ARA’s move to Canberra made official

<p>The Australiasian Railway Association’s (ARA) anticipated move from Melbourne to Canberra has been confirmed by president Stephen Bradford. </p> <p>And a new CEO should be announced in eight weeks. </p> <p>The association’s decision to move is based on a desire to be closer to the new National Transport Commission and the Federal corridors of power.</p> <p>"If we wish to progress, the industry needs to better engage other lobby groups and government," Mr Bradford told Rail Express.</p> <p>He was referring to the ARA’s recent meetings with rival lobby group, the Australian Trucking Association. The two groups are moving into a new era of cooperation, better reflecting the intermodal interests of their members.</p> <p>The pair will jointly lobby the government in areas in which they have common interests, Mr Bradford said.</p> <p>However, he ruled out any move to merge the two associations.</p> <p>The ARA will move to Canberra in mid-year. A location for the new headquarters has not yet been decided. </p> <p>The association’s search for a new chief executive officer is on track, Mr Bradford said. First-round interviews are complete and a recruitment firm is drawing up a shortlist.</p> <br />