<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> Southern Sydney Freight Line negotiations to be supported by IAU China First mine inches closer to development Aurizon appoints Keith Neate as new CFO Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons leading way in California HSR deal SCT Logisticsâ MTU fleet passes 1 million km. </span> <p><u>Southern Sydney Freight Line negotiations to be supported by IAU</u></p><p>The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a decision allowing the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to include the Southern Sydney Freight Line in its Interstate Access Undertaking.</p><p>This means that negotiations between ARTC and parties wanting to run trains on the Southern Sydney Freight Line will be supported by the processes and principles in the Interstate Access Undertaking.</p><p>“The ACCC’s view is that incorporating the Southern Sydney Freight Line into the Interstate Access Undertaking will ensure that there is a consistent approach to access regulation across ARTC’s Interstate Rail Network,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.</p><p>“This will streamline the pathway to access and support improved network efficiency and freight productivity.”</p><p><u>China First mine inches closer to development</u></p><p>Clive Palmer’s China First coal project in Queensland’s Galilee Basin has moved closer to development with the release of a supplementary environmental impact statement.</p><p>The statement, which is to be reviewed by the state and federal governments, details the $8.1bn coal mine and export project.</p><p>According to the statement, China First features a $4bn thermal coal mine, a $2.1bn rail link and $2 billion in infrastructure at Abbot Point.</p><p>At peak, the project construction is predicted to employ 3500 workers, if it goes ahead.</p><p>The supplementary environmental impact statement was issued after questions were raised following the initial statement.</p><p><u>Aurizon appoints Keith Neate as new CFO </u></p><p>Rail operator Aurizon has announced the appointment of Keith Neate as chief financial officer, “after an extensive national and international recruitment process.”</p><p>“Keith has outstanding credentials and brings a wealth of knowledge and global experience to this role,” Aurizon managing director & CEO Lance Hockridge said.</p><p>“Keith has been instrumental in the delivery of a number of key initiatives at the Company including the recent negotiation of a suite of long-term customer contracts for our coal business.</p><p>“He is well-positioned to lead the Company’s finance function in Aurizon’s next phase of transformation and growth.”</p><p><u>Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons leading way in California HSR deal</u></p><p>A joint venture between general contractor Tutor Perini, Zachry Construction Corporation and engineering firm Parsons is the leading bid for the first section of California’s planned HSR system.</p><p>The joint venture’s bid of $985,142,530 was well below the state’s estimate of $1.2 to $1.8bn.</p><p>The California HSR Authority determined that the trio’s California-based joint venture, was the “apparent best value,” of the five submissions received.</p><p>“Today is a significant milestone,” Jeff Morales, the authority’s CEO said.</p><p>“We received proposals from five world class teams and are moving forward to deliver a world class program. It’s time to get to work in the Central Valley and create thousands of jobs.”</p><p><u>SCT Logistics’ MTU fleet passes 1 million km</u></p><p>Australian logistics provider SCT Logistics’ newly-acquired fleet of ten MTU locomotives has just passed one million operational kilometres.</p><p>The milestone also marks over 32,000 hours of successful engine operation for the fleet, according to the engine manufacturer, MTU Detroit Diesel Australia.</p><p>The locomotives themselves were manufactured by Chinese rail company CSR Ziyang for SCT, nit each features MTU’s 20V 4000 R53 engine.</p><p>SCT is using the locomotives between Coober Pedy and Port Augusta, South Australia.</p><p>“We are thrilled that we are already starting to see the benefits of the MTU engine and CSR Ziyang locomotive, especially with regards to fuel consumption and aftersales service,” SCT Logistics national manager for rail maintenance and procurement Ron Bury said.</p><p>“Based on the first 12 months of operation, we are confident that the SDA1 fleet will set a new benchmark for the Australian rail industry moving forward, with our locomotives being amongst some of the most environmentally friendly units in Australia.”</p>
