating messages across daily operation.

By providing real-time analytics and data-driven insights, the function can aid operation controllers in more informed decision making under different scenarios, minimising response times, and enhancing co-ordination and resource allocation in similar contingencies going forward.

SAFETY AND BEYOND

Apart from customer safety, upholding workplace safety and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) best practices are also integral aspects of MTR Corporation’s technology initiatives.

The green energy milliwatt wireless sensor fusion for railway safety alert detects the location of trains in the depot and signs of the signal light, and then issues alerts to the forthcoming train, further enhancing the safety and reliability of railway services.

Capable of being charged from renewable sources such as solar or vibration, the energy efficient sensor enables reliable operation for a minimum of seven years.

Furthermore, the design allows the sensors to be installed on any existing railway infrastructure, providing immediate safety assurance to the depot workers. The system’s simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to railway safety measures.

MTR Corporation’s achievements at the Geneva Awards and the launch of AI Station Cityline highlight its role as a global pioneer in smart railway solutions.

The company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence continues to set new standards in the railway industry, benefiting communities worldwide. In MTR’s DNA, the pursuit of operational excellence fosters technological advancement, motivating staff to explore up-to-date smart mobility solutions for better customer experience and railway safety.

These innovative efforts extend globally, including a strong presence in Australia. Munro said that by revolutionising universal smart railway technologies and customer services, MTR Corporation is dedicated in delivering excellent railway services to the local communities it serves in Australia.

Demonstration of key features of the “AI Sensors Fusion Technique in Train Bogie Maintenance”.

Demonstration of the AI Station Cityline.

RAIL EXPRESS is compulsory reading and a vital tool for all people working in and around the rail sector.

Rail Express is Australia’s authoritative business to business rail publication.

Combining the resources of our respected journalism team and our unparalleled industry contacts and affiliations, Rail Express provides extensive, comprehensive and balanced coverage of breaking news and trends in key areas like infrastructure, investment, government policy, regulatory issues and technical innovation.

Published both in print and digitally every month, Rail Express is the only publication to have both the official endorsement and active participation of the main railway associations in Australia and the broad support of the rail industry.

The only way to ensure you get every copy of Rail Express is to subscribe today. Visit railexpress.com.au/subscribe.

Heavy haul

Taking the lead on battery electric

Siemens Mobility has remained at the forefront of battery electric technology globally and stands ready to bring the same technology to Australia.

Battery electric has come into vogue in cars over the past few years, but Siemens Mobility has been developing the technology in its rolling stock since 2014.

Across Europe, many of the rail lines are already electrified however there are smaller lines or gaps in between the lines with distances of 80 to 100 kilometres. Siemens Mobility’s technology development was centred around bridging that gap.

Jens Lind, international sales director for locomotives at Siemens Mobility, said the company has been committed to improving its battery electric options.

“We began this journey with battery operations across Austria where we carried out testing with varying slopes,” he said.

“What we learnt was that we could go far above the 80 kilometres we were looking for

and we began developing the battery system from that point.”

Lind said that to those outside of rail, it could appear that the industry is slow moving when it comes to updating and upgrading technology, but the life cycle of rolling stock can make transitioning toward zero emissions challenging. Siemens Mobility is finding ways to speed up the process.

“We have our robust Research and Development (R&D) programs to continually develop new technology to support rail’s decarbonisation.

“We are not only invested in battery electric. Our R&D operates on parallel tracks where we focus on hydrogen development and our battery electric development separate to each other, our battery electric system is just further along the journey.”

Lind said that while heavy haul and passenger rail can have vastly different axle loads, the learnings can be shared across both.

“It is about scalability and taking our learnings from other areas and bringing it to heavy haul,” he said.

“Australia is a strong market and is ready to begin pilot programs to test the battery electric locomotives capability.

“While we have not applied these systems in Australia, we have done so in similar hot and sandy conditions. We are ready to bring this technology to the country.”

BATTERY

ELECTRIC SYSTEMS

Siemens Mobility is prepared for the battery electric transition in Australia, the company already operates several wired electric locomotives in some of the harshest regions

The company is poised to support the rollout of battery electric technology in Australia.

in the country. Lind explained that the obvious challenge will be utilising this system in Australian conditions, but the company has excellent experience in Doha to draw on.

Siemens Mobility has been developing its battery electric rolling stock for a significant period and has been at the forefront of the sector’s decarbonisation journey.

Lind said the Federal Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 26-28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 confirmed the company was travelling in the right direction.

“Even before the 2030 targets came out, we were beginning to make this change from diesel to electric,” he said.

“We are an electrical company, so this was a logical step, we then understood we needed to develop our battery systems. We have complete faith in the functionality of our battery systems working in any environment.”

Having used battery electric solutions for close to a decade, Lind believes the company has ironed out any potential issues and has full faith in its systems.

“We know it will work because we have done it so many times for so many operators,” he said.

Lind said that Siemens Mobility is working closely with organisations in the field –whether it be heavy haul operators or mining companies – to understand how it can support the battery electric transition.

“They understand this is something they need to begin looking at as the net zero targets approach and we are fully ready to support them in that area.”

He went on to explain that while the initial cost of battery electric machines may be higher than diesel, there is less maintenance.

is reduced to simply removing parts that deteriorate due to wear and tear, greatly reducing costs for operators,” he said. “Those maintenance costs are being moved into the OpEx instead.”

SIEMENS AND DECARBONISATION

Lind said that Siemens is “all in” on its decarbonisation journey and has for years been moving away from dieselpowered locomotives.

“It was an easy solution as electrification was something we had done for years in other parts of the business and then it was about building that up.”

He said the company has been seeking to improve efficiency in rail for a long time,

transition many years ago.

That commitment has attracted young people into the business.

“They see that what we are doing is supporting their future and their children’s future.”

With ten years of battery system development, Siemens Mobility has experience with a range of systems and on different networks, and it continues to make improvements.

“We are getting better at charging the batteries, knowing how to better utilise them by leaning on our experience working in places such as Doha,” he said.

“As a business we will continue to develop the battery systems as well, finding new technology that will make it more efficient and improve charging systems.

“We will work on ways to recycle batteries; it is all a part of our decarbonisation journey.”

Having been in this program for a few years, it can now apply its learnings from other parts of the business to the heavy haul sector.

While sector confidence in the technology is still growing, Lind said he’s happy it’s gaining acceptance more widely.

“We still hear some funny things about batteries, which we understand are genuine concerns people have,” he said.

“The battery is of course something you must take care of but everything we are doing is making the technology better and better.

“We will see new technologies in the coming years that will be exciting, and we are keen to be on that journey.”

Siemens Mobility has been working hard to develop battery electric and hydrogen options.

Jens Lind is the international sales director for locomotives at Siemens Mobility.

Major projects

Leadership critical for major projects

Martinus is valuing strong leadership as construction of major projects gets underway.

It has been a busy 2024 for Martinus with the civil construction company awarded, and starting construction, on a number of contracts.

The company began the year securing the design and construct enhancement works on the Stockinbingal to Parkes and Albury to Illabo sections of Inland Rail. This is a key section that will allow Inland Rail to be completed between Beveridge, in Victoria, and Parkes, in New South Wales, by 2027.

The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project got underway with a contract awarded to the Martinus Degnan Joint Venture to deliver the Loganlea Station Relocation project.

This project includes a brand-new Loganlea station to be built at a new location directly opposite Logan Hospital and close to Loganlea TAFE and Loganlea State High School.

Martinus was also awarded the Sydney Metro Southwest Metro Conversion and Station Works (SWM4) package to convert the Bankstown line to metro standards.

A total of 15 bridges and 66 locations, including car parks and roads, adjacent to the railway corridor between Sydenham and Bankstown will be upgraded as part of the contract scope.

The scale of the work is an exciting proposition for the company as it aims to be a leader in the rail space.

The company has strengthened its internal leadership with the appointment of Brett Gregory as the new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A high-calibre CFO and respected industry leader, Gregory’s appointment stands to enhance Martinus’ standing in the global railway industry.

With over 30 years of experience, including 18 at Lendlease where he served as CFO of Lendlease Building from 2017, Gregory brings a wealth of expertise in high performance, strategic growth, mergers and acquisitions, business structuring, and system transformations to his new role. His appointment comes at a dynamic time as Martinus continues to expand its reach across the railway sectors in Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Chile.

Gregory will join the executive team, alongside Chief Executive Officer Treaven Martinus and Chief Operating Officer Ryan Baden.

Treaven said Gregory’s financial acumen and transformational leadership style are well-aligned with the Martinus way.

“Gregory will be instrumental in Martinus’ continued leadership in the rail industry across Railway Development (InfraPay), Major Projects, Projects, Maintenance and Bulk Haulage,” he said.

“We also owe a big thanks to Tim Cocks in his role as acting CFO over the past year. We couldn’t have done it without him.”

ALIGNING DIVERSE INTERESTS FOR SUCCESS

Taking on a leadership role in rail is a complex concept that requires management of diverse stakeholders and clear communication. Zoë Cruice is one of the engineering managers at Martinus and works closely with numerous collaborators.

Cruice described most major projects as a series of sprints in an ultra-marathon –it takes a decisive and authoritative project leadership team to keep things moving along to the end.

She explained some of the key points she works through to ensure she is aligning the interests of all parties.

