Rail Express May/Jun Below Rail Infrastructure Supplement

Labor calls for National Rail Plan PAGE 22

Qld pushing for Gold Coast third stage PAGE 40

First Commonwealth-funded rail training centre PAGE 50

ISSUE 3 | 2018

Find our Below Rail Infrastructure & Network supplement inside!

SQUEEZING MORE OUT OF AUSTRALIA’S RAILWAYS Siemens experts talk ETCS benefits 300_COVER.indd 1

28/05/2018 11:50:37 AM

INLAND RAIL CONFERENCE 18 & 19 July 2018 Parkes, NSW

REGISTER NOW AT: www.austlogistics.com.au/InlandRail The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) invite you to register now for the 2018 Inland Rail Conference in Parkes NSW. 2018 is a year of delivery for Inland Rail with construction due to commence on the Parkes to Narromine section of the track, making this inaugural industry-led conference a must-attend event.

The two-day Conference will bring together key players involved in the Inland Rail project to discuss how this nationally significant infrastructure project will transform the movement of freight in Australia, what it means for the Australian freight industry and the benefits it will deliver for national freight customers.

The Conference will also consider how the Inland Rail Project can inform the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, to be finalised in late 2018.

For sponsorship opportunities please contact ARA at ara@ara.net.au.

For further information and to view the program visit www.austlogistics.com.au/InlandRail.

Sponsored by:

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ISSUE 3

|

2018 CONTENTS

04

From the Editor

06

ARA update from chief executive Danny Broad

44

Out & About: Rail’s 4th R U OK?Day

NEWS6 08

08 National 25

14

New South Wales

26 Queensland 28

Western Australia

30

South Australia

31 Tasmania 32 Victoria 36

New Zealand

CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAJOR PROJECTS

16 54

38

First new trees planted on Canberra Metro

40

Queensland to capitalise on Games success

TENDERING

29 56

46

$16m stations deal for Downer

47

WSP/Mott win Illabo-Stockinbingal deal

47

Morley-Ellenbrook planning goes to Arup

48

WA wants locally-built trains

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 50

Wollongong Uni opens training centre

53

RMCRC funding supercapacitor project

54

Bank cards added to Opal scheme

FREIGHT RAIL

Labor calls for

Qld pushing for

First Commonwealth-funded

National Rail Plan PAGE 22

Gold Coast third stage PAGE 40

rail training centre PAGE 50

ISSUE 3 | 2018

Find our Below Rail Infrastructure & Network supplement inside!

COVER STORY SUPPLEMENT p02

SPECIAL SUPPLEME NT

SPONSORED BY

BELOW RAIL INFRASTRUCTUR E

SQUEEZING MORE&OUT OF ORK NETW AUSTRALIA’S RAILWAYS Siemens experts talk ETCS benefits

IN THIS ISSUE How signalling can renew Australian networks

Experts from Siemens tell Rail Express Australia’s railways have one clear option to cope with population growth in major cities: a signaling revolution.

55

Aurizon accepts new wagon delivery

56

Bulk volume boom over

58

Rio finishes coal sell-off

SUPPLEMENT 02

Siemens on ETCS opportunities

06

Self-propelled track jack added to Kennards range

07

RailPipe talks below-rail drainage

10

GS1, ARA update on standardisation program

12

Cutting rail capex with modern thinking

New technology in below rail drainage Aecom analysis questions rules of thumb

www.railexpress.com.au

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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28/05/2018 2:42:15 PM

From the editor

Published by:

Oliver Probert Editor - Rail Express

Mixed budget highlights value of rail advocacy

T

he Turnbull Government has Another troubling aspect of this year’s presented the rail sector with yet budget is the inclusion of a proposed another interesting budget. Plenty of Biosecurity Import Levy, which will slug the money has been promised for projects around freight sector with $10.02 per incoming the country, but as usual, there’s no shortage container, and $1 per incoming tonne of nonof hurdles to be overcome, and caveats to be containerised cargo. taken into account.

The levy is expected to raise $360 million in Perhaps the largest grain of salt is the revenue, but just $76.6 million has been set admission in the Budget Papers that the aside in the forward estimates for Australia’s Government will consider the option (read: is biosecurity initiatives, so the logistics sector fully intending) to make its (up to) $5 billion – including the ARA – has correctly called on contribution for a rail line to Melbourne the Government for an explanation.

Airport an off-budget equity injection.

One thing is very clear: Good advocacy for This is the same the rail sector is as important controversial method now as it has ever been. The treasurer Scott Morrison used future of public transport may in last year’s budget to fund look better now than it did a Public transport the Inland Rail project, and few years ago, but there’s still has for too long it has been criticised by the a long way to go, and a lot of been ignored as Opposition, along with peak hurdles to clear, before rail is an important industry body Infrastructure getting its fair share. area... it’s about Partnerships Australia.

You can read our full The issue with this type time one of budget review in our National of funding is simple: it’s not News section, which begins these significant real spending. The money on page 8. funding must effectively be paid Elsewhere in the May-June commitments was issue of Rail Express, we’ve back in time, which – as the drawn up as an Opposition has frequently got a feature on Research & expense instead of Development (starting page pointed out – defeats the purpose of including it as part 50), a report on how the Gold an IOU. of the ‘infrastructure budget’ Coast Light Rail coped with the in the first place.

Commonwealth Games (page Expenses included under 40), and a pull-out supplement the ‘welfare budget’, the ‘education budget’, on Below Rail Infrastructure & Network. the ‘defence budget’, and so on, are just I hope you enjoy this issue, and as always, that: expenses. Public transport has for too don’t hesitate to get in touch. long been ignored as an important area in which to spend some of Australia’s tax dollars, and it’s about time one of these significant funding commitments was drawn Oliver.Probert@mohimedia.com up as an expense, instead of an IOU.

“ ”

4

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ISSUE 2 2018 | RAIL EXPRESS

Level 14, 309 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Tel: (02) 9994 8086 www.mohimedia.com

Publisher Michael Mohi Tel: +61 (2) 9994 8086 Email: Michael.Mohi@mohimedia.com Editor Oliver Probert Tel: +61 (0) 406 111 902 Email: Oliver.Probert@mohimedia.com Reporter David Loneragan Email: David.Loneragan@mohimedia.com Art Director Meng Koach Email: Meng.Koach@mohimedia.com National Sales Manager Ben O’Brien Tel: +61 (0) 427 270 774 Email: Ben.Obrien@mohimedia.com Rail Dierectory Margaret Shannon Tel: +61 (2) 9994 8086 Email: Margaret.Shannon@mohimedia.com Production Manager Ronda McCallum Tel: +61 (0) 411 045 046 Email: Ronda.McCallum@mohimedia.com

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

Printed by:

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28/05/2018 4:44:03 PM

Heavy Haul Rail 2018 16 – 17 October 2018 | Hyatt Regency Perth

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE: – Market outlook for Australia – Heavy haul operations across Australia – Infrastructure and investment – Delivering efficiency through strategic rail freight networks – Role of ports in successful heavy haul supply chains – Implementation of advanced simulation techniques for wheel/rail wear

CALL FOR PAPERS Forward your submission to the Conference Manager, Tina Karas at tina.karas@informa.com.au.

Submissions should be 200-400 words and contain your full contact details along with a presentation title, theme and main findings.

Deadline: Friday 15 June 2018

– Improving weld performance in heavy haul railways – Rolling stock technology – Innovation

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

– Scheduling and network maintenance

Tina Karas, General Manager on (+61) 2 9080 4408 or at Tina.Karas@informa.com.au

– Software solutions for improved efficiency and optimisation of assets

Samantha Lister, Sponsorship Manager on (+61) 2 9080 4432 or at Samantha.Lister@informa.com.au

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25/05/2018 11:40:26 AM

Australasian Railway Association

$7.9bn to rail in Budget good for economy, jobs and supply chain STORY BY: DANNY BROAD*

“

[The Budget] continues the Government’s strong commitment to urban and regional rail

”

National freight and supply chain strategy In its pre-budget submission, the ARA encouraged appropriate budget allocations to facilitate the implementation of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.

The Government has announced the provision of $5.1 million from within the existing resources of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development and Cities to lead the development of the Strategy.

Rail workforce As part of its pre-budget submission, the ARA also highlighted the need to ensure

6

ISSUE 3 2018 | RAIL EXPRESS

307 ARA Column.indd 6

there is a well skilled and welltrained workforce (now and into the future) to maximise the benefits of an expected $100 billion investment in rail to 2030.

In this context, it is notable that the Government has allocated an additional $250 million in 20172018 to the Skilling Australians Fund which provides support for apprenticeships and traineeships.

An estimated $1.5 billion will be committed through the Fund through to 30 June 2022. With this significant pipeline of work over the next decade, it is imperative that Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments work collaboratively with industry to identify the long-term labour skills required, ensuring training methodologies are leading edge, as well as enhancing traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities and capabilities. This is a core component of our National Rail Industry Plan.

Western Sydney Deal The Government will provide up to $50 million towards the development of a business case for Western Sydney Rail, including investigating a future North South Rail Link from St Mary’s to Western Sydney Airport.

Urban congestion fund The Government has also announced it will provide $1 billion for the Urban Congestion Fund to support projects at a State level to fix pinch points and improve traffic flow and safety in major cities, with the aim of reducing passenger and freight movement times. Whilst it is likely successful projects will focus predominantly on road, they could potentially include some rail related projects (i.e. intermodal links).

Major projects business case fund The Government will provide $250 million to establish a Major Projects Business Case Fund to contribute to the development of business cases for future high priority land transport infrastructure investments. This includes $15 million for a business case for the Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail.

Regional Infrastructure The Government is providing $200 million for a third round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which supports regional infrastructure and community investments. This is in addition

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

*Danny Broad is ARA chief executive

THE 2017-18 FEDERAL BUDGET saw the allocation of $7.9 billion towards rail projects nationally and was welcomed by the rail industry and compliments the significant funding commitments made last year, including to the Inland Rail project, the National Rail Program and the Faster Rail initiative. Although noting it was not as significant for the rail industry as last year’s Budget, it still continues the Government’s strong commitment to urban and regional rail which is good for our economy, jobs, our cities and regions.

to the Regional Growth Fund, which is investing $272 million in larger regional infrastructure projects.

National Rail Program Further funding details are provided against the Government’s National Rail Program which was announced in the 2017-2018 budget, which is designed to improve urban and regional passenger services. From 2017-2018 to 2021-22, a total of $1.2 billion has been allocated, with further funds to be provided in the out years.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

Entrepreneur’s Program The Government announced the expansion of the Entrepreneurship Facilitators program which is being utilised by some ARA members to fill skills gaps in their supplier SME networks.

Satellite imagery and drones With satellite imagery increasingly being used by the rail industry for land planning and asset maintenance, it is notable that the Government will invest $225 million to significantly improve the accuracy and availability of satellite positioning across Australia. In addition, the Government will provide $2.9 million to support the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to manage safety standards and compliance for commercial drone technology, which is also utilised by many rail operators for asset management purposes.

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307 ARA Column.indd 7

The Budget confirmed Commonwealth funding towards the following State projects, they are as follows: VICTORIA

· $ 5 billion for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link in Victoria · $475 million for Monash Rail, including planning and preconstruction works in Victoria · $225 million for the electrification of the Frankston Rail Line to Baxter in Victoria · $50 million to plan and deliver further upgrades to the Geelong Rail Line in Victoria

Major Project Business Case Fund, which includes $15 million for a business case for the Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail in Queensland WESTERN AUSTRALIA

· $1.1 billion for the Metronet Rail Project in Western Australia SOUTH AUSTRALIA

· $220 million for the Gawler Rail Line electrification in South Australia

NEW SOUTH WALES

TASMANIA

· $400 million to duplicate the Port Botany Rail Line and the Cabramatta passing loop in New South Wales · $50 million for the first stage of a North South Rail Link to Western Sydney Airport in New South Wales

· $59.8 million for the second stage of the Tasmanian Rail Revitalisation project.

QUEENSLAND

· $390 million to duplicate the North Coast in Queensland line between Beerburrum and Landsborough · $250 million to establish a national

The ARA looks forward to working with industry, Commonwealth and State Governments to ensure the success of these initiatives and rail more broadly continues to be the transport backbone for our nation, which supports our economy, jobs, our cities and regions.

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

7

28/05/2018 3:29:17 PM

NEWS

NATIONAL

Logistics sector questions new import tax tonne of non-containerised cargo.

With just $76.6 million forecast to be spent over the same period on Australia’s biosecurity system, the lobby groups have asked the Australian Government to justify the new cost.

“Our concern is that this import levy has been announced with almost no engagement with the supply chain and with no plan on how it will be used in the Biosecurity System,” Ports Australia boss Mike Gallacher said.

“The complete lack of detail on this ambiguous proposal lends weight to the impression that this is a broad import levy

across all goods coming into the country.”

Australian Logistics Council boss Michael Kilgariff said the Turnbull Government needed to be held accountable to provide details for all of its budget decisions, and said this measure was “no exception”.

“Until such details are made clear, a broad charge on every item imported from another country simply cannot be justified,” Kilgariff said.

“The freight logistics sector should not be used as a ‘cash cow’ to fund unrelated budget initiatives.”

“The proposed levy is a significant

PHOTOGRAPHTY: PORT OF BRISBANE PTY LTD

AUSTRALIA’S KEY FREIGHT LOGISTICS and shipping bodies have joined forces to question the Turnbull Government’s proposed Biosecurity Import Levy, which was included in the recent federal budget.

The Australasian Railway Association, the Australian Logistics Council, Ports Australia and Shipping Australia on May 17 asked for clarification into the new levy, specifically wanting to know how the revenue was to be spent.

Expected to earn $360 million in revenue, the proposed levy will charge $10.02 per incoming container and $1 per

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ISSUE 3 2018 | RAIL EXPRESS

www.railexpress.com.au

25/05/2018 2:05:31 PM

NATIONAL

x

issue for ARA members and everyday Australians,” Australasian Railway Association boss Danny Broad said.

“The levy will ripple right through the supply chain and hit the end consumer. Every product that comes through our ports, onto our rail networks and delivered to the consumers will feel the effects of this levy.”

