QUARTERLY UPDATE

JUNE 2014 EDITION 12

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A Message from the CEOWelcome to your next instalment of the ARA Quarterly Update. It has been a big few months for government budgets, with the Victorian, West Australian, Northern Territory, ACT, Queensland and Federal Governments’ all releasing their 2014-15 Budget plans. In this edition we’ll provide you with the breakdown on each Budget and just what it means for the rail industry.

You’ll also be brought up to date on:• ARA’s most recent submissions, reports and program

updates in our Advocacy section;

• Government announcements impacting rail in Tracking across the Nation with our Budget wrap up;

• The latest national activities occurring in the industry in Rail Activity’;

• New advancements taking place in TrackSAFE and our Workforce Development area; and

• The wide range of ARA Courses and Events , including the latest on the all new Australasian Rail Industry Awards.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the ARA Quarterly Update and continue to remain informed and involved in the important discussions and debates taking place in rail now and into the future.

Yours sincerely

Bryan Nye OAM Chief Executive Officer

In this EditionAdvocacy 2-4Big ideas for short haul rail at national forum 2

Freight Submission Summary 2Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Public Infrastructure 3Light Rail Hazard Register - Seeking Subject Matter Experts 3Reducing Regulatory Burdens 4Join the Australian Delegation to InnoTrans 4

Contractors Group Update 4

Tracking around the Nation 5-8Federal 5-6ACT 6-7New South Wales 7Victoria 7Western Australia 8

Queensland 8

Rail Activity 9-11Rail takes drug and alcohol testing seriously 9ARTC conducts Inland Rail stakeholder meeting 9RISSB Marketing and Communications Survey 2014 9RISSB looks to UK to strengthen harmonisation of Australian rail 10Rail technology leaders receive ATSE Clunies Ross Award 10

Australasian Rail Industry Awards 11

TrackSAFE Update 12Near hit and trespass data collection trial progress 12

Workforce Development 13Rail Careers Week - Get on board the rail express! 13Improve Your Career Opportunities Through Online Study 13A Taste of Success 13

ARA Rail Industry Courses 2014 14Understanding Rail Course 14Insight into Railway Signalling Course 14Insight into Rolling Stock Engineering Course 14Insight into Track Engineering Course 14Australasian Rail Industry Award Dinner 14Rail Industry Networking Dinners 2014 14

Top Train Pics 15

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Advocacy - FreightBig ideas for short haul rail at national forumARA members and key industry and government stakeholders from across Australia gathered in Hobart, Tasmania, last month for the inaugural national Short Haul Rail Forum, hosted by the ARA and TasRail.

Senior executives and managers representing major rail organisations, network managers, suppliers, regulators and State and Commonwealth Governments gathered for the one day

forum to share knowledge, ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities currently facing the nation’s short haul rail sector, under the theme of “Making Short Haul Rail Work in Australia”.

The Forum provided great insight and perspective on short haul operations both domestically and internationally with speakers such as Qube Logistics, Genesee & Wyoming and McLeod Rail all presenting.

The 60 attendees heard about successful applications of short haul rail in Australia and across the world, about the need for a customer focus and about relevant matters in competition policy.

Workshops during the day looked at current issues which range from infrastructure concerns to government policy and regulation matters. The ARA is preparing a proposal for follow up from this forum.

Freight Submission SummaryThe ARA has recently made a number of submissions of behalf of its members which are relevant to the rail freight sector:

• A submission to the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness Issues Paper;

• A submission on behalf of the ARA, Asciano, Aurizon and the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) regarding the draft report of the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Public Infrastructure; and

• A submission to the Federal Department of Infrastructure regarding a Key Freight Routes mapping process they are undertaking (available on request).

• The ARA appeared before the QLD Parliamentary Inquiry into Rail Freight use by the agriculture and livestock industries and provided an initial and follow up submission to the same inquiry.