“We schedule regular and frequent meetings, with updates showing design drawings, to help get expectations aligned,” she said.

“Our regular meetings will include technical advisors from all parties, so that technical questions can be asked and answered on the spot instead of creating ambiguity.

“We then get agreed project specifications at the very beginning of the design process, to prevent costly rework and misalignment on expectations.”

Cruice said that all projects have competing and often conflicting constraints including community expectations, council requirements, state authority requirements, client’s budget and the contractor’s return brief.

IMAGES: MARTINUS

Martinus has been working to improve leadership in the rail industry.

“Scope should be agreed at the outset to ensure the contractor’s scope aligns with all these requirements,” she said.

“We make sure that the individuals we are working with understand their concerns have value and should not be dismissed if it does not align without scope or client’s budget,”

“Valuing someone’s concerns often sets the project and teams up for a better compromise and ensures success.”

MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION

olas Jaramillo Arango is another engineering manager at Martinus. He explained the value engineering process the company uses to ensure it delivers on major projects.

“Value engineering is based on the premise that a project has a certain ‘value’, which is measured as the ratio of function to cost,”

“If you increase the function, or lower the cost, the value is enhanced.

“Rail construction projects involve major capital investments, and changes in design could lead to significant changes in the total project cost. To achieve value for money outcomes it may be necessary to optimise the design, because change at the start of the project has far reaching effects.”

Arango explained that to incorporate value engineering it is important to define what constitutes value.

The questions to ask could be:

• is it a reduction in time, or out-turn cost?

• Is it enhancing system performance, operational and maintenance outcomes?

• Is it staging the works so that impacts to existing operations or to communities are mitigated?

The answer is often all of the above, Arango said.

“ Value engineering seeks to deliver solutions at the lowest possible cost without compromising the quality, reliability, or safety of the project,” he said.

He said it is important to ensure that key project objectives are maintained and not sacrificed, such as:

• system capacity and operational flexibility amenity

• aesthetics

• durability

• structural integrity

• function

• user benefits

• health and safety during construction and operation

• environmental performance

• sustainable outcomes.

He explained it is important that the cost/ benefit analysis to decide on proceeding with a value engineering exercise considers these objectives, and measures against them.

“Value engineering is a collaborative and structured process that involves defining the project scope, objectives, and criteria, analysing functions and costs of the project, generating alternatives, assessing and comparing alternatives, selecting and implementing the best alternative, and monitoring the benefits,” Arango said.

“Using value engineering can help the project team to address project challenges and achieve the project objectives.

“Recent examples include the SWM4 project where Martinus worked collaboratively with the client – Sydney Metro – to develop various technical solutions for errant and hostile vehicle mitigation treatments on road bridges spanning over a live operating railway.”

NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY IN RAIL PROJECTS

Delivering major rail projects can require complex management of many moving parts. Arango explained how Martinus achieves this.

“The importance of requirements management can be best understood by the fact that if it is missing, projects will cost more and fail more often,” he said.

“When done well, requirements management enables the project scope to be properly understood, assigned, processed, and addressed.”

Arango said requirements management allows effective scope control, aids in managing changes and controls scope expansion and ensuring project deliverables achieve the expected results.

“Often, stakeholders might not fully articulate their needs or might express them in vague terms,” he said.

“Incomplete requirements can lead to misunderstandings and discrepancies. To address this challenge, communication with stakeholders is essential.

“Poor change management can lead to disruptive project flow, errors in delivery, and lead to confusion and delay. Having a well-defined change management process is crucial, which includes procedures for requesting, evaluating, approving, and implementing changes.”

Nicolas Jaramillo Arango, engineering manager and Nick Windmiller, senior design manager.

The company uses ‘value engineering’ to support project success.

Plant and equipment

Tamping their authority

MATISA has developed a range of tamping solutions to suit the Australian market.

MATISA is one of the world’s leading providers of equipment and services for the rail industry. With a history dating back to 1945, the company is a pioneer in the industry, offering a comprehensive range of solutions centred around three core areas: maintenance, renewal, and construction of track networks.

The company emphasises close collaboration between engineers and designers, utilising the feedback from market managers to meet the needs of the constantly evolving rail industry.

MATISA is committed to ensuring the continuous operational availability of its machines through integrated solutions that combine cutting-edge products with comprehensive lifecycle management (LCM) services, maximising customer’s return on investment.

Managing director of MATISA Australia, Alfie Hunziker spoke about the Swiss company’s commitment to the Australian market.

“MATISA Australia Pty Ltd was established in 2018 for the purpose of assisting Australian customers with direct service,” he said. “MATISA Australia’s local technicians and engineers are factory trained and fully qualified to carry out inspections, maintenance and repairs to all OEM

components, including electronics and machine control systems.”

Hunziker said MATISA has a range of machines to suit the various gauge requirements throughout Australia and the local team works closely with head office to provide feedback on specific local network requirements.

“As a key player in the development of tomorrow’s global railway systems, MATISA is renowned for providing innovative, Swiss-engineered, highly reliable machine and service solutions to ensure safe track operations,” he said.

“MATISA has been continually improving its tamping machines. One of our main focuses is reducing the complexity of machines and still offering the best quality and systems required to achieve exceptional tamping results.

“Standardisation and modularisation initiatives have substantially decreased product complexity. This has led to tangible outcomes in terms of the standardisation of parts and components across machine types.”

Hunziker explained that the company’s modular manufacturing processes allow component sharing across MATISA’s machines. This creates simplicity for those maintaining the machines, particularly when working in remote areas across Australia.

MATISA tamping machines have a lower mass than similar machines, the tamping units employ elliptical tamping with two force components instead of one.

This tamping technology achieves the most durable track geometry, which increases the time between track maintenance and increases the service life of the track, which in turn drastically reduces the carbon dioxide (CO²) footprint of the track. In addition, the elliptical tamping at 42 hertz allows for softer penetration ensuring less ballast damage and better compaction.

NEW ENERGY OPTIMISATION

MATISA has developed the New Energy Optimisation (NEO) concept for its larger tamping machines. These machines use a combination of optimised drive systems, standby generators and solar to reduce the running time of the main engine.

These improvements reduce the fuel consumption by 15 per cent when the machine is sitting idle. The continued streamlining and standardisation of components, and better utilisation of the auxiliary generator, allow for the installation of a smaller main engine.

“MATISA is currently working to find the best suited power sources and drive systems for our track machines,” Hunziker said.

MATISA has been servicing Australia since 2018.

“We do not see one single path as the potential holy grail, but a more diverse and balanced approach to ensure a smooth transition from current fossil energy sources to future alternatives.

“We see our NEO concept machines as a first step towards developing machines with alternative power sources.”

Hunziker explained that the NEO concept is the result of optimising MATISA’s machines with current proven and available technologies without imposing prohibitive costs.

“Currently, the cost of fully new alternative power sources to suit tamping machines is prohibitively high,” he said. “The NEO concept is the most cost-effective approach MATISA sees at this moment.”

THE MACHINES

MATISA has a range of machines to suit the Australian market including the B 66 UC-D NEO ACTIVE, a continuous-action universal tamping machine engineered for heavy-duty turnout and plain track maintenance.

Equipped with eight individual tamping units fitted on a satellite system, it offers versatility for single or double sleeper tamping.

Designed for robustness, it excels in both turnout processing and prolonged continuous tamping of plain track.

The main engine is suited to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuels. Additionally, it is fully digitalised, ensuring seamless operation and enhanced efficiency.

It combines the above-mentioned NEO concept with tried and proven MATISA systems. As like all other MATISA tamping machines, the B66UC-D is equipped with MATISA’s optical measuring system NEMO. Additional measuring and recording systems can be added as required. The machine can

carry out tamping, stabilisation, brushing and recording in one pass.

“We have developed a unique inertial measuring system to allow for precise track recording during or after tamping operations,” Hunziker said.

“This new unit can measure the level lining, twist and gauge of the track. The B 66 UC-D can achieve high production rates and can process a basic turnout in less than 30 minutes.”

The B35C is MATISA’s smallest tamping machine on offer. It is a newly-designed single sleeper non-continuous machine.

“Due to MATISA’s modular design and manufacturing approach, this machine is equipped with the same heavy duty tamping units that are fitted to our largest universal tamping machines,” Hunziker said.

“The lifting and lining unit has the same track lifting and slewing forces as our largest tamping machines, allowing our smallest machine to pack quite a punch. The B35C can process a basic turnout in 40 minutes. Due to its compact size and weight, the machine can

The company has standardised equipment across all of its machines to make maintenance simpler.

be delivered with self-lifting units that allow for autonomous loading and unloading.”

The B35C is equipped with the latest Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and ergonomic human-machine interface to ensure ease of use for operators.

SERVICING AUSTRALIA

When the decision was made in 2018 to commit to supporting the Australian rail sector, the Swiss company wanted to ensure it was prepared to meet the needs of the industry.

It established its main office in Emu Heights in New South Wales. The 480 square-metre floor space includes offices, a workshop area and storage.

The workshop is equipped with stateof-the-art tools and machinery to enable precise and timely overhaul of components and assemblies. One of the main focuses is the overhaul and testing of tamping units and other major components out of MATISA machines for the various operators throughout Australia.

“Australia has a vast rail network, it will always be challenging to maintain all track sections to a high standard,” Hunziker said.