Broad said the logistics industry was keen to work with the government to improve biosecurity, but said “urgent clarification and rationale is needed” to detail how and why the new levy is necessary. “[The levy] is being imposed with almost no consultation with those it will affect the most,” Broad concluded.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: PORT OF BRISBANE PTY LTD

“

Every product that comes through our ports, onto our rail networks and delivered to the consumers will feel the effects of this levy.

”

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NEWS

Council targeting end of year for national freight strategy A BETTER-INTEGRATED NATIONAL freight network facilitated by coordinated investment will help meet the needs of Australian businesses and households, under a program being developed by federal, state and territory transport and infrastructure ministers.

The first 2018 meeting of the Coalition of Australian Governments’ Transport and Infrastructure Council took place on May 18, kicking off with the release of 54 “priority actions” stemming from a recent industry inquiry.

The National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities Report will inform the COAG transport group’s development of a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which is targeted for release at the end of 2018.

The actions recommended to the Council in the report cover national government investment, institutional and governance structures, and legislative reform.

Priority actions include measures to integrate the freight transport system through coordinated project investment and planning and updates to data gathering on national freight performance.

The report also recommends that government investment is targeted at establishing efficient rail freight connections to major ports and through metropolitan areas, and that investigations be carried out into potential overlapping in approval processes for major freight infrastructure projects.

Federal transport and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack said the finalised strategy would improve Australian business competitiveness by making commodity movements quicker and more efficient.

“We know the national freight task will almost double over the next 20 years, which presents a challenge and opportunity to work with industry to maximise the benefit from the sector which already contributes around 10 per cent of our productivity,” McCormack said.

“I thank the panel for its report,

which provides a platform for government to look at opportunities to drive efficient and sustainable freight logistics while balancing the freight needs of a growing economy and ensuring the sector and the community share the benefits too.”

The expert panel which conducted the inquiry included Qube managing director Maurice James, Infrastructure Australia board member Nicole Lockwood, NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas, and Simon National Carriers executive chairman David Simon.

In developing the report, the panel drew on 127 submissions and one-on-one meetings with over 200 individuals from 28 peak industry bodies and 90 businesses, along with research commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.

Australasian Railway Association chief executive Danny Broad said the report reflected many of the ARA’s policy priorities, including in the areas of corridor protection, heavy vehicle pricing, short haul rail, consistency between state and federal plans, and improved land use planning.

“The final report provides a range of recommendations across the critical areas of investment, governance and reform which are critical to improving the efficiency and productivity of the freight rail sector,” Broad said.

Now priority actions have been outlined, Broad said that it was important that “momentum” was maintained to by developing a clear path to their implementation via federal and state coordination.

“We need strong leadership at the Commonwealth level to drive these recommendations and reforms forward, working closely with state and territory governments to follow-through with recommendations, supported by a clear and transparent workplan to assist industry in monitoring and tracking progress to ensure governments are kept to account and key recommendations in this Report are adopted and implemented effectively.”

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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25/05/2018 2:05:33 PM

NEWS

NATIONAL

Business case funding for trio of fast rail projects $20 MILLION IN FEDERAL funds will go towards the development of three business cases for the provision of fast rail projects in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria.

The successful proposals include a Sydney to Newcastle line upgrade, submitted by the NSW Government; a new Melbourne to Shepparton link, submitted by Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA); and an improved link between Brisbane and the regions of Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast, proposed by the North Coast Connect Consortium.

All three were submitted last year and subjected to a competitive assessment process that determined their potential to substantially improve the efficiency of rail links between key regional centres and major cities.

The Queensland Government welcomed the announcement of federal funds for the North Coast

10

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ISSUE 3 2018 | RAIL EXPRESS

Connect project and has itself contributed $5 million for its business case for the duplication of the rail line from Beerburrum to Nambour.

“The Palaszczuk Government will provide this business case to the North Coast Connect consortium as an in-kind contribution – worth $5m,” a statement from QLD’s transport and roads minister Mark Bailey said.

“We look forward to working with them on the development of their business case for North Coast Connect.”

The project proposed by the North Coast Connect Consortium would involve an upgraded rail connection between Brisbane and Nambour, along with the development of a new rail spur to Maroochydore.

It is estimated that, with the completion of the project, the travel time between Nambour and Brisbane can be reduced from approximately 2 hours to

45 minutes, with travel between Brisbane and Maroochydore also taking 45 minutes.

The NSW Government’s Sydney-Newcastle business case will investigate options to quicken travel between the two cities, with works potentially involving reductions of track curvature and deviations, track realignments, removal of level crossings, junction rearrangements, and improve freight and passenger service segregation. Estimated travel time reduction is from 3 hours to 2 hours.

CLARA consortium’s Melbourne-Shepparton proposal seeks to develop a new dedicated fast rail corridor, reducing travel times from approximately 3 hours to 32 minutes.

The three business cases are expected to be delivered over the next 12 months and will then be subject to dependent assessment

by Infrastructure Australia.

Above: The Turnbull Government called for bidders for a share of $20 million in funding for fast rail projects.

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25/05/2018 2:05:37 PM

NATIONAL

NEWS

Fast rail funding for CLARA questioned LABOR HAS CRITICISED THE TURNBULL Government’s decision to send a portion of its $20 million fast rail business case funding to a company run by former Nationals candidate Nick Cleary.

Labor senator Murray Watt probed a senate estimates hearing in Canberra on May 21, asking if senior officials at the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities were aware Cleary, chairman of Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA), was a discharged bankrupt, a former Nationals vice-chairman in New South Wales, and was once preselected by the party to run in the federal seat of Throsby.

CLARA has for some time pitched a plan to build a high speed rail link between Melbourne and Sydney, fuelled by eight cities to be developed along the route.

It was announced recently CLARA would receive a portion of the $20 million the Turnbull Government has set aside for fast rail projects around the country, to develop a business case for the first stage of its proposed line, between Melbourne and Shepparton.

But the Turnbull Government’s program is predicated on finding private sector partners who are willing to match it for business case funding, and the revelation CLARA has just $422,000 of capital in its books led Watts to needle Department officials at the Canberra estimates hearing.

One official, according to The Australian, said CLARA’s proposal was “a very high-quality proposal,” but said, “We didn’t go through a detailed assessment of the company’s history” before announcing the funding.

Due diligence is to take place during contractual negotiations, the official reportedly told the hearing.

Labor’s shadow transport minister Anthony Albanese told SKY News that while he is a “huge fan” of high speed rail, the news about CLARA was troubling.

“CLARA doesn’t have, it would appear, the money to back up the joint funding that is required,” Albanese said. “The idea was matching funding …

[CLARA] don’t have all the land options in

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302_National.indd 11

place for the corridor that is being picked to Shepparton, and indeed there’s a lot of speculation around Shepparton that some of this corridor is on a flood plain … [that] could be problematic.”

The former deputy PM went on to criticise the CLARA plan in general.

“This is Utopia after a very long night,” he said.

“The idea of eight cities in inland Australia where there are currently none? What people who have looked at this proposal in local government have come back with almost universally is saying: ‘Hang on a tick here, why don’t you do something about building up Albury-Wodonga or Canberra for that matter or Goulburn? And have the train go through…’.”

Above: CLARA has pitched an ambitious plan involving a high speed rail line and eight new inland cities.

Albanese said it was disappointing the ambitious CLARA proposal had been chosen over other options.

“The bids included pretty sensible propositions for the Sydney-to-Canberra route, for example, that didn’t rely upon whole new cities being built,” he said. “[The CLARA plan] relies upon that. It relies upon the [land] options being there, it relies upon whole new planning mechanisms – by and large, in Australia, given how long we have seen European settlement, there is a reason why cities that have thrived and have grown are located where they are.”

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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25/05/2018 2:05:39 PM

NEWS

NATIONAL

Shorten, Albo not convinced by budget numbers

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ISSUE 3 2018 | RAIL EXPRESS

Victoria gets $1.7bn for regional rail THE TURNBULL GOVERNMENT

prioritise Australian made steel [and] local workers”.

“Labor can put real dollars into Australian infrastructure because we are not going to give $80 billion to multinationals and the big corporations,” Shorten said.

Labor has specifically needled the Coalition’s plan to eliminate the middleincome tax bracket, so by 2022 a person earning $120,000 will be taxed at the same rate as a person earning $37,000 – the current system has an increased tax rate for those earning over $87,000.

Labor has instead proposed a system which would provide more tax relief for lower and middle-income earners instead.

Shorten challenged Turnbull to put his tax plan against Labor’s at any of the five upcoming by-elections – four of which have been forced by recent dual-citizenship resignations from Labor, and a fifth comes from the resignation of Labor MP Tim Hammond.

“This is our plan and this is my challenge to the Prime Minister,” Shorten said. “If you think that your budget is fair, if you think that your sneaky cuts can survive scrutiny, put it to the test. Put it to the test in Caboolture, put it to the test in Burnie, put it to the test in Fremantle and in Perth.

“I will put my better, fairer, bigger income tax cut against yours.”

will release $1.7 billion for Victoria’s Regional Rail Revival program after the state formally signed up to cooperate on the Inland Rail project.

Victoria has agreed to negotiate a new long term lease with the Australian Rail Track Corporation, which will support the extension of the North East Rail Line corridor to be part of the Inland Rail line.

Inland Rail will link Brisbane to Melbourne via an inland railway capable of handling long trains with double-stacked containers, at over 100km/h.

A joint statement from transport and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack and Victorian public transport and major projects minister Jacinta Allan said the sides had signed a bilateral agreement, which also frees up $1.7 billion for the state’s Regional Rail Revival program.

Victoria has been attempting to pry at least $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth since it sold the Port of Melbourne in 2017.

The state’s Andrews Government claimed it was owed the money under the asset recycling initiative, but the Turnbull Government said it had missed the deadline for the program, and the money would not be supplied.

Allan said $1.57 billion of the funding would go towards the Regional Rail Revival program, and $135 million will go towards the upgrade of the North East Rail Line.

“I thank the deputy prime minister for acting quickly, so we can now get on with the job of upgrading track, station and signalling throughout regional Victoria, to run modern trains and get people home sooner,” the state minister said.

McCormack said the Coalition was committed to

completing Inland Rail.

“I’m pleased to reach agreement with Victoria, the first state to get behind Inland Rail which will improve freight travel times for local farmers and producers and support thousands of jobs,” the Nationals leader said. “[I’m] delighted that Jacinta has put pen to paper along with myself, and we were there with the Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie, deputy leader of the Federal Nationals, for that historic signing,” McCormack later told ABC radio.

“We've agreed that we need to build the sort of infrastructure that not only regional passenger commuters but also our freight task requires, and delighted that we've signed that agreement, delighted that the North East Rail Line is being looked at for passenger safety and security, and a very good and historic day in signing this morning.”

Speaking to the media outside Southern Cross station in Melbourne, Jacinta Allan said the funding would help the Andrews Government get on with one of its biggest commitments to the state’s regions.

“The significant amount of development work and planning that's been underway can now really ramp up into the construction phase, and it is across every regional passenger line,” she said.

Regional Rail Revival includes a $557 million, two-stage upgrade to the Ballarat Line, a $91 million upgrade to the Bendigo Line, $110 million for the Geelong Line, $530 million for the Gippsland Line, and $114 million for the Warrnambool Line.

Total listed spending planned for the North East Corridor upgrade is $140 million, and the program also includes $10 million to identify potential improvements to enhance freight capacity around Shepparton.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

FEDERAL OPPOSITION infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese laid into the Coalition’s budget, declaring that, despite what the government has said, “no new money for infrastructure” has been included.

“Every project announced in the Budget will be funded from previous allocations, putting the lie to weeks of pre-budget hyperbole in which the government pretended it planned to lift investment after years of cuts,” Albanese said in a statement.

“The infrastructure budget is a triumph of spin over substance. It does not include one extra dollar of new investment over the forward estimates.”

In his customary Budget Reply speech, Labor leader Bill Shorten (pictured) on May 10 said the Coalition can’t afford to fund important rail projects like Cross River Rail because it’s too busy giving an $80 billion tax cut to big businesses.

Shorten told Parliament the Coalition planned to provide tax cuts to big businesses and highincome earners at the expense of services, schools, hospitals and public transport. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s willingness to provide tax breaks to “the top end of town” was to blame for funding cuts across the rest of the economy, the Opposition leader claimed.

Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, a project the Coalition refused to fund after it failed Infrastructure Australia’s latest cost-benefit test, was singled out in Shorten’s speech.

“Only Labor believes in nation-building, in good public transport projects like Cross River Rail in Brisbane, or the Western Sydney rail line,” he said, adding, “when we fund and build these projects, we’ll

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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 uniquely extensive and comprehensive coverage of breaking news and trends in key areas such as infrastructure, investment, government policy, regulatory issues, technical innovation as well as rail jobs and international news and views.

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Our subscribers stay up-to-date via our daily email news bulletin and online news portal, delivering the latest headlines as they break. Our bi-monthly hardcopy magazine provides in depth analysis of current events and the crucial issues and challenges faced by the Australian rail industry. Regarded by many as Australia’s most trusted rail industry journal, Rail Express is able to offer advertisers not only a prime platform to advertise their products and services, but also access to a blue-chip subscriber base of leading decision makers throughout the entire Australian industry.

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IA progresses Beerburrum -Nambour, Brisbane Metro Above: INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA HAS APPROVED Brisbane’s council has the upgrade of a key section of Queensland’s pushed a plan for a tramnorth-south rail corridor and the Brisbane like rapid bus system, Metro high capacity bus project, and has urged Brisbane Metro. governments to focus on public transport, in its latest Priority List update.

Infrastructure Australia is the independent advisory body tasked with assessing projects worth more than $100 million on behalf of the Australian Governments Government. IA’s latest priority project list update, need to respond released on March 27, is the first since July last year. to the demands It includes 12 approved projects, and 84 initiatives of Australia’s suggested for future assessment. growing Several approved projects which have graduated population, to the delivery phase have been removed from the with a focus on list, including the Melbourne Metro Rail project, the projects which will Murray Basin Rail Project, and the Adelaide-Tarcoola benefit cities and Rail Upgrade Acceleration. public transport The Perth Freight Link toll road project – which networks. was cancelled by the freshly-elected McGowan Government last year – has also vanished from the list.