ARA’s submission to the Agricultural Competitiveness Issues Paper outlined that with rail being the most cost effective, safest and least emissions intensive way of moving agricultural

freight over long distances, it has a big role to play in the future competitiveness of agriculture within Australia. We outlined that as the cost of transporting agricultural products to market makes up a significant portion of the overall costs of production, greater supply chain efficiencies via rail can deliver real and tangible benefits to farmers and therefore the broader economy.

The submission to the Productivity Commission welcomed the findings of the Commission’s Draft Report on Public Infrastructure, particularly those relating to the cost-effectiveness of road investment and heavy vehicle charging reform.

The four organisations behind the submission were encouraged by the Commission’s recognition of the need for an institutional shift in the way roads are funded, financed, developed and managed for access and use by heavy vehicles. Further, it was outlined how strategic decision making, based on a commercial customer to supplier relationship that supports targeted investment in national road infrastructure is vital to securing future productivity improvements in the freight and logistics sector.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is playing a coordinating role in a mapping process of National Key Freight Routes, as a key outcome of the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) in May 2013. The ARA has provided industry feedback on their proposed maps based on member’s feedback.

The verbal and written submissions to the QLD Parliamentary Inquiry noted that the development of efficient freight transport infrastructure will generate improved value for the industries that rely on freight transport, assisting those industries to develop and grow. This will result in improved competitiveness for Queensland agriculture, both in domestic markets and in vital export markets. A more efficient and productive freight and logistics sector will therefore boost economic activity and improve overall community welfare.

For further information on any of these issues please contact Bart Mellish, ARA Freight Manager bmellish@ara.net.au or 02 6270 4530.

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Advocacy - InfrastructureProductivity Commission’s Inquiry into Public InfrastructureThe ARA has made a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Public Infrastructure. The submission discussed key issues including alternative funding and financing mechanisms and costs of rail construction. Lindsay Tanner, Chairman of the ARA, also attended the Inquiry’s public hearing and presented the ARA submission to the Commission. Key recommendations for Governments from the ARA submission included:

1. Governments must produce a consistent and long term pipeline of high quality transport infrastructure projects that can be brought to market and ensure that projects are suitable for private sector involvement either from the beginning of the project or over the

period of the project. Funding and financing models used must also matches the project objectives and aspired outcomes;

2. Funding and financing roles of the governments (all levels) and the private sectors must be clearly defined so the market/funding/financing gaps can be easily identified;

3. Governments introduce and implement value capture or transit oriented development as part of public transport infrastructure project;

4. Governments must work to reduce the costs of delivering PPPs, reform bidding and procurement processes,

and continue to develop the PPP model to allow it to be used in more sectors;

5. Governments must adopt user pays and accelerate reform of road ricing and review transport subsidies;

6. The Commission is to conduct a review of regulatory burdens on business particularly on the transport sector and make recommendations to governments on key areas for reform.

For more information about the ARA submission please contact Rhianne Jory, Associate Director Environment and Regulation at rjory@ara.net.au or visit the ARA website.

Advocacy - Light RailLight Rail Hazard Register - Seeking Subject Matter ExpertsThe ARA has contracted Australasian Transport Rail Solutions (ATRS) to develop a Light Rail Hazard Register for industry.

Through the Light Rail Group, which consists of Australian light rail operators and authorities, Safety and Risk Managers have been nominated to participate in the project but the ARA is also seeking interested light rail experts outside of the group to contribute.

This document will become the first step in developing local, light rail specific standards and guidelines, as identified through the ARA Light Rail Group as the number one priority for the light rail sector.

RISSB’s existing Heavy Rail Hazard Register is being used as the starting point for the document and once

complete, the light rail section will be incorporated into the RISSB Hazard Register.

Should you wish to participate, we would be seeking your involvement to:

• Speak with ATRS regarding your initial thoughts of what should be included in the register;

• Participate in a one-day workshop on Thurs 3 July; and

• Review and provide feedback on the draft document.

If you would like to be an active participant in the development of the Light Rail Hazard Register, please contact Emma Woods via ewoods@ara.net.au.

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Advocacy - EnvironmentReducing Regulatory BurdensThe Federal Government is focussing on reducing regulatory burdens in a number of ways:

• The Department of Environment is working on reviewing and streamlining current approval processes (one-stop-shop).