“MATISA Australia’s technical services manager is based in Perth to allow for direct and prompt support of our customers in Western Australia. If additional or highly specialised support is required, we can mobilise these from HQ or one of our other subsidiaries.”

Hunziker said that the company’s streamlined approach to designing and manufacturing tamping machines is just one example of its commitment to empowering railway innovation with purpose.

“As we continue to push the boundaries of technology and collaboration, we invite customers to discover how MATISA can support their railway projects and operations.”

The NEO system allows for more sustainable machine use.

Maintenance Proactive, not reactive

Managing director of Brimble, David Brimble speaks about the future of rail and rail maintenance and how the organisation is preparing its growth.

A third-generation rail worker, David Brimble has seen a lot in his time in the industry. Now as managing director of Brimble, he is looking towards the future of the sector.

Brimble believes many of the tried and tested methods seen in railway maintenance over the years will remain into the future, but how required work is understood will grow and improve in the years to come.

“What we are seeing as a shift in maintenance at the moment is digital measuring, which allows us to be more proactive through a condition-based approach,”

he said. “Over the past two years, most key networks have developed condition monitoring dashboard data systems that we can use to track the quality of the network.

“At the moment this data is often closed, but we see a need for it to be openly shared, which will put the information in the hands of the teams and equipment on the ground.”

Brimble believes it’s important that Australia moves towards a system where this data is readily available to maintenance teams and for the industry to have a single database that

“Everyone seems to be unsure if they should share this data as a risk management strategy, how it may be perceived if an incident occurs, or how customers using the lines may interpret the data,” Brimble said.

“I can see dramatic benefits if we open it up to allow our industry to improve.

“While our competitors would surely take advantage of the information, as well, it is better that we learn from each other to make our networks better and serve the community for longer.”

PLANNING

Brimble believes that less funding is being put aside to support preventative measures, which – as harsher weather events occur –can cause issues down the track.

“We are seeing with the recently announced resilience package program, governments are needing to put additional money aside to support protection of infrastructure,” he said.

“OpEx (operational expenditures) budgets are not able to keep up with that amount, so CapEx (capital expenditures) need to be invested in the future to ensure networks can stay resilient and we are not spending the money over and over again without solving the key issues.”

Brimble does believe that as an industry; rail can be too reactive to problems, and it needs to continue to push its ability to predict upcoming issues.

“When I say reactive, I mean we only look at what we need in the next 20, 30 or 40 years,” he said.

“We need to look to the next 100 years and change the way we view the work we do, so we are only investing once.

“It is not just for the next generation, but the generations that follow them. That is how we should be planning the work we do in rail and all of transport.”

MACHINES

Brimble explained the organisation is taking the same approach to its machines as it aims to be ready for what the future may hold in the rail maintenance space.

“One thing that is clear, is that these machines have to be automated in the future,” he said. “We have more than 100 assets now, all varying types, configurations

IMAGES: BRIMBLE

David Brimble is looking to the future of the industry as Brimble plans its growth.

The company is closely observing new technology entering the maintenance sector.

and technological levels, and we will continue to find better ways to automate and standardise our processes with these machines.

“We are in the process of automating our tampers and regulators and whilst this continues, we are now focused on our track renewal and ballast cleaning machines to develop automated and greener solutions in the near future.”

The organisation expects to be expanding its fleet by the hundreds in the coming years, with an importance being placed on the standardisation of its fleet.

“Our next phase will include small base machines that are automated and spread across the country,” Brimble said.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel – if the technology we need is out there already, we are happy to bring it on board and integrate it with our internally developed technology.

“We are not precious about designing a solution ourselves, we want something that will add value for the next century.”

SUSTAINABILITY

Brimble said that sustainable practices are something the company has been watching closely to understand where it can achieve greener outcomes across the business.

“We have been watching this space for the past five years and have been impressed by

how much it has strengthened amidst clear challenges,” he said.

“We are spending a lot of time understanding how we will approach it.”

“We are seeing a lot of movement in the industry, which is fantastic, and we expect to begin making greater investments in this space.”

Brimble expects the company to explore electric capabilities in the future utilising regeneration technology where possible.

“We only expect electric technology to get better in the coming years,” he said.

“Looking at years down the road, energy storage will be at the forefront. I believe if we focus on regeneration and how efficiently our energy is being used, this will reduce the level of storage required. This will be a key focus for us.

“Electric is the right way forward for greener rail as we will have greater efficiency on track due to lower wheel-to-rail friction and the regeneration potential is high.”

He explained that the industry needs to find more ways to harness the energy expended on track and truly maximise some of its greatest assets.

While Brimble understands that these changes are years away, he appreciates that the technology will continue to advance worldwide and the path for Australia will become clearer.

LOOKING AHEAD

Brimble said that integration is a key area for the rail sector moving forward. He explained that automated wagons or locomotives struggle to integrate currently, so the network needs to be more open.

“Widening corridors will give us the opportunity to move wider loads on rail as opposed to on trucks. We should not just look at the height of things but the width, so can we go two units high and two wide?” he said.

“We need to be focused on what we need well into the future.”

Brimble explained that the industry should not be focused on planning infrastructure that meets the needs here and now, but also well into the future. This will help filter how future projects are designed and built to support generations to come.

“On major projects, we should be thinking about three generations from now and if that would necessitate the construction of multiple lines rather than just one,” he said.

“We should be looking at how we procure equipment and teams. The industry should have enough work that when the teams and equipment are finished on one job, they go straight to the next.

“This is possible when we have a longer view and we can then create slots for major infrastructure projects.”

Brimble wants to see more data sharing across the rail industry to help plan improvements.

Locked in for Lockelec

Lockelec has cultivated a strong history supporting the rail sector and is ready to expand to further back the industry.

For over 12 years, Lockelec Rolling Stock has made its mark as a leading force in the Australian rail sector, distinguished by its drive for innovation, expertise in rapid prototyping, and excellence in manufacturing and assembly of critical components, both onshore and offshore.

As an Australian, family-owned business, Lockelec values its heritage and the diverse communities it serves, aiming to be more than a supplier—it strives to be a transformative partner within the industry.

At the heart of Lockelec’s mission is a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in rail travel. The company’s solutions are designed with the goal of creating a more inclusive world, enabling individuals of all abilities to travel with ease and dignity.

Led by managing director Stuart Lord and head of sales Pedro Henriquez, Lockelec fosters an inclusive culture that prioritises

people, whether they are passengers, clients, or employees.

This people-centred approach is evident in the company’s ongoing support of its workforce, which is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity fuels innovation and strengthens Lockelec’s mission, making it an environment where all voices are heard, and talent is nurtured.

The supportive, inclusive culture within Lockelec is highlighted by the experiences of two employees—Jen Croft and April Gommers. Both working mothers and longtime friends, they joined Lockelec at different times but for similar reasons: a need for flexibility, growth opportunities, and a workplace where they could thrive. Croft, who joined as a field services and administrative co-ordinator in May 2023, had previously worked at a large corporate firm that offered

little room for growth or work-life balance. Initially apprehensive about finding a role that would support her needs as a mother working part-time, Croft soon discovered that Lockelec’s supportive environment was exactly what she had been looking for.

The company encouraged her input in streamlining systems, and her contributions were quickly recognised, leading to her promotion to accounts officer. Inspired by her new role, Croft is now returning to study to further her qualifications in this area, a testament to the growth Lockelec encourages among its employees.

In February 2024, when a personal assistant position became available, Croft recommended Gommers for the role. Gommers, who had been working in a job with rigid hours that limited her time with her young family, was drawn to Lockelec after hearing about Croft’s positive experience.

Stuart Lord and Saeed Yousefi at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

Upon joining as a sales and personal assistant, Gommers found herself welcomed into a culture where her skills and potential were valued. Within months, she was promoted to business co-ordinator, a role that allowed her to manage projects and grow in new ways. Both Croft and Gommers emphasise the inclusive, family-oriented environment at Lockelec, and they are proud to contribute to a business that genuinely values teamwork, inclusivity, and personal development.

This dedication to inclusivity extends beyond Lockelec’s internal culture and into its products and services. The company is recognised for its accessibility solutions, delivering fully certified, compliant products to rail operators across Australia.

Lockelec’s work in disability access highlights its commitment to meeting the unique needs of all passengers, ensuring that public transport is a viable option for everyone. Navigating the complexities of disability access is no small feat; this area of work is often regarded as problematic within the industry, given the challenging standards and frequent revisions to accessibility requirements. However, Lockelec embraces these challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve.

“In this space, the scope is rarely as straightforward as it appears,” Lord said. “Our years of experience and lessons from real-world deliverables enable us to achieve successful outcomes for all stakeholders.”

testing, sourcing, engineering support, audits, and inspections under one roof, Lockelec streamlines the entire development process, saving its clients valuable time and resources. This holistic approach promotes open collaboration and ensures that each project aligns with operators’ specific needs and requirements.

Henriquez said Lockelec has overseen full fleet overhauls of critical components, including train door fleets, to improve safety and extend the operational life of these parts.

“Our team has overhauled multiple door fleets, enhancing safety and extending their operational life to meet modern standards,” he said. “We work closely with client

Lord said this commitment to ongoing support reflects Lockelec’s belief in building long-term partnerships based on trust and reliability.

“We’re committed to building longterm partnerships,” he said. “We aim to be a supplier you can truly lean on, offering solutions that help our partners excel within their organisations.”