Graduates to the funding-approved portion of the

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list are the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, the Brisbane Metro, and the WA Government’s MyalupWellington water project.

Brisbane Metro is a proposal from the Brisbane City Council, to solve the issue of significant bus congestion in the city’s centre, by delivering 60 biarticulated buses to operate every three minutes in peak periods along a 13-kilometre route.

The recent federal budget included $300 million in commitments for Brisbane Metro.

The Council and the State Government have worked together to push for both the Brisbane Metro and Cross River Rail projects to be approved

by IA, but the latter project remains on the ‘High Priority Initiatives’ list, following its failed test by the independent body last year.

Queensland transport minister Jackie Trad reiterated her displeasure with Cross River Rail’s failure to proceed as a Priority Project, saying IA’s actions were politically motivated.

“We dispute Infrastructure Australia’s assessment,” she told ABC Radio on Tuesday. “The

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same transport modelling that was used for Brisbane Metro was used for Beerburrum to Nambour was used for Cross River Rail.

“It’s the same modelling, it’s the same maths; Infrastructure Australia is just choosing to assess them differently and I say it’s because they’re playing to the tune of their political masters.”

Premier Annastacia Palasczcuk has repeatedly alleged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the Coalition of blocking the project, but the PM has said his Government will only fund the project if it gets IA approval.

Meanwhile, the $722 million upgrade of a 39-kilometre section of Queensland’s North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Nambour was previously listed by IA as a Priority Initiative before its evaluation this February.

Under the proposal assessed by IA, the Queensland Government plans to build two new tracks along an improved alignment between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, and then to duplicate the existing railway between Glass House Mountains and Landsborough.

New structures, including rail and road bridges, drainage structures and retaining walls will be built to accommodate the new track, and existing passing loops at Landsborough, Eudlo and Woombye stations will be extended.

“The project will address capacity constraints on this key section of the North Coast Line by nearly doubling the number of freight paths and enabling additional passenger services, which will improve the efficiency of passenger and freight services and ease pressure on the Bruce Highway,” IA said in its assessment.

The Queensland Government has proposed the Federal Government contribute $577.9 million of the needed funds, while it says it will contribute $144.5 million. The federal budget allotted $390 million to the project.

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Governments urged to focus on public transport In handing down the new list, new IA chair Julieanne Alroe said governments need to respond to the demands of Australia’s growing population, with a focus on projects which will benefit cities and public transport networks.

“In the 10 years since Infrastructure Australia was formed, the Priority List has helped establish a longer-term view of our collective needs as a nation – one that enables our leaders to look beyond elections and budgetary cycles and make evidence-based investment decisions,” Alroe said.

“New investment-ready projects like the $1 billion Brisbane Metro and the $800 million Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade in South East Queensland have been prioritised because of their potential to deliver national productivity gains.

“We have also added new initiatives to improve rail network capacity in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to meet unprecedented demand in major capital cities.

“The Priority List identifies a number of additional opportunities to improve connectivity between capitals and neighbouring cities. This includes improvements to rail capacity on the Melbourne–Geelong and Brisbane–Gold Coast rail lines, as well as rail upgrades on lines from Sydney to the regional centres of Newcastle and Wollongong.”

Top: City of Brisbane Above: Infrastructure Australia chair Julianne Alroe urged governments to prioritise public transport to address congestion.

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Malcolm Turnbull announcing a commitment of up to $5 billion for a rail line to Melbourne Airport

‘Money’s on the table’ TREASURER SCOTT MORRISON HAS MADE a $5 billion contribution to the Melbourne Airport rail link the largest single chunk of infrastructure spending included in the Federal Budget, as the Coalition urged Victoria to match its contribution in April.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on April 12 said the Federal Government was willing to invest as much as $5 billion into a 50:50 venture with the Victorian Government, led by Labor Premier Daniel Andrews, to build a rail line between Melbourne’s CBD and the city’s major airport.

The airport is currently connected to the city by the Tullamarine Freeway. A privatelyoperated bus service, Skybus, is currently the only major public transport option for flyers, and 86% of airport access is provided by car.

Morrison, Turnbull, infrastructure minister Michael McCormack and revenue minister Kelly O’Dwyer met with the media to encourage the cooperation of the Andrews Government on the landmark project.

O’Dwyer, who represents the Melbourne division of Higgins, said she and her fellow Victorian MPs knew how much Melbournians want an airport railway.

“It is an issue that affects them as they go to

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This $5 billion investment in this nationally important project, the Tulla Rail, will be the single largest infrastructure commitment in this year’s budget.

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work. It’s an issue that affects them when they come home,” she said. “We wand Daniel Andrews, the Premier, to come on board with this 50:50 project to make sure that this project is built because it will be to the benefit of every single Victorian.”

Morrison said the Coalition was highlighting the importance of the project, making it the largest component of the 2018 Budget’s infrastructure commitment.

“All our railways are important, but this is a railway of national significance,” the treasurer said. “This $5 billion investment in this nationally important project, the Tulla Rail, will be the single largest infrastructure commitment in this year's budget.”

McCormack, leader of the Nationals, said the airport rail line would help facilitate the sort of growth Melbourne Airport should be capable of.

“This particular land space that Tullamarine [i.e. Melbourne Airport] is on is twice as big as Heathrow,” McCormack said, referencing London’s largest airport.

“We need a vision for the future to make sure that the 34 million passengers using the airport this year, which is going to expand to 60 million and perhaps double in the next 20 years, have a link to the CBD that they so desperately need.”

Morrison said the Government is expecting

PHOTOGRAPHTY: PUBLIC TRANSPORT VICTORIA, CREATIVE COMMONS / BIDGEE

Coalition urges Andrews to match $5bn airport rail vow

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“This announcement goes to prove the Turnbull Government towards the first information from a feasibility study by that Queensland continues to be a Victorian airport rail link was not around September-October, after the Coalition dudded by Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberal welcome news for the Queensland provided $30 million for the study in last year’s National Government,” Trad said.

Government, given that project has Budget.

“They’re gifting Victoria with $5 also yet to progress to the top of “That will provide a lot more detail,” he said, billion for an infrastructure project Infrastructure Australia’s list. “particularly the issue of assessment of routes without a business case, a rail line Queensland’s Palaszczuk and there are a range of options, but the options that doesn’t yet have an alignment.

Government – which, like Victoria’s, that, you know, you need to consider in this is There’s still not one single dollar is Labor – has been pushing on with what's really going to change the city for the for Cross River Rail, which has a Cross River Rail, and says it will fund better.” completed, peer-reviewed business it entirely, if it must.

Turnbull, who announced the planned case which has been submitted to But Trad, who championed spending to Melbourne paper the Herald Sun Infrastructure Australia.

Cross River Rail while she was before telling the State Government, said it was “Queensland has been standing transport minister and continues important the public was behind the project. up and fighting for our fair share to do so as treasurer, said Turnbull’s “It’s important that we make sure that and what we need is a federal Melbourne announcement “stood Melbournians are enthused and engaged,” government that is willing to listen to in stark contrast to the neglect of the PM said. “We want everyone in Melbourne Queensland’s requests for a fair go.

Queensland’s critical infrastructure to have their say on this. We want this to be That’s all we’re asking for.” by the LNP”. a project that enlivens and excites the whole Melbourne Airport Rail Link Study – Study overview and findings 9 city, indeed the whole state – and it will.

“We are not talking about Shortlisted route options for a Melbourne Airport Rail Link cutting a cheque to the State Government and walking away, Coolaroo we’re talking about working Attwood Melbourne together; building this as Airport partners.

“Doesn't everyone Broadmeadows say, ‘Wouldn't it be great if governments to work together?’ Well, that’s what Jacana we're proposing to do. 50:50, and we've put our money on the table.”

Coolaroo

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Queensland angered by funding hypocrisy

PHOTOGRAPHTY: PUBLIC TRANSPORT VICTORIA, CREATIVE COMMONS / BIDGEE

Queensland treasurer Jackie Trad didn’t take kindly to Legend the $5 billion commitment Albion East base case to an unproven Victorian Proposed Melbourne Metro Directrail tunnel link project from Malcolm Craigieburn link Turnbull, labelling it “another Flemington link example of Queensland being Station New Station ripped off”.

N Tunnel Portal Cross River Rail, a rail link under the Brisbane CBD designed to relieve congestion across the network, was on rejected for Federal funding last year after it failed to progress to the top of Infrastructure Australia’s Parliament priority projects list.

Melbourne CBD thern Cross It’s little surprise, then, that a $5 billion commitment from

Legend Albion East base case Proposed Melbourne Metro

Milleara Road

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New station opportunity

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Right: A series of alignment options considered in a 2013 review of the rail link options to Melbourne Airport.

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Inland Rail gets CEO, PPP director history in engineering services, engineering consultancy and construction delivery and his experience navigating large companies through change are a great fit as the Inland Rail project rapidly grows in scale.”

ARTC chief executive John Fullerton said Wankmuller’s strong focus on customer needs, and experience delivering long-term organisational success made him the right person for the job.

“Richard understands the vital nature that rail plays in our national supply chain and recognises the key part the community and our stakeholders have in shaping the successful delivery of the project,” Fullerton said.

Fullerton also thanked ARTC’s group executive for interstate, Peter Winder, for his stewardship of the Inland Rail Program as interim CEO. “Peter has guided the project team through its establishment phase since 2015 and has been instrumental in the achievement of significant milestones not the least bringing the project to construction on the Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail,” Fullerton said.

Wankmuller started work on April 23 and is based out of the ARTC’s Brisbane office. Winder will return to lead the Interstate business unit on July 1.

PPP director named Tony Lubofsky was named the Inland Rail project’s PPP director on April 3.

“This is a critical role for putting in place systems, structures and procurement enabling ARTC to partner with the private sector in delivering the 126km, technically challenging section between Gowrie and Kagaru, which requires tunnelling through the Toowoomba, Teviot and Little Liverpool ranges,” Winder said.

The ARTC noted Lubofsky has worked in the past on five successful PPPs, in the health and education sectors, and was previously Public Transport Victoria’s project director for its Metropolitan Train and Tram Refranchising Project.

“We welcome the depth of PPP knowledge and commercial acumen that Toney brings to the table, along with his strong track record in driving complex programmes of work,” Winder said.

Lubofsky, who has moved into the ARTC’s Brisbane office, said he was relishing the task ahead.

“I am really looking forward to building on the significant work that has been done to date in planning for a PPP, and over time seeing what the market has to offer to this game-changing infrastructure project,” he said.

Winder said the PPP option chosen for the three sections of Inland Rail between Gowrie and Kagaru would help deliver the best value for money.

“The three projects will be combined for construction to be delivered through the PPP,” Winder detailed. “The PPP involves going out to market to find a private partner who will work with the ARTC to deliver that section.

“This arrangement provides effective risk management and enables us to harness innovative design solutions, opportunities for more efficient construction methodologies, and an innovative financing and funding solution.”

The ARTC expects to announce a PPP preferred bidder by the end of 2019.

Richard Wankmuller is the new chief executive of the Inland Rail project.

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: ARTC

THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL TRACK Corporation has named a chief executive to lead the Inland Rail project, as well as a director to steer a key section of the massive project through the PPP process.

Richard Wankmuller was named the new chief executive officer of the $10 billion Inland Rail project in mid-April.

Outgoing ARTC chairman Dr Helen Nugent said she was delighted to welcome Wankmuller, who has more than 35 years’ experience leading large engineering organisations like Cardno, GHD, Parsons and MWH. “With the Australian Government supporting a total investment of $9.3 billion in Inland Rail, and with construction commencing between Parkes and Narromine, Richard joins at an exciting stage of the project,” Nugent said.

“Richard has strong leadership

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Commonwealth to duplicate Port Botany Rail Line body.

Turnbull was nonetheless keen to commit money to the project, which he said would strengthen rail connection efficiency, improve freight transit times and increase service reliability for the Sydney region.

A 2.9-kilometre stretch of railway between Mascot and Botany will be duplicated, and a 1.4-kilometre passing loop will be built between Cabramatta and Warwick Farm.

Pacific National boss Dean Dalla Valle said the funding was good news for farmers, exporters and rail freight operators.

“Australian farmers and exporters operate in fiercely competitive global markets,” Dalla Valle said in a statement from the Freight on Rail Group, which he chairs.

“Our rail freight networks must be efficient so the price of our products and commodities appeal to buyers and consumers around the world.”

He said a duplicated rail line would

Above: The duplication of the key section of rail into Port Botany will allow more freight to enter and exit the port by train, taking trucks off the road, the PM said.

facilitate frequent train shuttles to run between Port Botany and intermodal freight terminals like Chullora, Enfield, Minto, Cooks River and the future Moorebank Logistics Park.

“Moving bulk freight by rail is safer, more efficient and cleaner than road,” he said. “A typical freight train hauling cargo containers takes up to 60 B-doubles off the road, while rail freight produces 16 times less carbon pollution per tonne kilometre than road.”

PHOTOGRAPHTY: ARTC

THE COALITION WILL SPEND $400 million to duplicate the remaining single-track section of Sydney’s Port Botany Rail Line, in a move being sold to the public as a way to bust road congestion.

The project, which will also deliver a passing loop at Cabramatta, was included in the Turnbull Government’s federal budget announcement on May 8.

The day prior to the budget release, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was in Sydney to announce the project.

“Duplicating the Botany line will improve freight movement on Sydney’s rail network and encourage a shift in freight from road to rail,” he said.

“This commitment will support the freight logistics and supply chain activities of existing intermodal terminals such as at Enfield and Chullora, as well as the new terminal under construction at Moorebank.”

The Australian Rail Track Corporation will deliver the project on behalf of the Australian Government.

Construction will support 150 jobs, Turnbull said.

The project is listed by Infrastructure Australia as a high priority initiative, meaning it is yet to have its business case formally approved by the independent

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Freight on rail should be easy sell: PN boss

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of coal at BHP, took over at Pacific National in July last year, almost a year after the company was restructured via the break-up of Asciano in 2016.

“We have to be in the policy space so that when the government is actually laying out corridors, planning where cities grow, where populations go, where industry goes that rail will be part of that and that the true economics are understood.”