• The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is conducting a review into the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme.

• The House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment is conducting an Inquiry

into streamlining environmental regulation, ‘green tape’, and one-stop-shops.

The ARA has made submissions to the RET Review and the House of Representatives’ Inquiry. In addition to this, the ARA is also preparing a policy paper encapsulating members’ views on what areas of environmental regulation are in need of reform. The paper will be used by the ARA to advocate to the Federal and State governments on this issue.

In addition to this, the industry, via the ARA continues to participate in

the development of the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) framework. From the rail industry’s perspective, there are a number of potential projects that are suitable for the ERF. A Modal Shift Rebate Scheme and emissions reduction and energy efficiency technologies such as driver advisory technologies and wayside energy storage systems are being considered.

For more information on environmental matters please contact Rhianne Jory, Associate Director Environment and Regulation at rjory@ara.net.au.

Advocacy - Manufacturing and SupplyingJoin the Australian Delegation to InnoTransThe ARA, along with Rail Supplier Advocate, Rail Suppliers Network Australasia, Industry Capability Network and Austrade, are working together to lead a delegation of Australian rail suppliers to the largest rail show on earth – InnoTrans – in Berlin this 23-26 September 2014.

The ARA is encouraging its rail supplier members to join the Australian delegation and take part in the largest rail industry event in the world.

Held every two years at the Messe Berlin exhibition centre in Germany, InnoTrans covers railway technologies, interiors, infrastructure, public transport practises and tunnel construction. InnoTrans 2012 attracted over 126,000 visitors and 2,515 exhibitors from 140 countries.

Attendees included private transport firms, manufacturers and suppliers of transport technology, construction companies, engineers, trade associations, and training institutions, scientists,

researchers and developers servicing the rail industry. Click here to find out more about the event, the delegation’s planned activities and associated costs.

If you would like to be a part of this significant event please contact Naomi Frauenfelder from the ARA as soon as possible on 02 6270 4506 or via nfrauenfelder@ara.net.au.

Contractors Group UpdateIn addition to providing substantial input to the ARA submission to the Productivity Commission, the Contractors Group is currently conducting a study into the costs of construction (cost per kilometre) in Australia. The study looks at construction costs in both green and brownfields and compares rail construction costs to those of roads as well as some overseas examples. In addition to this, the group is also collecting data and benchmarking safety

performance among rail contractors and sharing good practices. This activity is highly useful and will help inform important business decisions and improve operators’ overall performance.

Lastly, the Group is investigating potential reforms to standardise infrastructure/construction contract conditions. Concerning about the complexity of the contracts for various infrastructure projects, long procurement

processes and higher project costs, this work aims to address these critical issues by simplifying contract conditions and current procurement framework for rail projects.

For more information about the Contractors Group please contact Rhianne Jory, Associate Director Environment and Regulation at rjory@ara.net.au.

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Tracking around the NationFederalARA Budget Wrap upThe Federal Budget was released on 13 May 2014 by the Abbott Government. In line with what the Government has previously announced, the Treasurer delivered a ‘Budget Repair’ speech that promotes significant infrastructure spending, delivered on some of the election promises and proposes significant funding cuts across all sectors. A total of $39billion in the forward estimates was allocated towards infrastructure, $26.8billion for roads and $2.7billion for rail. Amongst the dollars announced for rail, notable projects included $300million allocated to the Inland Rail project; $50million to the Advanced Train Management System technology; and $75 million for the next stage of upgrades to the Port Botany Rail Line in Sydney.

The key issue for rail, along with the fact that no new money was allocated, is the projected decrease in rail funding, along with the projected increase in road spending. In the Treasurer’s announcement and the Budget paper, there was no new money being committed to rail.

Summary of key areas related to rail:

Infrastructure The Budget shows that the Government will allocate $11.6 billion towards an Infrastructure Growth Package ($5 billion for the Asset Recycling Initiative, $3.7 billion to expedite infrastructure projects and $2.9 billion towards the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan) and that Commonwealth investment in infrastructure will reach $50 billion by 2019-20, taking total infrastructure expenditure by all tiers of Australian governments to $125 billion within that period.