Recognition of Lockelec’s industry excellence is reflected in its status as a finalist for the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards for the second consecutive year. This honour is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Lockelec team.

“It’s an honour to stand alongside other remarkable manufacturers,” Lord said. “These awards represent the dedication and expertise our team brings every day, and they inspire us to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in the rail sector.”

Looking to the future, Lord and Henriquez are enthusiastic about the opportunities.

Lockelec has ongoing projects with OEMs and operators that will strengthen its partnerships and drive growth.

“We have a bright future ahead,” Lord said. “With a track record of success, innovation, nimble structure, and accountability, we’re well-prepared to support the rail sector’s evolving demands.”

As Lockelec moves forward, it remains focused on building a more inclusive and accessible world, one rail solution at a time. This commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence ensures that Lockelec continues to make a meaningful impact on the industry, supporting both operators and passengers while remaining true to its core values. Whether through pioneering new accessibility solutions, nurturing talent, or fostering strong partnerships, Lockelec is prepared to meet the challenges of the future and continue as a leader in the rail sector.

Accounts officer, Jen Croft and business co-ordinator April Gommers.

The company is well known for improving disability access to rolling stock.

Decarbonisation

Decarbonisation solutions for rail

Ricardo has established itself in Australia as a supporter of the local industry and is leveraging its global expertise to better support rail’s move to decarbonise.

Australasian Railway Association (ARA) Young Leaders Advisory board (Y-LAB) for two years. He continues to support ARA by being a member of the Sustainability Committee and the Rolling Stock Decarbonisation Working Group.

When joining Ricardo, Martin Gistau entered the rail business unit, one of the company’s largest units.

“We are a global strategic, environmental and engineering consultancy that operates in the intersection between transport, energy and global climate agendas,” Martin Gistau said.

“We have expertise in mobility, along with energy and sustainability. For those working in the transport space we can provide a solution that they are looking for.

“We have done a lot of work in the decarbonisation of buses, heavy vehicles and even transitioning to hydrogen vehicles with the Toyota Hilux in the United Kingdom. The

lessons we learn from these industries can help us in supporting the growth of the rail industry in Australia.”

SUSTAINABILITY AND RAIL

Martin Gistau and the team at Ricardo have worked closely with a range of stakeholders in Australia to assist the decarbonisation journey.

In South Australia the organisation worked with the state’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) to begin the renewal process of its rolling stock by understanding the viability of sustainable options such as electric, battery-electric or hydrogen fuelcell trains.

In 2022, Ricardo was chosen to prepare a detailed feasibility and technology study for the Belair, Outer Harbor and Grange rail lines. The study was used to guide the DIT’s decisions over the renewal program for the routes.

Martin Gistau explained that Ricardo looks closely at the existing train operations and then establishes which technology options the client could utilise to meet the gap they may see in their decarbonisation efforts.

“You could have more than 10 different technologies you could choose from, and it is about establishing which technology is the best fit for each application,” he said.

“From that point, we continue working on the strategic business case adding in financial and economic modelling to support these significant investments. That can particularly help governments setting up budgets and working to secure funding.

“Once funding is secured, we work with the client through the tender phase and help develop technical specifications to go to market. We work with them all the way through to testing and commissioning.”

Jorge Martin Gistau with SAH2H Chairman Graham Dooley.

IMAGES: RICARDO

Martin Gistau said Ricardo will often work on a project from the very early stages all the way to completion and any part in between. He went on to explain the methodology the company uses when establishing technology solutions.

“As a company, we are technology agnostic and therefore, we consider a range of net zero technologies like alternative fuels, hydrogen, battery electric, and full electrification,” he said.

“Technology is evolving quickly, and we can see different trends coming up in countries around the world. It is important we do not get tied down to one form of technology so we can provide the right solution for any challenge.

“This is the benefit of a company like Ricardo that offers support across the entire value chain and is exposed to global projects and markets. We are uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive support to international clients, providing policy and regulatory advice, including insights into the environmental impacts of products and the supply chain.”

WORKING WITH DIVERSE CLIENTS

The challenge in rail, Martin Gistau explained, is that every organisation or government entity is different and faces unique challenges.

“Different entities are at different maturity levels in the sense of decarbonisation and sustainability,” he said.

“We support our clients by immersing ourselves in the organisation we are working with. For example, I recently moved to Adelaide to support a client in South Australia and on other projects we have had team members move into offices of clients to again, provide that embedded resource.”

expanding its hydrogen test facility at its headquarters in Shoreham-by-Sea, UK. Delivering state-of-the-art test and advanced development capabilities in both alternative fuels and electric vehicles, the facility will significantly increase the range of hydrogen and fuel cell services and solutions delivered to Ricardo’s global customers.

Martin Gistau is also a board member at the SA-H2H.

“Our goal at SA-H2H is to bring together the best in South Australia to accelerate the global hydrogen supply chain and to delivery hydrogen supply chain scale in South Australia. At Ricardo, we are proud of being able to support this transition alongside other SA-H2H members.

“On a personal note, it is a privilege and an honour to be a board member of an organisation which is driving the industry towards decarbonisation. It is always rewarding when you are part of

an organisation that is aligned with your personal values and motivations”.

Martin Gistau believes Australia is in a unique position to make this sustainable transition. He noted a recent report released in June by the Australasian Railway Association titled The critical path to decarbonise Australia’s rail rollingstock, which stated that 50 per cent of the rolling stock in the country will need to be replaced within the next eight to 13 years.

Martin Gistau said that as technology develops it will be ready to meet the changing needs of the industry as required.

“I believe in Australia it will not be one size fits all, it will be a combination of different technologies including hydrogen, other alternative fuels, battery-electric and electrification.

“We will continue to study the different technologies as they develop to deliver solutions for the industry.”

Ricardo also leans heavily on its international experience to support the local rail sector.

Martin Gistau said that often a problem that someone in Australia is currently facing has occurred overseas so the organisation can take those learnings and bring it to the local sector.

“On this project in South Australia I worked closely with the team in the United Kingdom (UK) as they had delivered similar projects in the UK and Latvia,” he said.

“It is very much a strength of Ricardo, that we can lean on this vast international network that has worked on a number of innovative projects. We are doing more than just ‘desktop assessments’, we are taking every opportunity to learn and improve what is being offered to the industry.”

The company prides itself on being more than just a consulting organisation, recently

Ricardo’s ConnectHEV plug-in hybrid showcases Ricardo’s capability in integrating connected technology solutions to improve consumer experience of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Ricardo played a key role in the launch of HydroFLEX, the UK’s first hydrogen-powered train.

A trusted consultant

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has continuously shown its dedication to improving the railway network with its unique and tailored services.

As an independent safety, standards and research body for Great Britain’s rail network, The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) strives to evolve the railway network and improve safety, efficiency, customer satisfaction and sustainability across all projects.

Working across Britain’s railway, RSSB rail consultancy ensures its experts are available on a project-by-project basis to support existing and new rail projects. It primarily advises clients on

reducing system risk and supporting safe and effective operations.

The company helps guide an organisation to make safe, defensible decisions by providing toolkits, insights and resources, ensuring operational safety is at an optimal level.

With a focus on reducing industry cost and supporting freight growth, RSSB is now looking to bring its experience and knowledge to the Asia Pacific. Recognising the connection between the region and

the UK’s rail network, RSSB believes the transition to Australia will make the sharing of knowledge and ideas simpler.

And with more than two decades supporting the UK and international rail projects, the company has no shortage of examples of its hands-on experience to showcase its effective solutions.

TIMETABLING IN THE UK

One past client engaged RSSB to modernise railway timetabling, so that the new system

IMAGES: RSSB

The organisation is taking its commitment to improving the rail sector to the global market.

was a single, integrated, and properly coordinated timetable planning system.

RSSB brought its expertise in to revamp timetabling standards that would lead to an enhanced and improved process for the UK railway industry.

Due to the sector having faced a national timetable challenge which caused significant passenger delays during peak hours, the client wanted to turn to a trusted expert with an existing relationship with the infrastructure owner. RSSB was chosen due its prior experience working on control, command, and signalling (CCS) shared systems on the Great Britain (GB) mainline railway.

RSSB’s role on this project was to identify target areas for railway timetabling standardisation.

Using a detailed analysis of the GB rail business architecture, the team implemented certain standards to modernise GB mainline timetabling resulting in a comprehensive project plan.

With an understanding of project requirements, RSSB listened to the desires of the client and avoided any repetition of timetabling confusion and passenger delays during the next set of timetable changes.

The project concluded after a six-month period, with detailed recommendations supplied by RSSB which were used by the infrastructure owner to prioritise which standards needed to be changed and in what order.

RISK ASSESSMENTS IN THE UK

On a separate project, a light rail tram operator needed to conduct a review of common safety methods for risk evaluation on unmanned train stations that operate on unsecure tram networks.

The light rail tram operator required the support of RSSB to provide expertise on two key risks.

The first was associated with the platform train interface. RSSB assessed the risk of potential incidents involving members of the public falling or becoming trapped in the gap between tram and platform edge.

The second involved assessing the risk of passengers falling into the gap between the carriages, which could happen as a result of coupler surfing or moving between trams.

RSSB was tasked with undertaking a tram operation risk assessment review which was then delivered in the form of recommendations to the client.

