Infrastructure Australia has released its June 2022 Infrastructure Priority List, which focuses on ensuring efficient road, rail and renewable energy projects in regional Australia. Read more
Metro investing in Melbourne’s health
Applications are now open for Metro Trains Melbourne’s Back on Track Community Grants, which support not-for-profit organisations doing important work to help improve people’s mental health. Read more
Sustainability award for Bell-Moreland level crossing removal project
More than six months since the Bell to Moreland level crossing removal project in Melbourne’s Brunswick and Coburg wrapped up, it has been awarded a leading score of 98 points from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC), the highest rating ever awarded in Australia. Read more
The tickets to low carbon transport
Rail Express caught up with Wabtec Senior Regional Vice President, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Wendy McMillan — fresh from a trip to Wabtec’s head office in Pittsburgh in the US, as well as Fort Worth, Erie and Grove City — to discuss how the company continues to fine-tune its technology-driven solutions to achieve a net-zero emissions future. Read more
Queensland Rail takes stand against domestic and family violence
Queensland Rail has again successfully achieved White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to create a workplace where employees feel safe, respected and supported. Read more
Report calls for acceleration on decarbonisation
Three infrastructure peak bodies have issued a new report to call for industry transformation to accelerate the transport sector’s journey to net-zero and support Australia’s sustainable future. Read more
Rail industry welcomes King and Cabinet
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the announcement of his new Ministry and the appointment of Catherine King as Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Read more
Inland Rail koala genetics study
Inland Rail is studying koala populations along eight sections of the program, aiming to capture data about existing levels of gene flow and current health of the marsupials along the alignment.
The koala genetics study is a partnership between Inland Rail, Environmental Resources Management Australia (ERM) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
These insights will be used to inform koala management plans for each impacted Inland Rail project and enable project teams and construction contractors to develop solutions which can protect and support sustainable koala populations through the delivery of the projects.
In coming months, landowners are advised they may notice field teams of two researchers looking for sightings and evidence of koalas. The teams will be assisted by koala detection dogs from USC Detection Dogs for Conservation team who are trained to smell and detect koala scat. Alongside the dog detection surveys, researchers will undertake vegetation surveys to support a broader understanding of koala distribution, diet and habitat along the alignment.
Inland Rail Program Environment Advisor Vanessa Gorecki said the findings of the study would inform impact assessment and management and put Inland Rail in a good position to contribute to koala conservation and population recovery plans throughout the lifetime of the project.
The study will commence on properties within the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton project area.
Questions about the study and the planned site investigations can be directed to the Stakeholder Engagement Teams on 1800 732 761.
Glenroy facelift impresses local legend
A very special guest attended the opening of Melbourne’s new Glenroy Station recently, with 96-year-old Glenroy local Ernest Carter keen to check out the new station and catch a train up the line to Craigieburn with his family. Read more
First People’s artwork hits the tracks
The Victorian Government is celebrating First Peoples artists by turning Melbourne trams into travelling canvases, providing inspiring and accessible art for all Victorians.