Within this spending envelope, the Government will contribute $40 billion

towards an $82 billion investment plan for Australia’s road infrastructure. The remaining $42 billion will be funded by the states and private sector. The Commonwealth will make funding contributions to a number of projects across Australia from 2014-15 to 2019-20.

Key projects are:

• New South Wales

o Northern Sydney Freight Corridor $691.6m

o Road underpass at General Holmes Drive $40m

o Maldon – Dumbarton Rail Link $10.8m (for detailed design)

o Port Botany Rail Access $67m (for ARTC)

o Port Botany Rail Line Upgrade $75m o Scone Level Crossing $45m

• Tasmania

o Freight Rail revitalisation $119.6m o Bell Bay Intermodal Terminal $4.9m o Rail Capacity improvements at

Rhyndaston $13.3m

• Queensland

o Moreton Bay Rail Link $518.4m

• Northern Territory

o Rail overpass south of Alice Springs $13m

• Western Australia

o Kewdale Intermodal Rail Supply Chain $17.2m

o Portlink Inland Freight Corridor Concept Plan $0.9m

o Nicholson Road Grade Separation $18m

o Trial of low profile concrete sleepers on WA Grain lines $2.9m

• Victoria

o St Albans Road Rail Level Crossing $151m

o Ballarat Avenue of Honour Rail Crossing opening $1.0m

o Melbourne Metropolitan Intermodal System (port shuttle services) $38m

• South Australia

o Goodwood and Torrens Junctions $232m

• National – ARTC

o Melbourne – Brisbane Inland Rail Project $300m

Whilst the Federal Government has allocated funding to many freight projects, the Budget does not include direct funding for any urban rail projects and the high speed rail project.

Asset Recycling Initiative The Budget includes $5 billion to establish the Asset Recycling Initiative. Under this initiative, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets to fund new investment in productive infrastructure. If some of the proceeds are used for other purposes, the incentive payment will be reduced proportionally.

All governments have signed the National Partnership Agreement on Asset Recycling at the Council of Australian Governments meeting on 2 May 2014. This Initiative is a five-year program with funding allocated to specific proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. States and territories will have up to two years from commencement of the Agreement to agree with the Commonwealth the specific assets to be sold and the additional infrastructure investment to be supported by the Initiative.

States and territories will receive 15 per cent of the price of the asset sold if all the sale proceeds are allocated to investment in new infrastructure. Payments will be made over two instalments on the achievement of key milestones. The sale of the asset must be completed and the construction of the additional infrastructure must commence

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on or before 30 June 2019. It is envisaged that the Federal Government’s $5 billion investment through this program will leverage close to $40 billion of new infrastructure investment from the states and territories.

Rail may see some federal funding for rail projects through this mechanism.

Emissions Reduction FundThe Government has confirmed the $2.55 billion of funding for the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). However the Treasurer has projected that spending will be slower than anticipated due to a lag in entering into contracts, delivery of abatement and subsequent payments. Initial participation in the ERF may be a way for rail to obtain some of the Federal Government funding. Low supply and low competition for funds in an early stage of the ERF may provide an opportunity for early movers to secure higher priced contracts while participation in the ERF is low.

The Government envisaged that the potential $2.55 billion will be paid out over ten years to 2023-24, reflecting a five year contracting period for abatement and the timing limitations of supplying a large amount of abatement credits to the government.

Industry Assistance Programs Existing industry assistance programmes will be significantly reduced and reshaped. Some initiatives that have been cut include the Industry Innovation Precincts Program, the Industry Collaboration Fund, and Enterprise Connect program. The Government has committed an extra $200 million to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation. Another $50 million was committed to the Manufacturing Transition Grants Programme and $155 million growth fund to support regions affected by the announced closures of motor vehicle manufacturers.

In addition to this, the government has announced the development of a National Industry Investment and Competitiveness Agenda which is to be

released later in 2014. The Agenda is to facilitate improvements in business competitiveness.