An RSSB system safety engineer and principal system safety engineer used RSSB guidance documents to ensure

their recommendations were aligned with good industry practice, while identifying whether risks had been recorded correctly in the recommendations.

The project scope included recommendations for the tram operator to generate risk assessments that target operational areas of improvement.

RSSB provided recommendations that aligned its risk assessment practices to best practice in rail, which enabled the tram operator to help target risk management activities in the most effective and appropriate way.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN SOUTH AMERICA

RSSB experts work every day to solve the complex challenges faced by rail operators, infrastructure partners, and suppliers both in the UK and internationally.

Outside of the UK, a South American country needed to develop a new regulatory framework for its railway.

For this project, RSSB was approached

at a government level to provide specialist recommendations.

This project was structured into two phases: a detailed assessment of the problem, followed by developing the regulation framework roadmap.

Applying their wide-ranging expertise, RSSB specialists performed a rapid assessment of the current railway systems within the country.

This involved identifying relevant regulatory governance, systems, and assigned responsibilities.

With these findings, experts shared a detailed summary report with stakeholders which answered a number of questions.

The report was used to set key objectives for a new rail regulatory framework by holding a facilitated workshop to establish and define program goals, planned activities, and desired results.

At the conclusion of the project, a meeting was held with all stakeholders to outline the roadmap and propose next steps to enact the regulatory framework.

The company worked closely with GB Rail to improve its timetabling.

RSSB has robust risk assessment capabilities.

Industry associations

Supporting industry mental health

TrackSAFE is taking a deep look at mental health in the rail industry.

Disclaimer: Some people may find the content of this report confronting or distressing. The information included here places an emphasis on data, and as such, can appear to depersonalise the pain and loss behind the statistics. If this material raises concerns for you contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

TrackSAFE is a registered harm prevention charity, comprising of a small team, with a big mission. Through its extensive network of partnerships and by collaborating with other organisations and subject matter experts, TrackSAFE is making its mark by working together to save lives and improve the wellbeing of the rail workforce.

Rail Express recently spoke with TrackSAFE’s executive director, Heather Neil about the organisation’s journey, approach to harm prevention and key projects.

JOSH: WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO TRACKSAFE IN 2020?

Heather: Prior to taking this role, I’d worked in the not-for-profit sector for decades, in leadership, advocacy and behaviour change roles – across several different social issues. These organisations had large profiles, were mostly funded by donations from members of the public, with their purpose and mission very much part of public discourse. What I found attractive about TrackSAFE

was the commitment of the rail industry to prevention, and that so much of its work happens quietly behind the scenes. TrackSAFE isn’t widely known in the public domain, but the rail industry’s collective support of our role is humbling.

I recall my first site visit in Melbourne. As a commuter I had never thought about the people, equipment and technology required to make trains and trams move, and I had no appreciation of the risks, challenges and impact that trespassers can have on rail workers and the operation of the network. And I saw first-hand the kindness of many rail workers in their approach with passengers and other members of the public.

JOSH: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY ISSUES TRACKSAFE IS FOCUSED ON?

Heather: Trespass is a key issue – and can take many forms. There is trespass where selfharm is involved, or a person that frequently presents to the rail network creating a safety risk, resulting in network disruptions. It may

be opportunistic such as pedestrians taking a shortcut across the tracks because it’s quicker than walking to a bridge, underpass or designated crossing. Then there’s vandalism and other risky behaviours such as train surfing. Add into this mix pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle drivers not following the rules at railway crossings.

It has been insightful to learn more about how some of these groups perceive risk, and this helps to inform our rail safety community and school education activities.

Tragically, most deaths that occur on the Australian rail network are from people taking their own life. Every life lost and injury on the rail network is a tragedy and the impacts on family, friends, communities, rail and recovery staff and witnesses can be profound.

These incidents, together with thousands of near hits each year, can cause trauma and work-related stress and illness to rail and recovery staff.

There’s an average of 101 fatalities per year (73 suicides and suspected suicides and

TrackSAFE is making its mark by working to save lives and improve the wellbeing of the rail workforce.

28 other fatalities), or almost two each week. Most occur in Victoria (44 per cent) followed by New South Wales (30 per cent), Queensland (12 per cent), Western Australia (9 per cent) and South Australia (5 per cent) and seven in the Northern Territory and Tasmania and two in the Australian Capital Territory.

JOSH: WHAT’S TRACKSAFE’S APPROACH TO THESE ISSUES?

Heather: Since its inception in 2012, TrackSAFE has been active in supporting research and staying up to date with national and international learnings so we have a strong evidence base to our advocacy.

We know there’s not just one solution. Instead, we need multiple actions delivered holistically. Evidence shows that restricting access to the rail corridor through fencing, other barriers, and the removal of railway crossings can prevent suicides by more than 90 per cent and is the most effective measure to prevent suicide in public places. Research also shows no evidence of these suicides are displaced to another public location.

Melbourne is the most open rail network in Australia, with the greatest number of fatalities and injuries from trespass – as such it’s an area of high priority for our advocacy work. We recently commissioned an economic impact study on the Victorian passenger network that shows that fencing the rest of the Melbourne heavy rail network and higher risk locations on the regional network would cost less than just one year of network disruptions caused by trespass and near hit incidents.

To promote rail safety amongst the community, we deliver rail safety campaigns, including taking the lead on Rail Safety Week each August. We also have education resources for early childhood education, primary schools and next year resources for rail safety for teenagers.

JOSH: ARE THERE THINGS THAT ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WORKING IN RAIL CAN DO TO HELP?

Heather: We’re very fortunate to have 54 corporate supporters from across the rail supply chain who share our vision. Our arms are open for any other organisations to join.

In addition to fencing and barriers, we know that encouraging people to seek help is another key suicide prevention measure. Our decade-long partnership with Lifeline Australia includes our joint public awareness campaigns that encourage individuals to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, whether they are in crisis or just needing someone to talk to. The Pause.Call.Be Heard signage is used

widely in the rail corridor as well as being delivered digitally in bursts to those in and near the corridor. Ongoing promotion of this and other help-seeking services is needed.

We also know intervention by a third party can also reduce suicide. TrackSAFE’s free 30-minute Suicide Awareness Training increases knowledge, skills and confidence to safely intervene if someone is at risk. The training is designed specifically for rail workers in Australia and New Zealand. By completing this training, you could save a life. Materials to help you promote the training in your workplace are available.

JOSH: THE IMPACT OF THESE INCIDENTS MUST BE WIDESPREAD?

Heather: The impact of fatalities, injuries and near hits is far reaching – there’s a ripple effect.

In addition to what rail organisations offer their workplace, TrackSAFE also offers useful resources and activities.

Rail as an industry has been early adopters in creating mentally healthy workplaces but there is still more to do. We were the first industry to have our own dedicated R U OK?, and this has become a movement of genuine connection. As an industry we’re fortunate

to have a growing list of champions making sure ‘R U OK?’ is a question we’re prepared to ask any day. Next year’s Rail R U OK? is 3rd April 2025.

It is a tragic reality that, in the course of their work, many train drivers and other rail workers will be impacted by incidents that may involve death, injury, a near hit or antisocial behaviour.

In 2023 TrackSAFE published our updated Rail Industry Trauma Management Framework The purpose of this framework is to provide information and guidance to the rail industry on the best practice approach to trauma management for all rail employees. It is intended to provide a uniform approach that can help employers prepare for and minimise the risk of adverse psycho-social outcomes following a potentially traumatic event.

TrackSAFE also has developed training that enables trainers from within rail organisations to deliver updated courses that align with the framework.

Trainers who have completed the workshop and related activities will be approved to deliver three courses: Psychological First Aid for first responders,

TrackSAFE executive director, Heather Neil.

Major projects

The year that was

As we come to the end of the year, Rail Express takes the opportunity to look back at the industry’s 2024 milestones.

Australia is in the midst of a rail revolution, with major projects across the country to expand the network. December is a good time to look back at these highlights and celebrate the industry’s successes.

A number of projects are not slated to begin taking passengers until 2025 and 2026, but many hit major milestones this year.

NEW SOUTH WALES

The city that arguably underwent the most seismic shift in 2024 was Sydney, thanks to the opening of the Sydney Metro city section.

The inaugural passenger journey under the harbour departed from Sydenham Station’s Platform 1 at 4:54am on the 19th of August. This city section includes an additional

15.5-kilometres of metro rail extending the North West line from Chatswood, below the harbour and through the Sydney CBD, to Sydenham.

New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns congratulated everybody who worked hard to bring the major project to fruition.

“It’ll be a huge change for Sydney and a big step forward,” he said at the opening.

“Obviously, this will see hundreds of thousands of people get to work in a different way.

“This is a massive piece of transport infrastructure, and in part, credit should go to former Premier Mike Baird, his successor, Gladys Berejiklian, and her successor, Dominic Perrottet. It will genuinely transform the way people get to and from

work, and it’ll be fantastic, so Sydney, enjoy the experience.”

The success of the project was evident as one month after the opening, Sydney Metro announced that services would be upped to every five minutes instead of the previous seven. This came as five million passengers used the 8,500 services in the first month.

The New South Wales Government also hit major milestones on its existing passenger networks, completing its Rail Repair Plan in mid 2024, resulting in fewer incidents and more reliable journeys.