The PN boss believes the public would no doubt like to see more freight on rail, and fewer trucks on the nation’s roads.

But he believes the relatively low number of major players

in the rail space, and a history of operations being government-run rather than private sector, have left rail behind in the policy debate.

That lack of involvement is a shame, Dalla Valle believes, because rail should be an easy investment for the government to sell to the public.

“You’re certainly safer [with more freight on rail], there are 16 times fewer emissions than hauling on road, we are more efficient, there is less road congestion and, if we do it right, less infrastructure is needed.

“A lot of Australian policymakers just don’t

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A lot of Australian policymakers just don’t understand the basic benefits rail freight offers a country with Australia’s growing population and urban distribution.

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PACIFIC NATIONAL BOSS DEAN Dalla Valle says the rail industry needs to get more involved in its battle against the roads sector, telling a national broadsheet the dominance of the trucking sector must end.

Dalla Valle reportedly told The Australian in early May he is looking to find out how to better inject the rail sector into the ongoing road vs. rail debate.

“I tip my hat to the road lobby,” he was quoted as saying in the exclusive interview, “they have been very effective at getting productivity concessions, at getting infrastructure built.”

Dalla Valle, formerly the boss

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAIL GALLERY

PN launches new train driver program

understand the basic benefits rail freight offers a country with Australia’s growing population and urban distribution.”

Dalla Valle also told The Australian he planned to overhaul much of PN’s technology, which he described as “basically kerosene lamps and candles”.

“Getting advanced management systems, where you have in-cab controls that can actually provide greater safety and efficiency, making sure freight gets to where it has to faster, more reliably at a lower cost – that’s better for the country because it means we don’t have to go building more infrastructure,” he was quoted as saying.

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Above: Pacific National is taking an increased interest in freight rail after Aurizon announced its departure from the space last year.

PACIFIC NATIONAL HAS launched a new program to train freight trains, with the first 25 recruits from regional Queensland soon to get underway.

The pilot training program drew the first batch of candidates from the Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bowen regions.

President of Pacific National's coal division, Brett Lynch, said the group were selected following a comprehensive recruitment process including interviews, mechanical aptitude and safety testing, and other assessments.

“With an aging workforce of drivers around the country, Pacific National is investing in training the next generation of qualified drivers in Queensland to ensure we can keep pace with the forecast growth in demand for freight,” Lynch said.

“Safety is paramount when you’re driving a freight train up to 1.5-kilometre-long loaded with freight, which is why Pacific National selected the final recruits

based on testing and behavioural aptitude.”

Queensland’s transport minister Mark Bailey applauded Pacific National’s effort to train new freight train drivers, and called the program a “fantastic boost” for regional employment.

“Queensland’s regional freight network is the backbone of the state’s economy, sustaining our export industry, and it’s tremendous to see more traineeships and jobs in our regions, connecting freight with our ports in Townsville and Mackay,” Bailey said.

“This investment by Pacific National will give 25 locals from regional Queensland a nationally recognised qualification and put them on the right track to an exciting new career in rail.”

The training program will begin in early July and will run for 12 months, with the recruits to be based at sites in Gracemere, Townsville, Bowen and Coppabella.

After completing the course, the recruits will be awarded a Certificate IV qualification in train driving.

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Labor commits to National Rail Plan to boost local manufacturers

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operation between states on procurement and delivery via local manufacturing.

“Labor believes that investment in rail should create local jobs and boost our domestic manufacturing capability - rather than just flowing to overseas industry competitors,” Shorten said.

“With more than $100 billion to be spent by governments and private companies in railbased public transport projects throughout Australia in the next two decades, a national plan

is critical to ensure we harness the massive opportunities for this investment.”

The various projects that are in the national infrastructure pipeline – including the Melbourne Metro Tunnel, Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, the Perth Metronet, and the Inland Rail freight corridor – will require over 1,100 new trains and trams over the next 10 years, according to shadow infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese, who said that Labor’s Plan would

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Investment in rail should create local jobs and boost our domestic manufacturing capability.

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THE OPPOSITION SAYS IF IT wins the next election it will introduce a National Rail Plan to help co-ordinate all rail projects in Australia and help local manufacturers secure a larger slice of government rail contracts.

Labor leader Bill Shorten announced that almost $6 million would be committed in Labor’s forward estimates for the Plan, which is designed to link federal funding in rail infrastructure projects to objectives including co-

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provide a “blueprint for co-operation” between state and federal governments, business and unions.

“According to the most-recent census, between 2011 and 2016, the number of jobs in Australian manufacturing fell by 24 per cent to about 680,000,” Albanese said.

“The expansion of rail provides a chance to reverse this trend and create thousands of new, well-paid jobs, including apprenticeships for young people.”

Albanese pointed to the example of the Victorian government’s partnership with Evolution Rail, the private consortium building 65 new high capacity metro trains and employing 1,100 locals.

“That includes 100 apprenticeships – 100 young people earning a wage while learning skills that will last them a lifetime.

“This is the sort of investment Labor would aim to promote under a rail industry plan.”

As part of the plan, Labor would, if elected, establish an Office of National

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Rail Industry Coordination – which would carry national audit of the adequacy, capacity and condition of passenger trains throughout Australia, and develop priority plans for train procurement, including a delivery schedule for the next decade – and reinstate the Rail Supplier Advocate to boost the share of small and mediumsized business of future rail contracts.

“A key element of the plan is to seek to create certainty for manufacturers by ironing out the peaks and troughs in market demand through better coordination on procurement between state governments,” Albanese said.

“If every state government orders a new fleet of trains at the same time, local industry cannot deliver. Better coordination of tenders would allow for a steady stream of work that could sustain and indeed grow the local industry.”

The Plan would also establish a Rail Industry Council, which would prevent loss of more jobs and address the need for more local research and development.

"At the same time as the industry is seeing jobs decline, we've seen huge projects go to companies overseas – with local manufacturing workers missing out," Shorten said.

"Labor's plan will maximise the amount of work that goes to Australian firms."

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) welcomed Labor’s commitment to the plan, with CEO Danny Broad saying he hoped it would achieve cross-party support.

“This is the first sum of money we have seen committed from a political party to a national rail plan,” Broad said.

“We would welcome bipartisan support for such a plan in the national interest.”

Indeed, Broad noted that elements of Labor’s plan resembled the ARA’s National Rail Industry Plan released in September 2017 at a Ministerial Roundtable, which comprised Coalition ministers Darren Chester, Arthur Sinodinos and Paul Fletcher.

“Since then there has been wide support for the Plan. However, this has been the first significant financial backing we have seen specifically earmarked for a national rail plan. We would welcome Coalition support in the upcoming Federal Budget.

“Labor’s Rail Plan embraces many of the key elements ARA has been actively advocating for, including involvement of COAG and a coordination group to engage government and the rail industry in progressing implementation.”

NEWS

Canberra Light Rail to face Federal inquiry STAGE 2 OF CANBERRA’S

light rail line will be put under the microscope after the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories launched an inquiry into the project.

The planned route for the second stage of the ACT’s light rail network will link Civic in Canberra’s centre, to Woden in the south, crossing through what is effectively federal land near Parliament House.

As a result, the joint standing committee, which also handles matters like Australia’s Antarctic territory, will conduct a parliamentary inquiry into whether the Commonwealth should approve the project.

The project has drawn criticism from federal senator for the ACT, Zed Seselja, a Liberal who has criticised ACT Labor’s process throughout the light rail project’s development.

Seselja called the parliamentary inquiry a “good result,” according to the Canberra Times.

“The initial proposal of ACT Labor to remove lanes from Commonwealth Avenue and bottleneck traffic into and out of the city vindicates my position that this inquiry is necessary to ensure the best outcome for Canberrans,” he was quoted as saying.

In launching the inquiry, National Capital and External Territories committee chair Ben Morton, a Liberal who represents the WA seat of Tangney, said given the proposed route crosses through federal land, the project concerns all Australians.

“The land around the Federal Parliament is an important space for all Australians, and it is therefore appropriate that the Parliament has a role in ensuring that any proposals for change preserve this significance,” he said.

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Coalition wants heavy rail to Monash THE TURNBULL GOVERNMENT is pushing for a heavy rail connection to Monash University’s Clayton campus, as part of a major funding package for Victorian infrastructure in the budget.

Urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher on May 7 said a $475 million commitment in the budget should be enough to half-fund the rail project, with the State Government expected to meet the remaining cost.

The state has said it would rather see light rail brought to the Monash precinct, recently announcing a $3 million design and planning budget for the project.

But the Turnbull Government prefers a heavy rail option, and is set to put its money on the table to

see that happen.

“Our view is that it makes a lot of sense for our largest universities, particularly ones like Monash, which are in the corner of an employment precinct … to have a heavy rail connection,” Fletcher told ABC Radio Melbourne.

“If you look at what’s happened in Sydney with Macquarie Park and Macquarie University, the growth that has occurred there since heavy rail has been connected about 10 years ago now has been very, very substantial, and we would expect a similar thing to happen.

“The State Government has suggested – or has proposed a business case looking at light rail. We want to look more broadly than that and we’re also

making very substantial funding commitment.”

Monash University welcomed the commitment, saying a rail link between Caulfield Station and its Clayton campus would significantly enhance travel options for tens of thousands of students, staff and other visitors.

“Reducing car use is core to Monash University’s sustainability effort,” president and vicechancellor Margaret Gardner said.

“We know that many who drive to campus would use public transport if more convenient options were available.”

The University noted it would continue to support all levels of government in their efforts to improve public transport to Clayton.

Above: The rail line would connect to Monash’s main campus at Clayton.

FORMER NATIONALS LEADER AND DEPUTY prime minister Warren Truss (pictured right) has been named the next chair of the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

Federal transport and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack named Truss, his predecessor in several roles, as the next ARTC chair on April 20.

McCormack said Truss would bring experience and energy to the role.

“As a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Mr Truss was a driving force in the delivery of significant Australian Government infrastructure investments, including the early funding for Inland Rail,” McCormack said.

“Mr Truss brings a wealth of experience to ARTC with knowledge of the complexity in Australia’s growing freight and passenger task, leadership in the delivery major infrastructure projects and a strong understanding of regional Australia.”

McCormack thanked outgoing chair Dr Helen Nugent, and noted that under her leadership, the ARTC delivered significant improvements to

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the efficiency and competitiveness of Australia’s interstate rail network.

He also recognised Dr Nugent’s oversight of the ARTC driving the early stages of the Inland Rail project.

Finance minister Mathias Cormann said he was looking forward to again working with Truss, who will chair the ARTC for the next three years.

“ARTC manages the nation’s interstate network and is responsible for the delivery of the Inland Rail, to which the Australian Government has invested $9.3 billion, including $8.4 billion equity in the 2017–18 Budget,” Cormann said.

Cormann said with Truss as chair, the ARTC will have a renewed focus on stakeholder engagement and delivery as the Inland Rail project progresses towards construction this year.

“I am looking forward to seeing how Mr Truss can shape the ARTC’s ongoing delivery of key rail projects the Australian Government is delivering.”

Above: Warren Truss was the leader of the National Party for over a decade.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: CREATIVE COMMONS / BIDGEE

Truss to chair ARTC

www.railexpress.com.au

25/05/2018 2:06:22 PM

NSW

NEWS

The driver’s cab during the testing process.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: TRANSPORT FOR NSW

Light Rail: Vehicle testing underway in Sydney THE FIRST LIGHT RAIL TRAM BEGAN testing in February on Alison Road in Randwick, where all track installation work is now complete, and where poles and wires have been installed. The initial test phase for the new vehicles will be carried out at night and at low speeds, before later moving on to testing during the day in the coming months.

Finishing work, including fencing, landscaping, traffic signals and footpath upgrades, continues on Alison Road between Darley and Wansey Roads, and on Wansey Road, track slab construction is underway.

To make way for extensive utility relocation work and track installation, the intersection of Market and George Streets

is to be closed to traffic on most weekends until early April, with local access to be maintained for residents, businesses and hotel guests in the area.

With light rail track (and the third track that will power the light rail) installed at the intersection of George Street with Bridge and Grosvenor Streets, utility and finishing work is currently underway.

Track installation has been underway on George Street between Bathurst and Liverpool Streets, and on George Street between Hay Street and Rawson Place, while, near Bathurst Street, a track crossover has been installed.

Over 4.5 kilometres of track are now in place on Anzac Parade, with all track work between Anzac Parade and Nine

Ways soon to be complete, while, Anzac Parade between Todman Avenue and High Street, work is continuing to underground electrical and communications networks, that will enable the installation of new smart poles that will overhead wiring for the light rail.

In Surrey Hills, on Chalmers and Devonshire Streets, extensive utility work is also still underway across much of the construction zone, alongside stormwater and drainage work and include footpath, kerb and utility work.

Track installation is almost complete on Devonshire Street between Crown and Bourke Streets, which has caused alterations of traffic routes in the area.

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NEWS

QLD

Study to examine feasibility of dedicated freight link to Port of Brisbane

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the port until 2030,” McCormack said.

“The new joint study will now assess a range of immediate and long-term options to ensure freight continues to move efficiently.”

Queensland transport minister, Mark Bailey said that the study would be undertaken by independent specialist advisors that will collaborate with various key stakeholders.

“The views of key stakeholders such as the Port of Brisbane, Brisbane City Council, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, Queensland Rail and the Australian Rail Track Corporation will be sought as part of the study,” he said.

“The outcomes of the study will help to inform the need for a future business case and corridor protection, if required.”

Bailey also said it was necessary for the study to examine the impacts of passenger network developments on freight rail movements.

“Last year the Queensland Government announced it would fully fund and deliver the Cross River Rail Project and work has already started. Clearly, we need to understand what these projects will mean for the movement of rail freight,” he said.

“I expect that freight flows may change as a result of these network-shaping projects and increased interactions with the suburban passenger network.”

“

The new joint study will now assess a range of immediate and long-term options to ensure freight continues to move efficiently.

”

PHOTOGRAPHTY: PORT OF BRISBANE PTY LTD

THE COMMONWEALTH AND QUEENSLAND state governments will together fund a joint study to investigate improvements to freight rail connections to the Port of Brisbane, including the option of a dedicated link to the Inland Rail project.