TaxesThe Treasurer has announced that the Government will reduce taxes in a number of areas including the company tax (tax rate will be reduced by 1.5% for around 800,000 Australian businesses to 28.5% commencing in July 2015). The Government also stated that the carbon and mining tax will be abolished.

The Government will increases taxes in a number of areas to increase revenues including a Temporary Budget Repair Levy, the increase in the fringe benefits tax rate and a 1.5% levy will be introduced on the 3,000 largest businesses to fund the Government’s paid parental leave scheme.

The Commonwealth intends to terminate the National Partnership Agreement on Certain Concessions for Pensioner Concession Card and Seniors Card Holders. This provides financial assistance to the states and territories for the provision of the Pensioner Concession Card and its discounted rates, utility bills, motor vehicle registration charges and public transport fares. Through this the Government will achieve savings of $1.3 billion over four years. According to NSW Treasury analysis, $732 million in public transport concessions was to have been paid out to pensioners over the next four years. The removal of the public transport concession will cost the NSW government more than $176 million next year alone.

Fuel Excise The Treasurer has confirmed that the Government will re-introduce biannual indexation by the CPI of excise and excise-equivalent customs duty for all fuels except aviation fuels. This process will commence from 1 August 2014. It is expected to generate $2.2 billion over the forward estimates period.

The Government stated that the revenue from this activity will be used to build new and upgrade existing road

infrastructure. The diesel fuel rebate is unchanged, meaning it will continue to apply to excise, including the excise increase. The rebate will increase as per the CPI and therefore not disadvantage rail. However the industry should note that the Government has announced the revenue raised from the excise will go only in to roads projects.

Detailed information on the 2014-15 Budget can be found online at http://www.budget.gov.au/2014-15/index.htm.

Going forward, the ARA will continue to advocate for rail investment at a national level. In addition, noting the Federal Government’s penchant for road investment and its position for rail investment to sit with State Government’s, the ARA will continue to align itself with state and local governments and stakeholder to advocate for greater rail investment.

ACTLight rail for Canberra is well and truly on track. The agency responsible for delivering the project, Capital Metro Agency, is in the early stages of the design process and has developed a ‘base case’ to take out to the community.

A base case provides a starting point for an ongoing conversation around feasible options for Capital Metro. At this stage, no final decisions have been made – they are putting forward options and looking to stakeholders and the community to help us define ‘non-negotiable’ and ‘negotiable’ design elements that will inform the final definition of the project.

Consultation with the community will commence on the 16th June 2014 where members of the Capital Metro Agency will set up a pop up shop in the city centre inviting community comments on the proposed design. All information will also be available on the Capital Metro website and at various information sessions being held in other areas along the corridor.

This is the first opportunity for the wider public to see what light rail will look like in Canberra, and give the industry an

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insight into what they can expect from this exciting project.

After relying on roads for 100 years, Canberra is ready for light rail. Capital Metro is now one step closer to making this vision a reality.

Capital Metro is a member of the Australasian Railway Association.

ACT Budget announcedThe ARA stronlgy supports the ACT Government’s 2014-15 budget allocation of $21.3 million towards Canberra’s Capital Metro project to make it ‘investment ready’. The Gallagher Government has cemented the future of the light rail project, whilst also investing in other public transport services, rounding off a robust public transport infrastructure budget for the nation’s capital.

Included in the ACT budget was not the needed investment of $21.3 million towards Capital Metro, but also an almost equal allocation of $20.1 million for ACTION buses and Transport for Canberra initiatives. By almost equally investing in buses; light rail; and roads, the ACT Government is proving that current transport systems will not suffer with the investment of light rail.

Since 2011–12, the ACT Government has invested $172 million in ACTION bus services and other Transport for Canberra initiatives. With Canberra as Australia’s most car dependant city, the introduction of light rail will transport it into the 21st century and provide an alternative transport option for Canberrans to embrace public transport. The ACT Government is to seek expressions of interest to build and run the network in the coming year. Construction is set to begin in 2016.