Announced in June 2023, the Rail Repair Plan means passengers are now spending 35 per cent less time dealing with train delays related to infrastructure failures.

New Zealand is improving its movement of freight by opening an intermodal freight hub in Fairfield.

Sydney Trains engaged 2500 workers to fix 2116 defects, resurface 468 kilometres of track, replace 1163 train stop rams and remove 193 temporary speed restrictions.

It is not just the city that is undergoing upgrades in New South Wales. Major works are underway on a $54.1 million rail project to ease congestion between Melbourne and Sydney.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) project, which is being supported by a $41.56 million contribution by the Federal Government, will deliver overtaking opportunities for trains at Werai in the Southern Highlands, and Joppa Junction near Goulburn.

When completed, the Southern Highlands Overtaking Opportunities project will allow for more efficient movement of freight and passenger rail services, enabling freight trains up to 1,800 metres in length to be overtaken by faster services on the crucial Sydney to Melbourne rail line.

Light Rail has also been a major focus for the state with a number of milestones reached this year. Parramatta Light Rail entered its final testing stages, with an opening date yet to be confirmed at the time of publication.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 received final project planning approval after the Federal Minister for Environment and Water endorsed the Western Sydney mega project.

A $322 million contract was awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd to deliver the first part of the project – construction of the first 1.3 kilometres of new light rail alignment, including a 320 metre bridge over the Parramatta River, with construction set to begin in 2025.

VICTORIA

Victoria has a range of exciting infrastructure

projects currently underway but one that is nearing completion is the Metro Tunnel. It is expected the tunnel will open in 2025, a year ahead of schedule.

Construction was completed on Arden Station, making it the first of five stations to be finished after nearly six years of construction.

Parkville was next, providing easy rail access to Victoria’s world-renowned health and education precinct when it opens to passengers next year. The station includes entrances directly outside the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The University of Melbourne. It also has a 44-metre-long pedestrian underpass beneath Royal Parade to make crossing the road easier and safer.

The third station to be completed this year was Anzac Station, which will connect passengers to jobs, schools and iconic destinations including the Shrine of

Remembrance, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park.

New and complex testing began in 2024 which involves repeatedly running systems and technologies that have never been used on the network.

The rigorous phase includes opening and closing platform screen doors at least 30,000 times to make sure they match each of the new modern High-Capacity Metro Trains that are set to join the network.

Melbourne’s famous tram network will have new operators from this month.

Transport operators Transdev and John Holland have formed a consortium – Yarra Journey Makers – to run Melbourne’s tram network, the longest network in the world, for the next nine years.

The Yarra Journey Makers consortia signed a $6.8 billion contract to operate the network, which manages 500 trams, 1,600 tram stops, 24 routes and more than 250 kilometres of double track.

From 1 December 2024, Transdev and John Holland will operate under the Yarra Trams brand and progressively deliver improvements to services and customer experience.

Preparations ramped up for the start of tunnelling on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) in 2024, with tunnelling beginning in the SRL East section.

From brand new train lines to Australia’s oldest train station, Flinders Street Station celebrated its 170th birthday in 2024. It remains the busiest station on the metropolitan network – serving more than 19 million passengers over the past year.

Melbourne received a major boost to its Airport Rail link. All stakeholders confirmed a new premium station will be built at

The Sydney Metro city section opened in 2024, heralding a new connection for the capital city.

2024 saw Melbourne’s tram network refranchised to the Yarra Journey Makers consortium.

IMAGE: SYDNEY METRO

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Major projects

Melbourne Airport. Design of the new station and its connections to the Airport terminals, and the future Suburban Rail Loop, is underway.

Both State and Federal governments have each committed $5 billion to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, and upgrading Sunshine Station is the critical first part of the project.

A $63.5 million investment will begin plans to rebuild Sunshine Station and unlock capacity for future upgrades in the west.

Outside of the city, the Regional Rail Revival resulted in some major milestones in Geelong that will allow for more consistent and frequent trains for the community.

Trains returned to the line following intensive works that duplicated eight kilometres of track, upgraded Marshall and South Geelong stations and removed two level crossings.

Trains will now travel over new rail bridges at Fyans Street and Surf Coast Highway, with the removal of the two level crossings reducing congestion for the tens of thousands of drivers who use these roads each day.

Freight capacity was improved on both the Yelta and the Murray Basin lines. A passing loop was extended at Emu with 500 metres of track laid to extend the loop allowing 1,200-metre freight trains to pass each other. A passing loop at Elmhurst between Ararat and Maryborough will make it easier for producers to get their wares from their paddocks in the state’s northwest to port.

QUEENSLAND

Queensland is in the midst of its rail revolution with the Cross River Rail project edging closer to completion. It is expected construction will be completed in 2025 and will begin taking passengers in 2026.

In a significant milestone for the project, the first train entered one of the project’s twin tunnels and arrived at a new underground station platform for the first time earlier this year.

The train’s almost four-kilometre journey, conducted over two days of testing, travelled from the Mayne Yard stabling facility to the new Roma Street underground station platform.

The centrepiece of Cross River Rail is the Roma Street station and construction has been charging ahead at the site. A number of the 20 escalators have been installed and various architectural finishes are now visible, including panels for the station’s permanent walls and final touches to the baffle ceilings, which will help absorb sound in the massive underground space.

of Brisbane as well and is doing so by committing funding to the Sunshine Coast rail line. It will invest a further $1.15 billion, taking the Commonwealth’s investment to $2.75 billion, to ensure Stage 1 of the project can be delivered.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will extend the South East Queensland rail network from the North Coast Line at Beerwah to Caloundra. The first stage will include 19-kilometres of dual track built from Beerwah to Caloundra, making it the longest spur line in the south east passenger network.

Queensland’s deputy premier Cameron Dick revealed the government’s record $107 billion Big Build capital program in 2024, which will deliver a range of projects including transport infrastructure.

Of the record $107 billion, more than $27 billion in capital works will be delivered next financial year alone. The forward estimates reflect increases in construction activity, which includes $2.1 billion for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail.

The 75th and final New Generation Rollingstock train to undergo an accessibility upgrade entered service in 2024, marking the completion of upgrades to the entire fleet.

The Queensland Government invested more than $335 million into the upgrade of the entire South East Queensland train fleet, in response to a 2018 Commission of Inquiry which found the trains were seriously flawed and not disability compliant.

The fleet was upgraded in consultation with the disability sector to include larger toilet modules, additional priority seats, greater signage including tactile text

customers with limited dexterity.

Queensland began its trial of 50 cent fares in 2024 and records tumbled immediately. Patronage increased across all modes during the first week of the trial with South East Queensland public transport use returning to 98.5 per cent of pre-COVID levels for the week.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

For Western Australia, the METRONET project is dominating the state’s news, and it has been another exciting year for the project.

A momentous moment this year was the opening of the Yanchep Rail Extension on 15 July. The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension project extended the Joondalup Line 14.5 kilometres north from Butler, with three new stations built in Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line will officially open on Sunday, 8 December, delivering on a commitment to provide highquality, affordable public transport to Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line will be the largest public transport project delivered in Perth since the Mandurah Line was opened by the Western Australia Government more than 16 years ago.

The new Bayswater Station, one of the biggest outside of the CBD, was officially completed in 2024. The METRONET Bayswater Station will become the meeting point for three separate train lines – it is already servicing the Midland and Airport lines, with METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line trains to commence later in 2024.

Malaga Station, which will be formally named Ballajura Station to better reflect

The METRONET program achieved a number of milestones in 2024.

the location and the residential community, was the second station to be finished in the works.

The station will be a 21-minute journey to Perth city connecting to the lines serving the suburbs Ballajura, Landsdale, Alexander Heights, Malaga, and Bennett Springs.

A major signalling contract was announced in 2024 with a 10-year, $1.6 billion contract awarded to AD Alliance – Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd and DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd – to design, supply and build Perth’s High-Capacity Signalling project (HCS).

HCS will replace and significantly upgrade the signalling and train control systems on Perth’s rail network, allowing more trains to run more often and ultimately increasing capacity by 40 per cent.

For Western Australia, it is more than just the passenger network that is being upgraded. In the 2024–25 Budget, the Federal Government committed $33.5 million towards planning works to support the development of Westport.

The Westport project is the linchpin for future trade growth in Western Australia. It includes planning for a new port and the connected road, rail and logistics operations required to move container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana.

With the opening of a new $25 million freight transfer terminal in Kenwick around 200,000 containers will be moved annually by rail between Fremantle Port, the future Westport and Kenwick, meaning an estimated drop in truck journeys by 135,000 a year.

The Western Australian Government also committed funding to establish an iron ore railcar manufacturing production line and a centre of excellence in Karratha.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

From 25 August, train services began on the new spur rail line into Port Dock following a $51 million rebuild allowing those who visit and work in Port Adelaide to be better connected.

As part of the project, a new Port Dock Railway Station and plaza at Baker Street, and bus interchange at the existing Lipson Street car park has been established.

The Adelaide Railway Station restoration was completed in 2024 returning the station to its former glory. The balcony was delicately restored in 2023, following the removal of a pedestrian airbridge, which was introduced across the Adelaide Railway Station concourse in the 1980s to create a VIP access to the Adelaide Casino.

The removal of the airbridge – which has sat obsolete since 2021 – allowed for the reinstatement of a missing section of the central balcony, plus returned unobstructed views along the grand concourse for the first time in almost 30 years.

