More than 200 representatives from the rail industry, along with state and federal government bodies, attended an industry briefing in Melbourne yesterday to discuss the current state of opportunities in the rail industry for local rail suppliers.
A collaboration between Australasian Railway Association (ARA), the Industry Capability Network (ICN) and the National Passenger Rail Alliance (NPRA), the session provided an opportunity for rail industry suppliers to learn about new projects, opportunities, programs and initiatives in the Australian Rail Sector.
Acting Chief Operating Officer of the ARA, Phil Allan, said the session provided an ideal opportunity for key representatives to have a say in the future direction of the rail industry.
“Both industry and government should be motivated to drive growth in the rail industry, as the economic benefits are significant. With 63 per cent of Australians continuing to travel to work by car each day and only 4 per cent using rail, simply utilising this mode of transport would put Australia on track to a greener, efficient and more productive future”, he added.
ICN National Passenger Rail Alliance Programme Manager Stephan van der Lit said the session marked the launch of the ICN NPRA and project opportunities in key rail projects around Australia.
“The NPRA aims to promote Rolling Stock, Signalling, Communications, Information Communications Technology and Rail Infrastructure opportunities to Australian suppliers,” said Me Van der Lit.
“To stay connected to industry news and opportunities from the ICN NPRA, including the recently announced Melbourne High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) Project in Victoria, local suppliers should register at www.npra.icn.org.au.
“With a mandate that at least 50 per cent of the construction on this project must take place locally and companies will be required to demonstrate how they will boost local employment, training and investment through the delivery of new trains for Melbourne, the ICN NPRA welcomes supplier registrations from organisations that can help exceed this localisation initiative in Victoria, he said”
Briefings are also being scheduled later this year for Sydney and Perth.