New South WalesThe NSW Government has made some big announcements recently in the light rail space with the extension of the Inner West light rail line launched and a new light rail network for Newcastle announced.

The 5.6km Inner West Extension to Sydney’s light rail line has been a key step to modernising Sydney’s transport system and reinvesting in light rail for the city.

Investing in light rail provides a proven long term solution that will contribute to a more seamless public transport system for the city of Sydney.

With one light rail car in Sydney moving up to 9,000 people an hour in each direction all Sydneysiders will notice a decrease in congestion and therefore benefit from this investment, whether they travel by the new light rail system or not.

The modern, turn-up-and-go service will run every 10 minutes during the peaks and every 15 minutes during off peak. For more information about the Inner West Light Rail Extension, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/lightrail-program/inner-west-light-rail-extension.

Newcastle is the most recent Australian city announced to have a light rail network, with an announcement coming from the NSW Government confirming the route last month.

The ARA supports the announcement and is pleased to see the Baird Government planning to fund the project through the revenue gained from leasing the Port of Newcastle, which is anticipated to provide a benefit to the State of $1.75 billion and free up much needed capital to fund key infrastructure projects such as this.

The planned light rail route will be a hybrid option that includes the existing heavy urban rail corridor and Hunter Street, servicing the city centre right through to Newcastle’s stunning beaches.

Further details regarding funding and timelines are expected to be released in the upcoming NSW Budget.

VictoriaThe Victorian Government released its 2014-15 budget in May and made a huge $11 billion commitment to constructing the Melbourne Rail Link – a project that will transform the city’s entire transport network.

Out of the $24 billion announced for road and rail infrastructure projects, $14.5 billion more than half, is for rail.

The Melbourne Rail Link is Victoria’s largest rail project and along with that title it will deliver a more reliable rail service, less congested roads and increased capacity for thousands of Melbourne commuters every day.

The Victorian Government has committed $830 million over the next four years to commence construction of the Link which is set to include a new underground tunnel, new and upgraded underground stations and platforms and an all-important line to Melbourne Airport.

People will be able to travel on the new electrified rail link will between Southern Cross Station and Melbourne Airport every 10 minutes in peak hours and reach their destination in approximately 25 minutes.

The ARA also commended the Government’s commitment towards Cranbourne–Pakenham Line, which will include 25 next generation high capacity trains, high capacity signalling, the removal of 9 level crossings, and better connections from the south east growth corridor which has the greatest concentration of employment outside of Melbourne’s CBD.

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Western AustraliaThe Barnett Government made some big announcements for rail in its State Budget released in May, committing $2billion towards the construction of an Airport rail link into the Perth CBD.

The announcement cements the WA Governments plans to continue the Forrestfield-Airport Link project without federal government funding.

The project will open up Perth’s congested arterial roads in what has become Australia’s fastest growing city.

The 8.5km rail link will move commuters from Perth CBD to the Airport in a quick 20 minutes, bringing knock on benefits that will boost the entire city’s productivity and overall economy.

In addition to the Airport link, a further $360million put towards the Perth City Link rail project scheduled for completion in 2014 and an investment of $244million was allocated to buy 22 three-car B-Series rail cars, increasing the Transperth railcar fleet by 28 per cent.

Due to increasing demands of public transport and the need to replace ageing fleets, procurement challenges and expenses are increasing year upon year, the ARA commended the Barnett Government in addressing this issue and also providing further opportunities for local manufacturers to contend for the project.

QueenslandThe ARA welcomed announcements for public transport and infrastructure projects in the 2014-15 Queensland state budget this month, but is seeking further details regarding the funding from asset sales programs.

Whilst pleased to see the Brisbane Bus and Train (BaT) Tunnel and the unidentified rail public transport project highlighted in the budget, the ARA stated it would like further certainty regarding funding.

As it stands the funding of many critical infrastructure projects is dependent on an asset sales program that has not been fully detailed. The idea of putting the state’s government-owned assets to the market makes sense, particularly with the federal government incentive package providing a further 15 per cent of the price of the asset sold, however more reassurance is needed in terms of what assets are set to be sold and when the sale of these assets will take place.