Installation of the replica heritage lamps marked the completion of the five-month restoration project.

The state also announced the removal of a tram level crossing in Morphetville, with it set to be replaced with a tram overpass. The project will greatly benefit the 25,600 motorists who drive through the level crossing every day, reducing lengthy delays, particularly during peak times when the boom gates are down for up to 16 minutes each hour.

NEW ZEALAND

For New Zealand, the City Rail Link project in Auckland has been front of mind for 2024

with a number of milestones hit as the project moves toward a projected opening date of 2026.

In 2024, the project completed installation of the second and final railway line below the central city. The newly laid 3.4 kilometres of track will carry trains underground north from Maungawhau Station at Eden Terrace and connect with the two new central city ones – Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu – and downtown’s Waitematā Station (Britomart).

New CRL signalling systems were integrated with those already in operation, allowing trains to operate seamlessly and safely between the new tunnels and the existing network.

The intermodal Fairfield Freight Hub was officially opened in 2024, at an event attended by Transport Minister Simeon Brown, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown and senior managers from the Wareing Group and KiwiRail.

KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy said the hub is great news for KiwiRail and the Ashburton area.

“Mid Canterbury is a base for moving significant container volumes to South Island ports and around New Zealand, whether it’s grain, seed, horticultural produce or meat,” he said.

“However, our existing container terminal in central Ashburton was too small to meet today’s freight demand.

“Working with the Wareing Group to move operations to Fairfield, and with support from the Ashburton District Council and Central Government, we will increase the amount of local freight carried by rail from 6,000 containers to 20,000 containers a year.”

The Queensland Government updated the 75th and final rollingstock to improve disability accessibility.

Industry associations

A look back at 2024

In 2024, the Australasian Railway Association marked several significant milestones in key policy areas and published five major research reports.

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) released five separate reports this year, which included the harmonisation of rail standards, rollingstock decarbonisation, progressing gender equality and the economic benefits of rail to New Zealand.

Our advocacy has seen government increase investment in rail freight resilience and strengthen its focus on rail’s mode share. We have also seen the commencement of national type approval trials, greater engagement between government and industry on emissions reduction strategies, as well as increased support for local rail manufacturing with the opening of the Rail Collaboration Centre in Western Australia.

The ARA also released the 2024 Sustainability Strategy, a new Young Leaders Advisory Board Strategy (Y-LAB), welcomed new members to Y-LAB, and awarded six young rail professional scholarships at the ARA High Speed Rail Conference held in Sydney in October.

In 2025, our exclusive Future Leaders Program returns, designed to foster leadership skills for the next generation of rail professionals.

We are a founding partner of the new Champions of Change Rail Group and provided 13 scholarship opportunities in

Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Railway Association

The ARA also launched an Australian-first Professional Certificate in Rail in October, released three new professional development courses and collaborated with several universities to introduce rail-specific courses.

Our new Member Handbook has been released and our membership has grown to more than 230 organisations across Australia and New Zealand.

Standards Research Report in October. Together with government, the rail industry is working towards a national approach to harmonising standards and greater interoperability.

The report was jointly funded by the ARA, National Transport Commission (NTC), the Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC) and the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB). It is a watershed moment for the rail industry, providing a body of evidence to progress this essential program of reform.

Prepared by GHD Advisory, the report proposes a national body to oversee the development of a National Rail Standards Harmonisation Strategy, in conjunction with industry, and identifies several key initiatives.

An Australian-first trial to adopt a nationally standardised approval system for rail and road projects is underway, following advocacy by the ARA. The trial between the New South Wales and Victorian governments means new products used in rail or road infrastructure projects must meet minimum regulatory, technical and safety standards to obtain approval across both jurisdictions.

We are encouraged to see other jurisdictions signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to implement the national type approval framework for a more harmonised approach.

Caroline Wilkie,

The Harmonisation of Rail Standards launch earlier this year.

ARA officials attended the opening of the Rail Collaboration Centre at Karratha, which is operated by the CORE Innovation Hub.

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ARA

FREIGHT RESILIENCE

Following on from the release of the ARAFreight on Rail Group landmark report Future of Freight in November 2023, the ARA made submissions to the Victorian Freight Policy Reform Program, the New South Wales Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program and the National Freight and Supply chain Strategy Review Report on the benefits of increased mode share of rail freight and the reforms required to achieve this.

It was very pleasing to see $1 billion in critical investment from the Australian Government and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to improve the resilience and reliability of essential national rail infrastructure in the Federal Budget 2024-25, following extensive advocacy by the ARA and rail freight stakeholders.

The ARA also attended a monthly roundtable, hosted by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources on national supply chain issues, following expansion to include the rail sector.

In August, the ARA attended the official opening of the Rail Collaboration Centre (RCC) at Karratha, which is operated by the CORE Innovation Hub, by Western Australia’s Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, Stephen Dawson.

The ARA, as foundation partner, convened the first meeting of the RCC Steering Committee, with representatives from Rio Tinto, BHP, Fortescue and Roy Hill. The collaboration will enable heavy haulers to progress supply chain localisation and local manufacturing, improve workforce availability and mobility, and support net zero targets.

We have also partnered with the NTC on a research project that seeks to better understand the lack of comprehensive public data on rail freight.

SUSTAINABILITY

The ARA has increased engagement with government and industry to develop policies to support emissions reduction, the adoption of alternative fuels and measures to improve sustainability performance.

The ARA took part in the consultation on the Federal Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap in June and lodged a submission to the roadmap, highlighting the benefits of rail as an immediate-term solution for reducing emissions in the transport sector. This has been complemented by ongoing work with Infrastructure Net Zero.

A new report to define infrastructure net zero was released for consultation in October, and further research mapping net zero skills is nearing completion.

In an industry-first, the ARA also made a joint submission with the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ) and Roads Australia (RA), to the Roadmap following a National Decarbonisation Transport Summit the group held in Canberra in June.

In July, the ARA launched a critical path for the decarbonisation of rollingstock, supported by a supply chain capability framework with priority actions for industry and government to transition the rail industry.

The Critical Path to Decarbonise Australia’s Rail Rollingstock – Transitioning the rail industry and its supply chain makes several recommendations to support the availability, uptake and implementation of low and zero emission technologies to address traction emissions related to dieselpowered locomotives.

Australia must urgently develop a national strategy to decarbonise rail operations or risk losing a critical window to phase out diesel trains and meet net zero targets.

NEW ZEALAND

Almost 150 people from the rail sector attended the inaugural Australasian Railway Association New Zealand Rail Summit, held in Auckland in July. The Summit brought together key leaders and stakeholders from across industry and government involved in rail in New Zealand.

In 2024 the ARA also held the first Aotearoa Rail Committee meeting. We are focused on advocating for continued investment for improvements to the resilience and reliability of the rail network in New Zealand, increasing mode shift to get more people and freight on rail, as well as promoting rail’s decarbonisation and sustainability benefits.

The ARA launched the Benefit of Rail to New Zealand report which sh -owed that the rail industry generates $3.3 billion for the New Zealand economy, including almost $1 billion towards gross domestic product (GDP) and $2.3 billion in environmental, safety, health and reduced road congestion benefits.

The ARA is commissioning a new research report that will seek to analyse the future skills requirements for the New Zealand rail sector, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the capability in the sector and the capacity to fulfil the skills requirements.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Several rail infrastructure managers collaborated this year on a streamlined approach to the rollout of Project i-TRACE to their supply chain, by joining a pilot project to harmonise material master data to address data errors and reap the savings from reduced labour costs as a result of improved data collection and quality, infield traceability, and preventative maintenance.

The ARA has also developed a Supplier Capability Directory for the InnoTrans exhibition.

We have partnered with Austroads to expand the current Austroads roads and bridges national pre-qualification scheme to incorporate large rail infrastructure projects to realise efficiencies in tendering.

We have also worked collaboratively with infrastructure contractors and procurers to proposed streamlined approaches for acquiring management plans in tendering for infrastructure projects and held a roundtable on opportunities to improve systems integration and formed the national systems integration working group.

Danny Broad, Caroline Wilkie and Tim Parker attended the High Speed Rail Conference.

Industry associations

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The ARA Professional Certificate in Rail, a flexible, industry-designed and recognised online learning program, begins in March 2025. The certificate covers key areas such as rail operations, infrastructure and maintenance, rail safety, supply chain management, and asset lifecycle planning and management. Each participant receives a Certificate of Completion and a Credly Badge that can be added to their LinkedIn profile.

In early 2024, the ARA implemented a new Learning Management System (LMS) called ARA Learning, and developed three new online courses – ARA Rail Operations, ARA Rollingstock and ARA Rail Infrastructure.

We have also developed a harmonised Safely Access the Rail Corridor (SARC) course for heavy haul members, which is the first major step towards having harmonised training across the industry, and our first microbite course, Respect in Rail.

In collaboration, Deakin University and the ARA have created two new micro credentials – Railway Engineering: Design and Railway Engineering: Maintenance. The ARA is working with the Edith Cowan University (ECU) to develop three new rail-related engineering electives (Mechanical, Civil and Electrical), which will be available in 2025. UTAS continues to offer the Diploma in Rail Track Engineering and Monash University has commenced delivering a Rail Engineering elective in July 2024 in its Civil Engineering undergraduate program.

