The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) will host its inaugural Rail Sustainability Conference today, bringing together industry leaders and sustainability specialists to discuss one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the rail industry.
ARA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie said the conference will explore how the rail industry and broader infrastructure sector are accelerating sustainability practices as our region and the world moves towards a net-zero future.
“Achieving net-zero is a critical issue for our region, and transport and the rail industry have a pivotal role to play,” she said.
“The recent ARA joint report on the transport sector’s journey to net-zero recognised the leading role our sector can play to effect real change and support our sustainable future.”
The Rail Sustainability Conference will bring together 150 people representing passenger and freight operators, contractors, advisors and suppliers to discuss the role of rail in supporting sustainable cities and communities.
The two day event features an extensive program, with keynotes from industry leaders and a range of panel discussions with sustainability specialists. Key speakers include:
- Arup Global Rail Leader Tai Chong (TC) Chew
- Infrastructure Sustainability Council CEO Ainsley Simpson
- Keolis Group CEO International Bernard Tabary
- Hitachi Rail Australia Senior Director Roslyn Stuart
- Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Simpson
- Coles General Manager Operations and Transformation Kevin Gunn
- Ecologiq Director Tony Aloisio
- Infrastructure Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO FTSE
Delegates will be provided updates on topics ranging from infrastructure planning, decarbonisation and alternative fuels to the circular economy, resilience, innovation and diversity and inclusion.
Wilkie said the transport sector must also be at the heart of creating new solutions.
“A shared commitment is essential to driving real change and this conference is a unique opportunity to hear from leaders in rail sustainability while networking with those facing similar challenges across the rail industry,” she said.
“Transport and rail systems shape how we live and work and will be a critical part of our sustainable development, and the step change we must achieve in the years to come is perhaps both our biggest challenge and opportunity.”
The ARA Rail Sustainability Conference takes place from Tuesday, June 28 to Wednesday, March 29, at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
View the program here.