Along with exploring possible options for improved rail connections between Acacia Ridge and the Port of Brisbane, the $1.5 million study will be carried out over the next 12 months and will also reportedly focus on current and future demand and the existing infrastructure capacity for freight rail to and from the Port.

The Turnbull government’s 2017/18 Budget allocation of $8.4 billion for the Inland Rail freight line between Brisbane and Melbourne did not include funding for a link to the Port, to the consternation of many within the freight industry and Opposition figures like shadow transport minister Anthony Albanese.

Michael McCormack, deputy prime minister and federal transport minister, said that the government was now in agreement with Infrastructure Australia’s characterisation of a dedicated link to the Port as a “high priority initiative”, and indicated the study would explore this option.

“Significant analysis was undertaken as part of the 2015 Inland Rail Business Case which found the existing line could continue to service

www.railexpress.com.au

25/05/2018 3:17:41 PM

Dressage_H Dressa

transp main s

QLD

NEWS

QLD transport minister defends train driver recruitment process QUEENSLAND’S TRANSPORT minister Mark Bailey has revealed that Queensland Rail (QR) is well behind on its target to employ 200 new train drivers by the middle of 2019.

Responding to Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington’s claim that only five new drivers net had been recruited

by QR since its late 2016 debacle – in which a chronic undersupply of train crew culminated in sudden and widespread service cancellations – Bailey said the Coalition had resorted to “relentless negativity” in its “desperate misuse” of old information. “[S]he is deliberately misrepresenting false information on this matter with limited and old data,” Bailey said in mid-May. “Ms Frecklington is using figures that do not include tutor drivers and are

nearly six months out of date which the RTI date clearly shows.”

However, in correcting the figure, Bailey revealed that, since October 2016, there has been only a net increase of 36 additional fully qualified drivers on the network.

While 140 new trainee drivers have been recruited – 77 of whom have been trained and are now driving services – a number of drivers have transitioned to other roles within QR, including 16 who have become tutors to trainees (and who still drive at times of peak demand), while further 22 drivers have ceased employment with QR entirely.

The Strachan Inquiry report, which has guided the recruitment efforts of QR since its release in early 2017, recommended that 200 new

drivers be qualified and driving on the network by June 2019. With a rate of roughly 6 drivers completing training a month since December 2017, it looks increasingly that this target will not be met.

Bailey defended the steps taken

by QR in addressing the issue of understaffing: accelerating the recruitment process via increasing the capacity of driver and guard training schools and streamlining its training process. These actions have, Bailey said, prevented further net reductions in staff and stabilised QR’s workforce.

“We always said fixing the trains would not happen overnight, but we are now beginning to see our overall train crew supply increase,” Bailey said.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: PORT OF BRISBANE PTY LTD

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NEWS

WA

Public backs Morley-Ellenbrook

THE FIRST COMMUNITY INFORMATION and consultation session for the MorleyEllenbrook Line project has been completed, with WA’s transport minister Rita Saffioti presenting the audience with the results of a recent public survey.

Over 150 people attended the session at Ellenbrook Secondary College theatre, where minister Saffioti also outlined the features and the planning process of the proposed link.

In the survey, completed by 1,927 residents, 82% registered positive feelings towards the project, 77% felt the line had importance for them “personally”, while 86% considered the link an important project for their suburb.

"It is clear from the information session and survey that residents along the future Morley-Ellenbrook Line corridor are excited about this project,” Saffioti said.

"It is the first of many consultations we will be having as this transformative Metronet project continues to develop.

"Starting consultation at this early stage in the project will ensure we end up with a project that the whole community

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will value and benefit from for many decades to come."

The top improvements the survey respondents wished to see in their area were the presence of a train line and station, increased availability of public transport and more leisure and entertainment options.

Responding to concerns voiced in the survey about the potential for disruptive noise, Saffioti indicated that the state’s Public Transport Authority (PTA) had been learning how to improve noise reduction during the delivery of the Butler rail extension and the planning previous projects such as the ThornlieCockburn Line.

“Our design of the ThornlieCockburn Line secures better noise prevention through the matting underneath the rail and other noisereduction measures. So we’re always learning and improving to make sure that we do what we can to make we address the issue at the planning stage,” she said to the audience.

Regarding station safety, Saffioti said that along with CCTV, it was

important the new stations had more activity and interaction. “[With the new stations] we want to have more interaction with the community. Ellenbrook, in particular, is a huge opportunity, because the construction of the town centre can be finished in conjunction with the station, tailoring the design to enable more interaction more often and offering better passive surveillance.”

Saffioti finished by telling the audience that community consultation was an important part of planning and delivering the project.

“We’re following each step and we want to take the community with us along the way. We want to explain what we’re doing, and we want the you [the community] involved, because we are absolutely passionate about this project,” she said.

“We hope you share our passion. We want to deliver [the Morley-Ellenbrook Line] because it is such a key part of our future.”

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25/05/2018 3:37:41 PM

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

The Morley-Ellenbrook line would be integrated into Perth’s existing passenger rail network.

WA

NEWS

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

Record number of transit officers on Perth trains and stations FOR THE FIRST TIME, PERTH WILL HAVE over 300 transit officers servicing its passenger train network, with a further 29 graduating in April.

The highly competitive role – which saw approximately 550 people applying for the most recent intake – has been taken up by those with previous experience in the police force, military, security, and in professional, trade and hospitality roles.

Full qualification for the transit officer role takes approximately 6 months, during which trainees are put through a series of tests and classroom, field and on-thejob training, including in legal education, defensive tactics training, rail track safeworking and customer service skills.

“I had the pleasure of meeting some of the new intake this morning and was impressed with their professionalism, friendliness and eagerness to get on with the job,” state transport minister Rita Saffioti said.

“While ensuring the network is safe and comfortable for everyone is an incredibly important part of the role, around 95 per cent of the day-to-day work of transit officers is customer service.”

Much of the role consists in answering questions from the public, and assisting with ticket purchases and other general duties. Maintaining a safe environment on trains and stations is also part of the officers’ responsibility.

All Perth’s passenger trains running after 7pm have two security officers on board. Transperth's annual Passenger Satisfaction Monitor (PSM) indicated that an average of almost 90 per cent of the 4,000 passengers surveyed recorded they feel safe on Transperth trains.

Saffitoti indicated that the continued expansion of the Perth train network would see the recruitment of additional transit officers in the near future.

"As the McGowan Government continues our Metronet plan to expand Perth's rail network, we look forward to welcoming more recruits,” she said.

"I look forward to seeing these new staff out on the network, helping to keep our system safe and making passengers' journeys easier and more enjoyable."

www.railexpress.com.au

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25/05/2018 3:38:03 PM

NEWS

SA

Adelaide to Tarcoola re-railing underway

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per metre, while lifting the axle load from 23 tonnes to 25 tonnes, allowing for heavier and more efficient freight trains to operate at faster speeds.

“The project will vastly improve rail freight productivity by delivering more goods to markets faster, building local economies and creating local jobs,” said federal infrastructure and transport minister Michael McCormack.

“An estimated 110 workers are already employed on the project in Adelaide and Port Augusta and up to 70 more will be employed to help deliver this critical upgrade.

Infrastructure company John Holland is on board and upskilling local workers through its own training program.”

Half of the total order of steel procured from Liberty OneSteel – more than 43,600 tonnes – delivered to the Port Augusta Flashbutt facility, while 324 kilometres of track has reportedly been delivered to site for installation.

“Site mobilisation and welding works started in February 2018 and rail installation is scheduled to take place through to the second half of 2019,” federal member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said.

“The project continues to deliver additional works such as level crossing and structural improvements between Adelaide and Tarcoola to support the planned increase in freight train axle load limits.”

Above: Re-railing works at Tent Hill, near Port Augusta.

L to R: Matthew Hart, Senior Project Manager – Adelaide Tarcoola, ARTC; Rowan Ramsey MP, Federal Member for Grey; Rob Hennessy, Project Manager, John Holland.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: ARTC

WORK IS UNDERWAY ON THE major upgrade of rail track between Adelaide and Tarcoola, part of the federal government’s $252 million project to improve the efficiency of freight movements between the South Australia and West Australia.

The re-railing works of approximately 600 kilometres of track on the Interstate network which supports intermodal freight traffic and heavy minerals rail freight between Adelaide and Tarcoola.

John Holland was awarded the multi-million-dollar contract to deliver the project in December last year.

The line’s capacity will be increased by moving the rail size from 47 kg per metre to 60kg

www.railexpress.com.au

28/05/2018 9:45:04 AM

TAS

NEWS

New Elizabeth River rail bridge goes up over Easter

PHOTOGRAPHTY: TASRAIL

A TEAM OF TASMANIAN WORKERS was on site in Ulverstone, Tasmania over Easter, building a new rail bridge crossing the Elizabeth River at Campbell Town.

VEC Civil Engineering, an Ulverstone-based company, won a TasRail tender last year to upgrade six of the state’s bridges, part of the state

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and federal government funded $119.6 million Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP), established to upgrade “priority sections” of the rail network.

“We were delighted to win this competitive tender to work with TasRail to replace the Elizabeth River Bridge at Campbell town. There is no doubt that TasRail’s commitment to supporting local businesses like ours enables us to employ additional people and contribute more to the local economy,” said Lincoln Bromwich, VEC’s civil engineering general manager.

“This project comprises three on-site in-situ pours for the blindings [footings] and additional pours for fill between existing abutments and new panels and a steel walkway for personnel access in the future.”

Approximately 80 per cent of the pre-cast work for the Elizabeth River bridge was completed ahead of the Easter break, consisting of 8 deck beams, 2 abutments and a pier. All these sections were transported on semitrailers to Campbell.

Rail operations were suspended on the South Line

between Easter Friday (30 March and Easter Sunday (1 April) to enable the replacement of the existing 28-metrelong five span bridge with the new 26.7 metre two-span bridge. A crane lifted each of the pre-cast bridge sections into place.

Gilbert Ness, TasRail’s IIP manager, said that the new bridge would dramatically improve hydraulic capacity.

“The superior design will enhance environmental flows in the Elizabeth River, assist in the prevention of debris build-up during a flood event, reduce ongoing maintenance costs and enure the safety of our trains, drivers and customers’ freight along this key freight corridor,” Ness said.

A TasRail team worked with VEC at the site for 3 weeks, helping conduct excavations and the concrete pourings for the centre pier and south abutment.

“There is no doubt that these projects are challenging as we have a very tight deadline to complete the bridge replacement at Easter while the trains are stopped, ahead of the Easter break” Bromwich said.

“But we are confident that we will again deliver for TasRail.”

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28/05/2018 9:44:30 AM

NEWS

VIC

Mildura Line re-opened after seven-month closure

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Above: The Mildura Line upgrade is part of a multi-stage overhaul of the Murray Basin’s rail network.

“Once finished, it will provide better connections into Portland, Geelong and Melbournen”

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL AUTHORITY

moving more freight by rail.”

After lifting the seven-month closure of the line for the upgrade works, the first freight train left Merbein for Melbourne in late February. The train was also due to travel along the recently reopened Maryborough to Ararat line – another stretch upgraded through the Murray Basin Rail Project – on its way to the Port of Melbourne.

“The Murray Basin Rail Project is reconnecting Victoria’s north west with our major ports in Portland, Geelong and Melbourne and providing long lasting support to Victorian farmers and businesses,” regional development minister Jaala Pulford said.

“The Mildura line is one of our busiest rail freight links, playing a key role in transporting the Murray Basin region’s grain, mineral sands, fruit, vegetables and wine to our ports and to the world.”

PHOTOGRAPHTY: V/LINE

FREIGHT TRAINS HAVE RETURNED TO Victoria’s Mildura Line following major track upgrades, and the conversion of the line from broad to standard gauge.

Part of the Victorian government’s $440 million Murray Basin Rail Project, the works also involved increasing the line’s axle loading from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes, which will allow trains to carry additional freight.

Ballast, concrete sleepers, fasteners and crossings were sourced from Victorian suppliers, while around 40 businesses from central Victoria helped provide services. Over 500 workers, including 220 from regional Victoria were reportedly involved in the project.

“The Murray Basin Rail project is creating local jobs during construction, providing a welcome boost to towns in central and northwestern Victoria,” Victorian transport minister Jacinta Allan said. “Once finished, it will provide better connections into Portland, Geelong and Melbourne, taking trucks off our roads and

VIC

PHOTOGRAPHTY: LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL AUTHORITY

PHOTOGRAPHTY: V/LINE

Record fare compliance for V/Line PUBLIC TRANSPORT VICTORIA (PTV) has released the results of its Fare Compliance Survey conducted in October 2017, showing the state’s regional passenger service saw a record high number of passengers travelling with valid tickets.

PTV’s surveys are conducted May and October every year and are a requirement of the metropolitan train and tram franchise agreements.

The 96.2 per cent fare compliance for V/Line is its best since the surveys began on in 2012. Metropolitan passenger train and tram fare compliance continues to be high – at 97.3 per cent (for trains) and 95.4 per cent (for trams) – with little change compared to the previous survey.

PTV CEO, Jeroen Weimar, said that modern ticketing systems were helping contribute to high fare compliance figures in a time of steadily increasing patronage.

“Around 2 million trips are taken on our public transport every day, with that number continuing to rise,” Weimar said.

During the October survey over 54,000 tickets were checked, including more than 38,000 on the metropolitan network, and over 16,000 on V/ Line services.

“We believe that most travellers want to do the right thing and we’re helping by making the ticketing system as user-friendly as possible,” said Weimar.

“We’re making it easier to travel with a valid ticket with initiatives like faster online top up times, faster myki readers, contactless payment machines and trials of next generation quick top up machines at key locations across the network.”

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NEWS

44-day shutdown to remove Hurstbridge crossings A PAIR OF LEVEL CROSSING REMOVALS have been removed on Melbourne’s Hurstbridge line thanks to a six-week shutdown commenced in March.

A 44-day shutdown of the Hurstbridge rail line between March 16 and April 29 enabled the removal of level crossings at Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna, and Grange Road in Alphington. It also facilitated final works on the new Rosanna Station, and the completion of duplicated track from Heidelberg to Rosanna.

“This six-week blitz is a vital part of delivering the Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals and getting on with our unprecedented pipeline of major

transport projects,” Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said at the start of the shutdown.