The ARA established a revised and targeted multi-year strategy for the RIW Program to expand the user base and reach, system user interface and functionality, and harness data insights to focus and develop resources in critical areas of the industry.

Recent focus of national roles and development efforts in the electrical and signalling disciplines is almost complete and we have now entered the implementation phase where industry will see further productivity benefits from a reduced training burden.

GENDER DIVERSITY

With the support of National Women in Transport, the ARA launched Progressing gender equality in the Australasian rail sector: barriers and supportive practices in July, which was prepared by specialist consulting firm Diversity Partners to better understand the barriers and challenges hindering women’s entry, retention and progression in the rail industry.

It sets out 10 practical recommendations for organisations to improve gender diversity and inclusion and provides an important

opportunity for organisations and leaders to review their practices, enhance their efforts and work collaboratively towards a more safe, sustainable and productive workforce and industry.

It followed the ARA Gender Diversity Data Report 2024, which is based on the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) survey and shows female participation in the rail workforce overall has risen from 24 to 28 per cent in 2022-23.

The ARA also matched 98 pairs in 2024 for the Women in Rail Mentoring Program and sponsored two men to participate in Women Rising’s Male Allies program as part of the ARA Women in Rail Strategy 2023-2026 to improve education to support increased inclusion for women in the industry.

In November, we announced the formation of the Champions of Change Rail Group, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace as part of the global initiative Champions of Change Coalition.

The Rail Group consists of 10 members with senior leaders from passenger and freight rail operators and providers of integrated rail infrastructure networks and is dedicated to developing female leaders at every level and enabling more women to pursue careers in the rail industry.

EVENTS

The ARA has had a huge year with record attendances at our events, a study tour to London and Paris and a 160-strong delegation to InnoTrans in Berlin, as well as sell-out events across the country.

We have held more than 20 events including networking lunches and dinners, webinars and conferences, with more than 9000 people attending overall including 3,000 to AusRAIL

2024. This follows a record attendance for AusRAIL PLUS 2023 – which also won NSW Event of the Year Award by the Meeting and Events Association.

Our conferences held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand covered key topics for rail, including sustainability, rail freight, people and culture, high-speed rail and light rail.

We also held several new conferences, including the ARA Light Rail Conference, ARA High Speed Rail Conference and the inaugural New Zealand Rail Summit, which was followed by the ARA Annual New Zealand Rail Industry Dinner.

We also introduced the End of Year Rail Industry Lunch, held in New South Wales and Victoria, and the Victorian and New South Wales Young Rail Professionals Ball.

This year, we kicked off two new webinar series focusing on Passenger Rail and Sustainability, and held several other webinars on the circular economy, gender diversity, the Austrade Vietnam Market, successful pitching, supply chain (Supplier Spotlight) and procurement and tendering (Meet the Buyer).

In 2025, we are focused on continuing to deliver networking events for members – with dinners and lunches to take place in major cities, as well as in Newcastle for the first time.

Our largest AusRAIL ever had over 120 exhibitors and an impressive lineup of more than 100 local and international speakers, two site tours to the Gold Coast Light Rail Depot Tour and the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) and the inaugural AusRAIL 2024 TrackSAFE Charity Golf Day.

The ARA also hosted about 600 people at the annual ARI Awards night which recognises individuals, organisations and rail projects who have excelled in the industry.

The ARA held a number of events in 2024 to support the industry.

Converge is Australia’s premier event for Sub-Contractors, Project Engineers, Council Fleet Managers, and Large-Scale Construction Contractors across the municipal works, civil construction and infrastructure space.

Through a mixture of live demonstrations, equipment showcases, and conference spaces, Converge will bring industry experts together to share knowledge and deliver solutions for building and maintaining Australia’s future.

Industry associations

Celebrating innovation, leadership, and engagement

On October 24 and 25, The Star in Sydney became the heart of Australia’s rail industry as the Permanent Way Institution (PWI) celebrated its 50th anniversary and 51st annual conference.

With over 300 professionals attending daily, the Permanent Way Institution (PWI) conference showcased the strength and innovation within the rail sector with engaging presentations, panels, and invaluable networking opportunities. More than just a conference, this landmark gathering embodied PWI’s dedication to fostering professional growth and promoting industry-wide collaboration and excellence.

HONOURING TRADITION AND EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The conference began with an opening keynote from Jo Haylen, New South Wales Minister for Transport, who highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting local jobs and locally produced rolling stock. Haylen’s speech acknowledged the long-standing relationship between PWI and the New South Wales Government Railways, reflecting on PWI’s deep roots in supporting New South Wales’ rail development. Her emphasis on fostering sustainable growth through local expertise and resources resonated powerfully with the audience, underscoring a future vision where New South Wales remains a leader in rail infrastructure.

The first day reflected on the past with insightful presentations, including the evolving rail standards, the Pilbara Railways’ historical development, and the progression of overhead wiring systems in New South

Wales. Panels and breakout sessions allowed attendees to dive into topics like project management, new technologies, and industry best practices. Experts shared insights into everything from rail electrification to integrated rail systems, with discussions showcasing the cutting-edge technologies becoming a mainstay in rail. This exchange underscored the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing tenets of PWI’s support for members as they advance their careers.

YEMI PENN: BRIDGING GENERATIONS AND FOSTERING CONNECTIONS

A highlight of the conference was the Gala Dinner, attended by over 380 guests to celebrate PWI’s 50th anniversary. Yemi Penn, who served as master of ceremonies and keynote speaker at the dinner, brought an energy and inclusivity that left a lasting impression. Her keynote addressed the challenge of uniting a workforce spanning five generations and emphasised the potential for teams to leverage generational

diversity as a strength. Penn shared practical strategies for bridging generational gaps, urging attendees to see diversity within the workforce as a driver of innovation and resilience. Her message of connection and collaboration deeply resonated, reinforcing the importance of inclusive leadership. In recognition of their dedication and service to the rail industry, Mark White, Ian Prescott, and Dave Scealy were awarded the prestigious President’s Award, acknowledging their long-standing contributions to PWI and the rail sector.

CAROLYN WALSH ON SAFETY AND FUTURE-FOCUSED INITIATIVES

Day two commenced with an inspiring keynote by Carolyn Walsh, chair of the National Transport Commission, who outlined the National Action Plan for the interstate network, focusing on safety, interoperability, and standardisation across policies and processes. Carolyn emphasised that rail interoperability is an essential

300 professionals attended the event in Sydney. IMAGES:

Industry associations

agenda item for the Federal Cabinet, pointing to a future where harmonised safety and regulatory standards are a priority. Her address underscored the crucial role of safety, reminding attendees of their responsibility to uphold rigorous safety standards at every operational stage. Her insights into emerging regulations set a tone of accountability, with attendees gaining valuable knowledge on maintaining and advancing safety protocols. Following Walsh’s keynote, the day shifted to forwardlooking themes, featuring presentations by Tim Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the High-Speed Rail Authority, who discussed the transformative Sydney-Newcastle rail project, and Peter Munro of MTM, who shared developments on automated metros.

UGL’s Gavik Avetian also spoke on the future of AC-electrified railways, rounding out a day focused on the rail industry’s transformative potential.

CELEBRATING PWI LIFE MEMBERS AND FELLOWSHIP

This year’s conference marked the induction of five new life members: Mark White, Steve Naumovski, Stuart Sutherland, Stephen Fleck, and David Spiteri. This esteemed honour is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership within the rail industry and as committee members within the PWI. Their achievements were celebrated with

deep admiration, recognising a lifetime commitment to advancing the rail sector.

PWI fellowship and membership lie at the heart of the organisation. Members gain access to an invaluable network, continuous learning, and career advancement opportunities, with the fellowship program honouring individuals who have made distinguished contributions to the industry. This community provides support, mentorship, and resources that enable members to make meaningful impacts within the rail sector.

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR SPONSORS: BUILDING A STRONGER RAIL

COMMUNITY TOGETHER

The conference’s success is owed to the generous support of our sponsors. PWI extends its heartfelt thanks to our Platinum sponsors—Laing O’Rourke, Acciona, JMDR, CPB Contractors, and John Holland—whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Each organisation shares PWI’s dedication to the rail sector, highlighting their commitment to excellence and innovation.

Our conference sponsors—New Era Electrical Services, Brimble, RT Health, and Degnan—played a vital role. Their consistent engagement underscores the collaborative spirit that drives PWI forward, creating a platform for open dialogue, knowledgesharing, and professional development.

A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT

This conference was more than a series of presentations; it celebrated the PWI community. Attendees actively participated in discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities, enriching every conversation with diverse perspectives and experiences. This engagement highlights the value of PWI’s commitment to fostering relationships beyond conference walls and building a network of support and innovation for all members.

LOOKING FORWARD: CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

The PWI’s 51st conference set a new benchmark for professional gatherings in the rail industry. This year’s event demonstrated the resilience and dedication of the rail community and the power of connection and collaboration. We sincerely thank all attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making this year’s conference a success. As we look to the future, PWI remains committed to fostering connections, supporting career growth, and driving innovation within the rail sector.

Once again, thank you to everyone who joined us. Together, we are shaping a dynamic and sustainable future for the rail industry, and we look forward to welcoming you back to next year’s conference as we continue this legacy of excellence.

The event held a number of panels across the two days.