The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has engaged McConnell Dowell to complete the first phase of designs and early delivery activities for Inland Rail in Victoria. Read more
Industry rule paves way for harmonisation
Australia’s first ever harmonised rule, AHNR 2007 Network Communication, has been published.
Consolidating three disparate Australian Network and Procedures rules, it is one in a set of national rules being developed by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board that will bring Australia closer to achieving rail harmonisation and interoperability.
The rule manages safe working communications across the rail network, protecting the lives of track workers and ensuring the safe passage of people, goods and materials around the country.
The national rules will apply to all participating operators and track managers across the nation and are set to not only deliver significant safety and productivity benefits, but also support the modernisation pathway for network rules.
So far, 13 of the biggest rail operators in Australia have pledged to help develop and implement the series of agreed national rules within their business.
The foundation organisations that have committed to supporting RISSB’s national rules harmonisation efforts are:
RISSB CEO Deborah Spring said that the 13 organisations had shown great leadership in committing to support the adoption of harmonised rules in their own networks.
“We applaud the commitment from these rail companies to improve the quality and consistency of industry rules. RISSB has been on this journey for many years so to see these organisations band together now and support our work is a terrific outcome,” she said.
Work is already underway on a new rule – Walking in the Danger Zone – continuing RISSB’s emphasis on track worker safety. This second national rule is expected to be released to industry in mid-2022.
Members can access RISSB’s AHNR 2007 Network Communication here.
Transport decarbonisation partnership goal
A month after the COP26, three key transport peak bodies, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC), Roads Australia (RA) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) have reconfirmed their commitment to work in partnership to help industry lead decarbonisation of the transport sector. Read more
Toowoomba set to be freight and logistics powerhouse
Pacific National has reached an agreement with Wagner Corporation around the future development of a major rail freight terminal at Wellcamp Business Park, Toowoomba, Queensland. Read more
TasRail opts for KLP hybrid polymer sleepers
With an upgraded, fit-for-purpose rail freight network, TasRail is one of the largest transport service providers in Tasmania, connecting industry and commerce to major shipping ports and freight hubs across the State. Read more
CRRC rail train at work on the mine
A 400 metre rail train developed by CRRC is being used by Rio Tinto’s Koodaideri iron mine development project in Western Australia, for the seamless laying and post-maintenance of the branch line connecting the site to the existing Rio Tinto Iron Ore railway network in the south at Lyre Siding. Read more
Hydrogen trains for Queensland freight
Rail freight operator Aurizon has teamed up with global mining firm Anglo American to explore potential development of hydrogen-powered trains for bulk freight on two of Aurizon’s rail corridors in Queensland. Read more
Work begins on port rail shuttle
Major works are now underway to deliver a $28 million track connection that will enable freight to be transported from Dandenong South to the Port of Melbourne by rail, cutting transport costs for businesses and taking trucks off arterial and suburban roads. Read more
Track solution riding high
A commonly-used train safety feature is the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), first developed by British Rail. Read more
Narromine material distribution centre for Inland Rail
Planning and investigations are underway for the facility which will service the future installation of ballast, sleepers, rail and turnouts along the 1700-kilometre Inland Rail alignment. Read more