Transport minister Jacinta Allan assured that despite the disruptions to transport services, the public would still have the means to move around the city.

“While we get rid of dangerous and congested level crossings, upgrade tracks and signals, and build the massive Metro Tunnel Project you will still be able to get where they need to go on our trains, trams and buses,” the minister said.

Above: A pair of crossings were removed from the Hurstbridge line over a 44-day shutdown.

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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NEWS

VIC

Mernda extension ahead of schedule; new station names announced

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progressed well and we expect to begin testing trains by the end of September. It’s a wonderful result for communities in Melbourne’s north.”

Over 21,000 cubic metres of basalt rock has reportedly been excavated from under McDonalds Road and South Morang Station, while new rail has been arriving on overnight rail trains to South Morang.

Work on the project is to intensify over the coming months, with extensive signalling and electrical systems works, station building construction and track installation required for train testing to begin ahead of schedule between South Morang and Mernda.

The government has said that a timetable for the opening of passenger services along the new line will be released in the coming months.

Above: Concept designs for stations along the new Mernda rail extension.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: JOHN HOLLAND

MERNDA WILL RECEIVE TEST TRAINS 6 months earlier than planned, with the Victorian government announcing that work on the $600 million rail extension to the growing suburb in Melbourne’s north-east is ahead of schedule.

Work has been underway on the new rail line for approximately a year, having started in late April 2017. The project includes the construction of three new stations, three rail bridges and two underpasses, as well as a train stabling yard at the end of the line.

The names of the three new stations have also been announced: Mernda Station, Hawkstowe Station and Middle Gorge Station.

8,000 commuters a day are expected to use the new stations every day, easing traffic congestion along Plenty Road.

Jacinta Allan said that the test trains would be travelling along the new line by September this year.

“We’re getting it done – Mernda Rail Extension is ahead of schedule, creating thousands of jobs and giving people in our fastest growing suburbs the transport they deserve,” Allan said. “Work has

www.railexpress.com.au

28/05/2018 12:19:59 PM

LINE UPGRADE The Australian and Victorian governments are upgrading the Gippsland line to give passengers more frequent and reliable services.

The $1.7 billion Regional Rail Revival will upgrade every regional passenger train line in Victoria, creating over 1,000 jobs.

The Gippsland Line Upgrade will deliver improved train services to the growing communities of Gippsland and create hundreds of jobs in the region.

Bairnsdale

TRARALGON

Additional platform Modernised rail signalling Relocate train stabling

Stratford

MORWELL TO TRARALGON Track duplication

Flinders Street

Sale Rosedale

MORWELL

Southern Cross

Extend Morwell crossing loop Additional platform at Morwell

Caulfield

PAKENHAM TO BAIRNSDALE

Yarragon

Level crossing upgrades

Clayton

Dandenong

Traralgon

Morwell

STRATFORD

Replace the Avon River bridge

Moe

Richmond

Berwick

Nar Nar Goon

Pakenham

Garfield

Tynong

NEWS

VIC

Drouin

Bunyip

Trafalgar Warragul

Longwarry

MOE

Track duplication

BUNYIP TO LONGWARRY Melbourne

Bairnsdale

Traralgon

Track duplication Additional platforms at Bunyip and Longwarry

PHOTOGRAPHTY: JOHN HOLLAND

Work begins on Gippsland Line upgrades WORK HAS BEGUN ON UPGRADES TO VICTORIA’S Gippsland Line, with geotechnical and site investigations underway at the Avon River rail bridge in Stratford.

More than 50 boreholes and 120 test pits around the bridge and other locations along the Gippsland line will be carried out over the coming months to ascertain current ground conditions and soil quality.

The information gathered will inform the project’s design and construction phases.

The $530 million project will include level crossing upgrades and track duplication to untangle bottlenecks, and the construction of additional platforms at Bunyip, Longwarry, Morwell and Traralgon stations.

“We’re getting things done – delivering the upgrades we need to run new trains and boost services to Gippsland,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said.

“This is the next step in our Regional Rail Revival which will boost services, jobs and communities across the state.”

The overall aim of the Gippsland project is to improve service reliability and frequency on the Gippsland line. The replacement of the Avon River Bridge, for instance, will remove the 10km/h speed limit currently imposed on this section of track, thus

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Above: The Gippsland Line Upgrade is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Rail Revival package.

improving travel times.

“It’s a huge relief for Gippslanders to see work beginning on this vital project, which will progress the long-awaited transformation of train services to communities along the Gippsland line,” said Harriet Shing, Labor’s member for Eastern Victoria.

Shing said the government was going ahead with the project in the face of federal intransigence over releasing funds for Victoria’s $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival program, which, along the Gippsland project, also includes a $557 million upgrade of the Ballarat line, a $91 million upgrade to the Bendigo line, $110 million for the Geelong line, and $114 million for the Warrnambool line.

“Locals are thoroughly sick of regional rail funding being withheld while the Commonwealth pours more money into New South Wales and Queensland. We’re determined to make sure they pay their debts to Victoria, and we’re delivering as many improvements on the line as we can while we wait,” she said.

The Victorian government is itself providing $9 million for its Gippsland Rail Corridor Station Upgrade Program, which is to provide accessibility, safety and car parking improvements at Traralgon, Moe, Trafalgar and Morwell stations.

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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28/05/2018 12:20:01 PM

NEWS

NZ

Freight services resume on cyclone-damaged section on Main North Line

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•

Peter Reidy

Works begin to re-open NapierWairoa rail line WORK TO REINSTATE THE RAIL LINE from Napier to Wairoa has begun after the New Zealand government announced $5 million in funding for the project through the Provincial Growth Fund.

The funding will provide for the reopening of the line, along with upgrades to the Whanganui Line. KiwiRail’s chief executive Peter Reidy welcomed the announcement as a sign of government confidence in rail as a driver of economic growth.

“We welcome this recognition of the contribution rail is making in adding value to New Zealand, not only through the efficient movement of freight and people, but in all of the areas highlighted in the recent Value of Rail report prepared by professional services firm EY,” Reidy said.

“The benefits rail delivers include reducing congestion on roads, cutting carbon emissions, making our roads safer and lowering spending on road maintenance and upgrades.

“Together they add up to more than $1.5 billion per year, and they are a key reason for the Government’s financial investments.”

The Wairoa-Napier road is coming under increasing strain from the growing volume of logs requiring freighting – rail, according to Reidy, is the ideal solution.

“We have estimated that using the Wairoa-Napier line to move the logs could take up to 5,714 trucks a year off the road, and reduce carbon emissions by 1292 tonnes,” he said.

Contractors have started clearing vegetation at Eskdale and will move north over the coming weeks, to be followed by work on the line’s drains and culverts.

The first log trains are expected to be able to use the track by the end of the year; however, the project will take two years to be fully completed.

www.railexpress.com.au

28/05/2018 12:13:09 PM

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

The first freight train to travel on the Main North Line after the earthquake

condition it was prior to the storm,” KiwiRail’s group general manager Todd Moyle said.

Much of the works carried out by KiwiRail and NCTIR teams focused on clearing the large debris flows, while the shutdown also allowed for other planned work to be brought forward.

For instance, one of the temporary bridges, which had been installed to enable the early re-opening last September has now been replaced with a new permanent structure.

“This is a great outcome as it will help improve running time of trains and closes out another major damage site from the original earthquake,” Moyle said.

“Looking ahead, our teams will continue to focus on works that improve the reliability of the line and reduce transit times, so we can better support our customers and resume pre-earthquake levels of operations as soon as possible.”

PHOTOGRAPHTY: KIWIRAIL

FREIGHT RAIL TRAINS ARE now running again on the Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch, after the completion of repair works following the damage caused by Cyclone Gita in late February.

Heavy rainfall – exceeding 200mm over 18 hours in some areas – caused approximately 300,000 cubic metres of material spreading across 60 sites between Parnassus and Clarence in landslips, leading to the shutdown of both the rail line and the state highway.

According to KiwiRail, sections of track repaired after the damage wreaked by the Kaikoura earthquake in November 2016 had fared better than others.

“Overall, we were very pleased to see that areas were work had already been completed stood up very well, and we have been able to largely restore the track to the same

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7/5/18 12:40 25/05/2018 11:40:27 AMpm

PHOTOGRAPHTY: TRANSPORT CANBERRA

CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAJOR PROJECTS

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Canberra light rail: First new trees planted on Northbourne Tree life has returned to the median strip of Northbourne Avenue in central Canberra, in what’s being called a “major milestone” for the city’s light rail project.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: TRANSPORT CANBERRA

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CT TRANSPORT AND CITY SERVICES minister Meegan Fitzharris said the tree planting, on April 6, marked the beginning of the transformation of Canberra’s northern gateway.

“Light rail is not just a transport project,” Fitzharris said. “It will transform Northbourne Avenue and revitalise this important gateway to the nation’s capital. Today marks an important milestone, with the first Eucalyptus mannifera being planted on Northbourne Avenue.”

The first plantings kick off a program which includes over 1,000 trees, and more than one million plants in total, planned for the Canberra Metro light rail route, including trees, native wildflowers, herbs, forbs and grasses.

Under the project’s Light Rail Landscape Plan, the northern parts of the corridor will feature a grassland landscape, which will

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These gums are considered an impressive species which have featured in other landscaping projects around Canberra over the past 50 years, creating beautiful native boulevards

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transition to a more formal grand boulevard design along Northbourne Avenue. Plant types were selected after community consultation and discussions with the National Capital Authority.

The first tree, a five-metre gum, was planted between Elouera and Girrawheen Streets.

“These gums are considered an impressive species which have featured in other landscaping projects around Canberra over the past 50 years, creating beautiful native boulevards,” Fitzharris said.

“Importantly, today’s planting of Eucalypts begins the replacement of all the trees removed during construction,” the minister added. “I know these trees were special to many people across Canberra, and I hope the new gums we are planting here today will be too.”

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CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAJOR PROJECTS

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

The Gold Coast Light Rail could be getting a third stage

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Gold Coast third stage the focus after Comm Games success

The Queensland Government has shifted its focus to building a third stage of light rail on the Gold Coast, after the Commonwealth Games saw 100,000 passengers a day using the network.

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

HE GOVERNMENT IS IN THE early stages of plans for the next stage of the line, with a jointly-funded business case in partnership with the City of Gold Coast in development.

Early outlines of the third stage, released in 2017, prefer a 7-kilometre, 8-stop route from the existing Broadbeach South light rail stop, to Burleigh Heads, further south along the coastline. Under the preferred proposal, the light rail would continue to run down the centre of the Gold Coast Highway.

Survey works for a G:link third stage began mid-April, with an aim to locate and identify underground services and map the reference alignment.

“There will be several surveying teams out on different parts of the corridor over the coming months,” acting Gold Coast mayor Donna Gates said. “The survey results would be used in the detailed business case to help decide engineering design, station locations and replacement, upgrading or relocation of underground services.” continued on next page >

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CIVIL ENGINEERING & MAJOR PROJECTS

Economic benefits Benefit to the economy

More than $1.2 billion in economic benefits.

Jobs

The project would create approximately 2,400 jobs during the construction phase and 39 additional jobs during operation.

Economic benefit of travel time savings

Travel time savings equate to an economic benefit of $273 million.

Wider economic benefits

Improved transport accessibility enables a range of flow on economic benefits including productivity, market efficiency and labour supply.

Increased land values

There are benefits to the economy from increased land values. Land values increase because of the improved accessibility provided by the light rail system.

Environmental benefits Reduced environmental impacts vehicles

Increased public transport usage will reduce the negative environmental impacts of private vehicles.

Above: Range of benefits identified in The Preliminary Business Case for the third stage of Gold Coast Light Rail.

Left: Queensland transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey (centre) with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on the G:link.

Right: Stage 3A indicative light rail station locations

G:link trams carried more than 1.1 million passengers during the 11 day Commonwealth Games, almost four times the daily average since the opening of stage two of the light rail project.

Many hundreds of thousands of those passengers were brought to the Gold Coast on the heavy rail network, which benefited from its new and growing fleet of Bombardier’s NGR trains.

GoldlinQ chief executive Phil Mumford told Rail Express the success of the region’s transport network during the Games was testament to the early integrated planning that was undertaken with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

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“Keolis Downer’s pre-Games maintenance planning and staff commitment during the Games itself delivered an efficient, safe, and reliable transport solution for all stakeholders involved,” Mumford said.

“The G: was fully embraced by visitors and locals alike during the event which is why we saw record patronage numbers over those amazing 11 days.”

State transport minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to expand the light rail network with the second stage – a 7.3-kilometre link between Gold

“

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The G: was fully embraced by visitors and locals alike during the event which is why we saw record patronage numbers over those amazing 11 days.

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: MARK BAILEY MP / TWITTER

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A – Preliminary Business Case Summary

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About Stage 3A Coast University Hospital and the heavy rail station The extension of light– was rail to BurleightoHeads involves: at Helensvale “critical” the success of the Commonwealth about 6.4 kilometresGames. of dedicated dual light rail track from “The tram network almost 100,000 Broadbeach South station carried to Burleigh Heads passengers a day, nearly four times the normal daily • light rail tracks running the centre thehave Goldbeen Coast average,” Bailey said.in“This wouldofnot Highway all without the way our to Burleigh Heads possible unwavering commitment to this and therail fact we built it in record time.”

• upproject to 8 new light stations During the games, Bailey rode on the network and • upsaid to 5 the newnetwork light rail–vehicles along with its integration with heavy rail and bus services – had held up very well to the • a light rail – bus interchange at Burleigh Heads onslaught of passengers.

• 3 new “It’s signalised intersections and upgrades to rail great totraffic see so many people using the light network andintersections other public transport modes to travel to some existing events during the Commonwealth Games,” Bailey said.

• approximately 16 new signalised pedestrian crossings “The Palaszczuk Government has delivered almost $1 in transport infrastructure leading up to the Games, • 12billion kilometres of upgraded pedestrian footpaths including $420 million towards building Gold Coast light • landscaping the alight railmilestone route andand at stations rail stage 2.along This was major will be a lasting Commonwealth Gamesalong legacy forparallel years tocoastal come.”