The Government has outlined an aim to raise $33.6 billion from the sale of assets and put $25 billion back to pay down debt, leaving $8.6 billion for key infrastructure projects including the $5billion BaT Tunnel.

Should the 5km north-south BaT Tunnel receive $1billion in funding from asset sales as outlined in the budget, it will establish a solid base for the delivery

of a world-first designed project that will see the city of Brisbane become more productive, liveable and far better connected.

Other announcements welcomed in the QLD Budget included the additional funding of $122.4 million over five years for new generation rolling stock as part of a 32 year contract. The project involves purchasing 75 six car train sets to cater for the increase in passenger services as south-east

Queensland grows, and to replace an aging train fleet.

In all, this budget is reflective of a forward thinking Government, that is drawing on its strengths and existing infrastructure to plan for a better future for Queenslanders without breaking the bank. The ARA looks forward to seeing further details on the asset sales funding and to the future investment in rail throughout the state.

For more details visit www.budget.qld.gov.au.

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Rail ActivityRail takes drug and alcohol testing seriouslyNew drug and alcohol testing data, released by the ARA, has shown a decrease in the rate of positive results amongst employees over two years, even though the number of tests conducted has increased by more than 130,000, or nearly 55%.

The results come from a review, conducted in 2012 and again in 2013 by the ARA, of 22 of its members, which comprise of passenger and freight operators, track owners and managers, constructors, manufacturers and suppliers.

The review found that between 1 January and 31 December 2012, the Australian Rail Industry undertook 240,394 employee drug and alcohol tests, 284 or 0.12% of which returned positive results.

The following year, in 2013, there was a significant increase in the number of tests conducted amongst the same 22 companies to 371,148, with 311 or 0.08% results returning positive. This showed an overall decrease of 0.04%, or one third, in the rate of employees returning positive results.

The results support the great importance that rail places on the welfare and safety of its workforce and the continued commitment to moving people and freight safely around the country.

An average of 98% of tests conducted in both years were random, with the remaining 2% comprising of pre-employment, post incident or upon suspicion tests. Tests were taken by swab, breath or urine samples.

ARTC conducts Inland Rail stakeholder meetingFormer Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Inland Rail Implementation Group, the Hon John Anderson AO, along with the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) Inland Rail project team are touring regional NSW and Queensland locations this week to brief local Council leaders, stakeholders and industry reps on the programme and seek local insight and feedback on its next stages.

The group is visiting locations in the northern area of the Inland Rail programme including Ipswich and Toowoomba in Queensland; as well as

Narrabri, Dubbo and Parkes in NSW, as part of a first tranche of stakeholder information and consultation activities.

Mr Anderson said he saw this as an important chance for the team to meet with local stakeholders in person and get an understanding of the unique local opportunities and issues of each region.

In its 2014-15 Budget the Federal Government re-committed $300 million to finalise planning, engineering design, environmental assessments and to start construction of the programme. ARTC has been tasked with developing a 10-

year programme to deliver Inland Rail under the guidance of the Inland Rail Implementation Group.

Inland Rail Stakeholder Meetings are being held as follows:

• Ipswich – Monday 2 June (AM)

• Toowoomba – Monday 2 June (PM)

• Narrabri – Wednesday 4 June

• Dubbo – Thursday 5 June

• Parkes – Friday 6 June

RISSB Marketing and Communications Survey 2014The Rail Industry Safety & Standards Board (RISSB) values your opinion and feedback, that’s why it is conducting an online questionnaire regarding RISSB’s future Marketing & Communication Strategy.

Participants of the survey go in the draw to win a $200 Woolworths voucher

The results of this questionnaire will help RISSB improve delivering its messages and campaigns in the coming years. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

This questionnaire will take approximately five minutes to complete. Click here to start the survey now!

Any queries, please phone 02 6270 4509 or email rissb@rissb.com.au.

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RISSB looks to UK to strengthen harmonisation of Australian railThe Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) is constantly reviewing the way it delivers value in the harmonisation of Australian rail. The development process for RISSB’s suite of standards, rules, codes of practice and guidelines demands a rigorous approach which can sometimes be expensive.