• upgraded cycle facilities the GoldLinQ chairman John Witheriff said the way the street network light rail network had responded to the pressures of • underground conduit fordemand City services and increased patronage during the Games put it technology provision. in good stead for the future.

“Public transport is a critical part of the Gold Coast’s future success,” Witheriff said. “We’ve had extra staff on the ground doing a great job to assist with these unprecedented passenger volumes and we thank The extension of light rail topatience.”

Burleigh Heads will require everybody for their funding from Commonwealth Government, Queensland Thethe network added 22 drivers to its usual crew of Government and the341 City.

Completion of a Preliminary 70, alongside on-ground customer service staff (up Business Case an important stepstaff. in theG:link process to from 30),isand 24 controlfirst centre services securewere project funding,toasanthe Preliminary increased average of 390Business services Case per day provides government an initial assessment the costs (from 270), withwith services running every 6ofminutes or better of during peak event periods. and benefits the project.

Peter Beattie, the chair of the Gold Coast’s The Preliminary Business Case for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Commonwealth Games council, told ABC Radio 3A was completed by the City in December 2017. Preparation the state’s transport planning and efforts in of the communicating Preliminary Business Case involved: – including with the public – were to thank forengineering the absencedesign of major • preliminary anddisruptions. cost estimate “So, was that message strong? Yes. Did it need to be?

• community consultation June andinJuly 2017) Yes. Perhaps we were a(completed little bit tooinaggressive terms of how weof did it, but in the end people moving around • assessment forecast population and employment growth without disruption, that’s what’s important,” he said.

• cost-benefit analysis Days after the dust settled, Minister Bailey was keen to capitalise on the Commonwealth Games success and • financial analysis push on with the light rail project’s third stage.

• environmental and social impact assessments “It makes sense to plan now for this vital project, which will enhance the lifestyle and economic • assessment of project risks and delivery options. opportunities for the Gold Coast,” Bailey said.

The Preliminary Case found while in thestages project “LightBusiness rail was designed to bethat delivered to respond to the city’s growth the andbenefits the first two stages of light requires a significant investment, of delivering the havefar proven it to be a viable to using thehas car.” projectrail would outweigh the costs,alternative meaning the project consultation forCity stage three the light a positive Community benefit-cost ratio (BCR). The has nowofprovided rail network will take place in the latter halfand of 2018 the Preliminary Business Case to the Queensland and be integrated into the of the detailed Commonwealth Governments for development their consideration. business case, which Bailey said would come under government consideration in early 2019. $10 million was put towards the development of the detailed business case in July 2017, with the state government and the City of Gold Coast contributing $5 million each.

•

BROADBEACH

MERMAID BEACH

PHOTOGRAPHTY: MARK BAILEY MP / TWITTER

Preliminary Business Case

MIAMI

Possible light rail station Existing light rail station

The number, location and name of light rail stations will be considered in more detail during the detailed business case.

BURLEIGH HEADS

Stage 3A indicative light rail station locations www.railexpress.com.au

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Out and About

Industry again asks, R U OK? THE INITIATIVE IS A JOINT EFFORT OF suicide and harm prevention charities R U OK? and the TrackSAFE Foundation.

“Through the initiative Rail R U OK?Day we are helping rail industry workers feel safe and genuinely supported at work,” TrackSAFE chairman Bob Herbert AM said.

“Due to the nature of the roles in the rail industry, there are some workers who could potentially be exposed to traumatic incidents as part of their jobs.

“The Rail R U OK?Day initiative is aimed at helping rail employees deal with these confronting challenges they may face at work, (along with life’s challenges) and connecting in a meaningful way to co-workers. There’s a real difference between small talk and genuinely asking the question of a workmate, ‘are you really ok?’”

TrackSAFE and R U OK? are working to equip rail workers with the skills

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to recognise when someone might be struggling, and strategies to employ support for their workmates. R U OK?’s four steps to starting a conversation – ask, listen, encourage action, and check in – are a key part of this.

This year TrackSAFE has added to this initiative by introducing Mental Health First Aid training.

“By introducing Mental Health First Aid training specifically for the rail industry we’re working to encourage more and more rail employees to recognise the signs that someone might be doing it tough and to check in on those they are concerned about,” Herbert said.

Over the eight weeks leading up to April 12, an interactive digital question mark named ‘Quentin’ was sent on a relay-style trip across every state and territory via rail.

Quentin issues educational and

informative challenges, and completed his cross-country trek at Metro Trains Melbourne on Rail R U OK?Day. In addition to this, R U OK? branded locomotives, courtesy of Pacific National and Aurizon will act as visual reminders to Australians to join the conversation movement by checking in with friends and loved ones, as they pass through cities and regional towns in Western Australia and Queensland.

R U OK? chief executive Brendan Maher said his charity’s continued collaboration with TrackSAFE was crucial for workers who are often faced with work related stressors, and need additional support.

“In our fourth year now, we believe we are embedding strategies to assist rail workers when they are faced with challenges, and this initiative is one we are extremely proud of,” Maher said.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: TRACK SAFE FOUNDATION

Rail industry employees across Australia and New Zealand helped promote a conversation movement by asking each other, “Are you ok?” on April 12, the fourth annual Rail R U OK?Day.

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: TRACK SAFE FOUNDATION

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TENDERING

Downer wins $16m stations contract Downer Group has won a $16 million tender process to carry out the construction of upgrades to Bendigo and Eaglehawk stations in Bendigo, Victoria, with works to begin in the middle of the year. at Bendigo and Eaglehawk stations,” state transport minister Jacinta Allan said. “These upgrades will make it easier for locals to get where they need to go and help grow Bendigo’s economy even further.”

The $15.8 million works are being developed in consultation with the City of Greater Bendigo, and are expected to be completed next year.

“We have been working closely with the local community as we deliver these upgrades, which will improve safety and access for residents and visitors to our city,” said Maree Edwards, Labor’s member for Bendigo West.

“As a result, we are now moving ahead with this critical piece of infrastructure that will serve the Bendigo community for years to come.”

“

These upgrades will make it easier for locals to get where they need to go.

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

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ENDIGO STATION IS TO RECEIVE a new pedestrian bridge with lifts, ramps and stairs, improving accessibility between the platforms and bus stops and taxi ranks.

Downer will work with the City of Greater Bendigo to develop a detailed design of the bridge, which will reportedly take the precinct’s heritage into account, as well as the nearby Bendigo VRI Bowling Club.

Further developments at Bendigo station include upgrades to the station building, such as a re-do of the waiting area, the toilets, and the customer service areas.

Eaglehawk station will receive an extended platform to accommodate longer trains. A new 60-space car park with taxi and drop off areas will also be built.

“We’re getting on with improving access and making it easier for passengers

Eaglehawk and Bendigo stations are part of Victoria’s regional rail network.

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TENDERING

Inland Rail will facilitate more efficient freight movement on Australia’s north-south, and east-west routes

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

WSP/Mott Macdonald win Illabo-Stockinbingal contract A $6 million contract for feasibility and design work on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has been awarded by the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

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HE COMPANIES WSP Australia and Mott MacDonald (trading as IRDJV) have been awarded the contract, with the feasibility design work to build on the ARTC’s preliminary investigations and community consultations in the area.

“Today's contract award continues our commitment to see the project delivered, with construction in parts of New South Wales set to commence in 2018, creating thousands of jobs along the way,” federal transport and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack said in April.

The Illabo-Stockinbingal section, a 37-kilometre greenfield section of the Inland Rail in southern NSW, will bypass the Bethungra Spiral track and provide a direct route from east of Illabo to Stockinbingal and the existing Forbes rail line.

McCormack called the Bethungra Spiral, which was built during the Second World War, a “significant engineering and technological feat” of its time, but remarked that the new track would significantly boost regional

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agricultural freighting productivity.

“Local know-how helped deliver this Spiral, and today we are looking at how we can draw on local skills and ingenuity again, by designing a section of rail that allows us to achieve a freight connection between Melbourne and Brisbane in less than 24 hours—which is what this contract will help to achieve,” he said.

The ARTC has said that the feasibility design on this stretch would provide the basis for further planning, and would enable the community to have more information about how the project was proceeding.

“This feasibility design work will give us information in terms of engineering, environmental, traffic and other impacts, which we can use to design and build the best possible rail line,” the ARTC’s Inland Rail program deliver director Simon Thomas said.

“It will lay the groundwork for the detailed design for these sections, and there will be more contracts awarded by ARTC over the coming months in regional NSW.”

Arup wins MorleyEllenbrook planning and design Consultancy firm Arup has won a tender to work on planning for the early stages of the future MorleyEllenbrook line in Perth.

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RUP WILL ASSIST IN DESIGNING plans for route options and engineering work for the new rail line in Perth’s north-east. The company will be joining Roberts Day and Ernst and Young in working with the WA Government in undertaking options analysis and design work with a view towards the development of a business case for the project.

“Initial planning and early community consultation for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line have taken place, so we have now entered a far more detailed planning phase,” state transport minister Rita Saffioti said.

"The awarding of these tenders will allow the project team to progress developing the necessary business cases for the proposed projects so Government can assess the best outcome for the community."

The options analysis will explore potential locations for the rail line, as well as developing design options such as grad separations and train stations.

A potential option under that will be under consideration in the planning is a 21km spur line from the existing Midland Line just east of Bayswater Station to connect communities in Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Bennett Springs, Whiteman and Ellenbrook.

“We recently revealed concept plans for the Bayswater Station upgrade, which will start construction next year and form the first stage of works for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line,” said Saffioti.

The design work of firms like Arup will followed by wider economic analysis and business case development work, which will reportedly be contracted separately in the coming months.

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TENDERING

$1.6 billion for Perthbased train build

The WA Government is looking to establish some form of rollingstock manufacturing in the state.

The McGowan Government wants 246 new railcars at least 50%-built in Western Australia over the next 10 years, with a pre-qualification tender released in late April.

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to boost our local manufacturing industry and maximise WA jobs.

“My government’s number one priority is WA jobs and with a long-term plan to boost local manufacturing, it makes sense that we cement this strategy in place to build these extra railcars in WA.” China’s CRRC Corporation, France’s Alstom, and a joint-venture of Bombardier and EDI Downer – all of whom attended the government’s procurement project briefing last October – are among those expected to compete for the railcar contract.

The companies that apply for the contract will be placed on a shortlist to progress to an interactive tendering process. A winning supplier is expected to be chosen in early 2019.

“These trains will travel up to 280,000 kilometres a year for 35 years, so we need to get it right,” state transport minister Rita Saffioti said.

“This is a great opportunity to deliver the next generation of trains that can provide more capacity, and faster transfers, and tap into our local workforce to deliver WA projects with local skills.”

Delivery of the first 17 train sets will reportedly be due sometime in 2021, with the further 24 sets expected between 2023 and 2026.

“

This is a great opportunity to deliver the next generation of trains.

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PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

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TOTAL OF 246 “C-SERIES” railcars are to be built over 10 years under the deal. 102 new railcars (i.e. 17 six-carriage sets) will be for the added capacity of the Metronet projects, and 144 railcars (i.e.

24 six-carriage sets) will replace the existing A-series trains, the Transperth network’s first electric railcars.

The WA Government’s budget last year provided $508 million for the construction of the Metronet railcars. However, due to the aging A-series trains – many of which are approaching the end of their 30-year operational lifespans – the project size has been expanded to a total of $1.6 billion.

The McGowan Government has presented the project as a boost for local manufacturing: the contract will require that the supplier commit to manufacture or assemble 50 per cent of the railcars in Western Australia, while a part of the project budget will go toward funding the construction of a local railcar assembly facility and associated infrastructure.

“These will be our Metronet trains, so it makes sense that they are our local jobs,” WA’s premier Mark McGowan said. “Not only will Metronet deliver thousands of new constructions jobs, but the increased demand for new railcars will create a pipeline of work

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25/05/2018 11:40:30 AM

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT It is hoped the new centre will help train the next generation of Australian rail engineers.

$7.3m training centre opened at UoW Federal education and training minister Simon Birmingham has officially launched the University of Wollongong’s new rail training centre.

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TTC RAIL IS THE SHORTHAND FOR the new Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Advanced Technologies in Rail Track Infrastructure.

Set up to train the next generation of rail engineers, it is the first ever rail training centre to be funded by the Australian Government, with a $3.9 million ARC grant supported by an additional $3.4 million in contributions from the NSW Government and industry and university partners.

Headquartered at the University of Wollongong, ITTC Rail is designed to bring together rail track infrastructure expertise from all sectors of the industry, with eight universities and 11 national and international industry partners taking part. “Given the dependency of the Australian economy on efficient heavy haul, there is a pressing need to upgrade ageing rail infrastructure by rejuvenating higher degree training with a new generation of engineers with advanced knowledge and practice skills,� continued on next page >

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Above: The new centre was opened at the University of Wollongong by education and training minister Simon Birmingham

“

This will involve close collaboration with companies in the rail supply chain, programs to promote novel design approaches.

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ITTC Rail director Buddhima Indraratna said.

Professor Indraratna said improvements in the efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness of freight haulage can have significant flow-on benefits to the rest of the economy, increasing productivity in industries including agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

Commuter transport will also be included in ITTC Rail’s work, with a focus on how new materials, advanced manufacturing and innovative design and construction can benefit that sector.

“Australia also has some of the world’s heaviest as well as longest heavy-haul trains, exceeding four kilometres at times, with considerable challenges offered to railway engineers along problematic soil terrains,” Indraratna continued.

“Through specialist training of industry-

focused researchers, ITTC Rail will meet the challenge of designing, constructing and maintaining the rail network.

“This will involve close collaboration with companies in the rail supply chain, programs to promote novel design approaches, and innovative fabrication of products using advanced manufacturing techniques.”

Minister Birmingham opened the training centre officially on May 23.

“Our commitment to rail infrastructure investment will generate jobs, ease congestion in our cities, increase the capacity of our freight routes and better connect regional areas,” the minister said.

“The Turnbull Government’s investment in the new training centre at the University of Wollongong will ensure Australia’s future workforce has the specialised skills and expertise to deliver on projects such as the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail, the Port Botany Rail Upgrade and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.”

Universities contributing to ITTC Rail are University of Wollongong, Swinburne University of Technology, University of Sydney, Queensland University of Technology, Curtin University, University of Queensland, Western Sydney University and University of Newcastle.

Industry partners are the Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation, Metro Trains Melbourne, Bridgestone Corporation, SMEC, Innovative Technology Beijing, China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group, Ecoflex International, Geofrontiers, Polyfabrics Australasia, Nu-rock Technology and Elasto-Plastic Concrete.

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28/05/2018 12:09:49 PM

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Developing supercapacitors to power rail rolling stock The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the HEC Group will work together to develop hybrid supercapacitors to power rolling stock, in a project funded and overseen by the Rail Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

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life and low maintenance. The project will therefore be working towards supercapacitors with the ability to charge and discharge very quickly for up to 100,000 cycles.

“The development of enhanced supercapacitor technologies not only benefits the Australian industry, but the global rail market as a whole,” Rail Manufacturing CRC boss Stuart Thomson said.

“This is another important collaboration between the Rail Manufacturing CRC, the HEC Group and UTS.” Worth approximately $5.5 million, the project is expected to finish by December 31st, 2019.

It’s the second time the HEC Group and UTS have worked together on a Rail Manufacturing CRC-funded project, and follows on from the pair’s original project to develop lithium ion batteries to power rail vehicle propulsion, regenerative braking, signalling systems and auxiliary applications.

HEC has core manufacturing businesses in electronic materials, energy storage systems, intelligent electronic devices, pharmaceuticals and wellbeing products. Founded in 1997, the multinational now boasts over 15,000 employees, including 1,800 dedicated to R&D.

Above, from left: UTS deputy director research engagement David Beins, UTS lead researcher Distinguished Professor Guoxiu Wang, HEC Group Australia chief executive officer Dr Shuwei Wan, Rail Manufacturing CRC chief executive officer Dr Stuart Thomson, UTS Research and Innovation Office acting director Martin Lloyd.

“

Supercapacitors have the potential to revolutionise the rail industry

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAIL MANUFACTURING CRC

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HIS PROJECT, WHICH HAS $5.5 million in funding, aims to develop a hybrid supercapacitor with high energy and power densities and advanced supercapacitor management systems for rail.

“Supercapacitors have the potential to revolutionise the rail industry,” HEC Group Australia chief executive Shuwei Wan said. “These technologies could reduce the need for overhead electrical infrastructure and also aid in the future development of hybrid-powered trains.”

The implementation of the new supercapacitor technology is aimed at providing voltage stabilisation for rail systems, which would greatly improve the performance of propulsion for light rail vehicles and significantly advance the locomotive engine starting technologies.

“This project is looking to develop a supercapacitor with an enhanced energy density through changes to cell chemistry, with hybrid supercapacitors expected to eventually form a large part of the energy storage market,” UTS Centre for Clean Energy Technology director, and the project’s lead researcher, Guoxiu Wang said.

Wang noted the nature of rolling stock power systems means energy storage devices need to be robust and reliable, with long service

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Bank card payments added to Sydney’s light rail, ferries Contactless bank card payments have been enabled for all ferry and light rail passengers in Sydney, after a successful trial took place on the Manly Ferry service.

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“The trial has been a very important test for the complex new technology,” added Tom Walker, senior vice president for the technology firm leading the effort, Cubic Transportation Systems.

“We are delighted that contactless will now be expanded further.”

Cubic led the development of London’s contactless ticketing scheme, which allows the use of bank cards as well as the city’s Oyster card.

The ability to use bank cards on public transport is not designed to entirely replace Opal cards; the contactless ticket cards will still offer passengers perks like weekly travel discounts, which won’t be available for passengers using bank cards.

“Australians are keen adapters of technology and we expect to see a rapid adoption of contactless here,” Walker said. “In addition, Cubic is continually evolving Opal to take advantage of best-of-breed technology developments that the company is investing in and deploying around the world.”

Above: The use of bank cards on the Opal ticketing system is designed to benefit infrequent passengers and tourists.

“

Transport is no longer just about infrastructure but also about embracing technology to provide the best services possible.

”

PHOTOGRAPHTY: CUBIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS.

T

HE ADDITION OF BANK CARD payments to the existing contactless Opal ticketing system is the next step in Transport for NSW’s program to bring the Sydney bus, ferry and rail networks up to best practice in ticketing.

More than 15,000 passengers took part in a Mastercard-only trial on the Manly Ferry starting in July last year. Now proven, the technology was on March 12 expanded to the entire ferry network and light rail network, and Visa and American Express payment options were also added.

The technology will eventually be rolled out to the rail and bus network.

“In NSW, we know transport is no longer just about infrastructure but also about embracing technology to provide the best services possible for our customers,” transport minister Andrew Constance said.

“The integration of contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system makes the purchasing of one-off fares quick, easy and seamless, providing choice and convenience to customers.”

www.railexpress.com.au

28/05/2018 3:20:02 PM

Coal

New wagons delivered to Aurizon’s Hunter operation

Aurizon received 32 new wagons in April.

Bulk operator Aurizon says the arrival of a new batch of wagons at the Port of Newcastle represents the continuing growth of the Hunter Valley’s coal industry.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: AURIZON

32

NEWLY-BUILT QCHC-CLASS wagons arrived in early April at Newcastle, part of a 284-wagon order from a Chinese manufacturer.

The wagons will help Aurizon fulfil a 10-year contract to deliver 8 million tonnes of coal per annum from the Mount Pleasant mine, which Mach Energy bought off Rio Tinto in 2016.

The 15.4-metre-long stainless steel wagons have steel underframes, and measure 4.3 metres high, and 3 metres wide. Each can carry up to 97.8 tonnes of coal, meaning the 88-wagon trains Aurizon will run from Mount Pleasant will handle roughly 8,600 tonnes per trip.

Aurizon’s NSW coal operations general manager Catherine Baxter said the wagons’ arrival in Newcastle was symbolic of the operator’s continued growth in the Hunter Valley market.

“Our coal haulage has increased from 180,000 tonnes in 2005 to 48 million tonnes in 2017, underlining the broader opportunities in the coal sector for regional employment and income generated in, and for the local community,” Baxter said.

Baxter also pointed to figures released

by the Minerals Council of NSW in March indicating stronger coal prices have added over 1,000 mining jobs in the Hunter Valley over the last year.

“When we started out in the Hunter Valley, we had less than 10 employees and we now proudly employ more than 450 people across our operations,” Baxter said.

The latest figures from the Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs show Australia’s coal exports grew 35% in 2017 to a new record of $56.5 billion.

“It’s encouraging to see this is the highest ever annual value of Australian coal exports, surpassing the $46.7 billion record that was achieved in 2011 on the back of the Chinese construction boom,” Baxter said.

“What’s even more encouraging at a local level is the continued global demand for Hunter Valley coal, with 162 million tonnes of coal exported through the Port of Newcastle in FY17.

“While Australia’s high-quality coal remains in strong demand in our key markets, these latest trade figures demonstrate that Newcastle and the Hunter Valley sits at the very heart of this demand.”

“

Our coal haulage has increased from 180,000 tonnes in 2005 to 48 million tonnes in 2017

”

RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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FREIGHT RAIL

“ Remarkable” growth to end, but long future for freight rail volumes The nation’s chief economist has projected Australia’s “remarkable” resource export growth phase to finally end in 2020, but expects relatively stable commodity prices to support the continued export of high volumes of iron ore and coal in the long term.

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www.railexpress.com.au

28/05/2018 12:07:38 PM

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

T

HE LATEST INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT outlook, penned by the nation’s chief economist, indicates stronger-thanexpected commodity prices will help Australian mining exports contribute roughly $1 trillion to the economy over the next five years, as a shaky but robust investment phase comes to an end and the bulk of new resource projects enter the production phase.

With most of Australia’s major mining projects now fully online, annual iron ore exports are projected to stay stable between 880 and 900 million tonnes, starting from the 2018 calendar year, all the way through the forward estimates to at least 2023.

Stable volumes will result in a decline in the value of the export trade, the chief economist’s office forecasts, due to a predicted decline in the price of iron ore.

The chief economist is forecasting an average iron ore price of $61.80 a tonne in 2018, dropping to $50 a tonne (in real terms) in 2019, then to $49, $51, $52 and $53 a tonne over the subsequent four years, respectively.

Despite the price declines, iron ore is still projected to be – by far – the most valuable commodity export, with a projected value of $54.6 billion in FY23.

Modest growth is forecast in the field of metallurgical coal: Australia’s met-coal exports are forecast in the most recent figures to grow incrementally, from 197 million tonnes in 2018 to 212 million tonnes in 2023.

A gradual decline in the market price for met-coal (in real terms) will result in a relatively stable value for the export, however.

The chief economist is forecasting real contract prices for metallurgical coal to decline from $200.5 per tonne in 2018, to $162.9 per tonne in 2023, resulting in a trade worth $33.6 billion in FY23, compared to a forecast $39.9 billion in FY18.

In thermal coal – also known as energy coal – the chief economist is forecasting incremental growth in volumes, and slight declines in overall export value, between 2018 and 2023.

Australia is forecast to export 202.1 million tonnes of coal in FY18, worth $22.9 billion.

This will shift to 208 million tonnes of exports

FREIGHT RAIL The Australian mining boom A tale of three phases Production phase Investment phase Price phase

300

140

250

Production 120 Prices

Index

100

200

150

80

60

100

40 Investment (right hand side)

A$ billions (committed projects)

160

50

20

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

0

Major bulk commodity exports 1990 to 2023 (forecasted and projected) 1400mt

LNG

1200mt

metallurgical coal

1000mt

thermal coal

800mt

iron ore

600mt

400mt

200mt

0mt 1991

1995

1999

2003

2007

2011

2015

2019

2023

Source: Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

volumes are projected to hold up near their current historical highs over the next five years and in that period earn more than a trillion dollars for Australia,” Canavan said.

“We are seeing healthy growth in commodity prices, particularly iron ore and metallurgical coal, combined with growing export volumes, especially in LNG.”

Left: Iron ore volumes are expected to remain stable throughout the forward estimates.

Below: Incremental growth can be expected in thermal coal and metallurgical coal, but significant growth is over.

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

in FY23, worth $17.1 billion (in real terms), according to the projections.

Unlike the major bulk solids, the value of the LNG export market is set to increase dramatically over the next five years.

61.6 million tonnes of LNG forecasted in FY18 will grow to a projected 78.9 million tonnes in FY23. Thanks to forecasted stability in the price of gas, this will result in a value growth from $30.4 billion in FY18 to $38.8 billion in FY23, according to the latest figures.

The chief economist, Mark Cully, said the overall outlook was for a stable – and substantial – resource export trade for Australia.

“In the annual update of our five year forecasts, we project export earnings to decline slightly from current levels, before levelling out at about $212 billion to $216 billion from 2019–20 onwards,” Cully said on April 9.

“In total, the next five years will deliver more than $1 trillion in resources and energy export income. This compares with average annual export earnings of $72 billion in the decade prior to the onset of the resources boom, validating our long-held view that the mining boom would continue to reap dividends long after the price peak in 2011.”

Cully said increasing global supply for steelmaking commodities, and declining production in China, would drive the price declines in metallurgical coal and iron ore.

Meanwhile, he said, the price of Australian LNG, set by the oil price, is expected to increase modestly, constrained by price-sensitive shale oil production in the United States and sluggish growth in world oil consumption.

The modest growth lines up nicely with the Australian LNG sector’s final transition into the production phase. “The last of Australia’s LNG projects is scheduled for completion by the end of the year,” he said.

Resources minister Matt Canavan said the new figures demonstrate the resources sector is going from strength to strength.

“Australia’s resources and energy export

www.railexpress.com.au

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RAIL EXPRESS | ISSUE 3 2018

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28/05/2018 12:07:51 PM

COAL

Rio Tinto completes coal exit Mining giant Rio Tinto has successfully extracted itself from the coal sector, announcing the sale of four major Queensland assets in March.

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ISSUE 3 2018 | RAIL EXPRESS

Along with the sales announced in March, Rio sold its Hunter Valley coal mine, rail and port infrastructure to Yancoal last year for roughly US$2.7 billion. It also sold its 40% stake in the Bengalla coal mine to New Hope for US$606 million, and in 2016 sold its Mt Pleasant coal project to MACH Energy for US$220 million.

Hail Creek is an open cut operation opened in 2003. It produced 9.4 million tonnes of saleable coal in 2017, of which 5.25 million tonnes was hard coking coal, and 4.13 million tonnes was thermal coal.

The addition of Hail Creek to Glencore’s Australian portfolio will bring the Swiss company’s annual coal production in Australia to roughly 100 million tonnes. Glencore’s 17 operational mines in Queensland and New South Wales produced more than 87 million tonnes of saleable coal in the 2017 calendar year.

Kestrel, 40 kilometres north-east of Emerald in Central Queensland, produced a little under 5 million tonnes of coking and thermal coal in 2016.

Above: Once a key stakeholder in Australia’s coal railways, Rio has now completed an exit from the sector.

“

Presuming all sales go through various regulatory approvals, Rio will have completed its planned exit from the coal sector.

”

PHOTOGRAPHTY: RAILGALLERY.COM.AU

R

IO SAID ON MARCH 27 IT WOULD sell its majority stake in the Kestrel underground coal mine in Queensland for US$2.25 billion. Its entire 80% interest in Kestrel will be sold to a consortium of EMR Capital and PT Adaro Energy.

EMR is a private equity manager. PT Adaro Energy is an Indonesian coal miner.

Rio announced the sale a week after it sold the Hail Creek coal mine and undeveloped Valeria coal development to Glencore for $1.7 billion, and the undeveloped Winchester South coal project to Whitehaven for $200 million.

Presuming all sales go through various regulatory approvals, Rio will have completed its planned exit from the coal sector. Since 2013, Rio has announced more than US$11 billion in asset sales, including roughly US$9 billion in coal assets.

“The sale of Kestrel, together with the announced divestments of Hail Creek and our undeveloped coal projects, delivers exceptional value to our shareholders and will leave our portfolio stronger and more focused on delivering the highest returns through targeted allocation of capital,” Rio boss J-S Jacques said.

www.railexpress.com.au

25/05/2018 4:31:00 PM

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