As the great bulk of RISSB’s products are developed from scratch the investment is considerable and RISSB relies heavily on in-kind contributions from industry to deliver its program.

In an effort to broaden the range of products available - and find efficiencies in delivering them - RISSB has recently looked at railway networks overseas

to take advantage of the experience and expertise developed over many years. The UK rail network, in particular, shares similarities with Australia and the Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) has been a leader in encouraging harmonisation and standardisation for the UK network.

Many of the issues we are currently grappling with here in Australia have been the subject of much research and consultation in the UK so it makes good sense for RISSB to take advantage of that knowledge where it is sensible to do so.

This approach has identified a number of very important pieces of work that have real relevance for Australia. Two,

in particular, have been prioritised by the Australian industry as examples of good practice that can be readily adapted for Australian conditions and these are the RSSB UK documents ‘Taking Safe Decisions’ and ‘Measuring Safety Performance’.

The ‘Australianisation’ of these two RSSB UK products will provide industry with significant guidance in areas where sufficient work has not been possible in the past. They will also assist greatly in the development and implementation of the Safety Information System for Australian Rail (SISAR) project which is currently in the final stages of the project planning phase and is now seeking funding.

Rail technology leaders receive ATSE Clunies Ross AwardThree technology leaders from Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology have received the prestigious Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) Clunies Ross Award in recognition for their contributions to worldwide economic, social and environmental technologies in railway research.

Ravi Ravitharan, Peter Mutton and Graham Tew have, for over 40 years, played a significant role in technical innovations in railway engineering worldwide. Their research is offering major benefits to operators of heavy-haul and metro railway systems.

Receiving this Award places the three gentlemen amongst Australia’s top innovators, with the ATSE being a universally recognised body of influential

thinkers in technology and engineering and the annual awards named in tribute of esteemed scientific leader Ian Clunies Ross.

The Institute of Railway Technology is Australia’s premier applied research centre for research and technology service provision for the railway industry. It is internationally known as an industry leader for

technical innovations in worldwide railway engineering. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement gentlemen!

Award winners: Peter Mutton, Ravi Ravitharan and Graham Tew

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Australasian Rail Industry Awards

Come and enjoy a night of celebration with the rail industry’s best and brightest at the Australasian Rail Industry Awards.

Do not miss out on your opportunity to attend this premier rail industry event and help celebrate the outstanding achievements and innovations of individuals and organisations across the region.

Thursday 17 July, 6:30 – 10:30pm, The River Room, Crown Towers, Melbourne

The night’s entertainment is La Prima Opera – Australia’s newest and most exciting concert opera company. Be prepared for a different kind of opera experience; accessible, appealing, intimate and unique!

Purchase your tickets today at www.railindustryawards.com.au and join us in acknowledging great achievements in rail.

M E L B O U R N E 2 0 1 4

Supporters Media Partner

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TrackSAFE UpdateNear hit and trespass data collection trial progress In November 2013 the TrackSAFE Foundation began discussing the possibility of a national data collection process aimed at building a more accurate demographic profile of near hits and trespassing incidents. The three month trial began on January 1 this year with the participation of twelve rail organisations.

On the whole the trial was a success, with early indications of demographic trends starting to emerge, for example an overwhelming majority of trespassers are shown to be male and that most trespass incidents occur in the late afternoon and at night.

Any areas for improvement found during the process, such as clarification of terms and how to make the process more user friendly, were addressed with the changes that were made scheduled to be brought into effect as of June 1, 2014.

Having been founded on the basis of increasing rail safety and decreasing rail incidents and suicide, TrackSAFE endeavours to achieve its goals through a holistic approach that tackles the issues at hand through a range of strategies.

The data collection process encompasses an all-inclusive approach that aims to not only tackle the delicate issue of suicide

on rail lines but also reducing vandalism, trespass and improve customer and employee satisfaction. The near hit and trespass data collection will help TrackSAFE to help others. It will give operators the ability to critically asses where their weaknesses and strengths lie, as well as learn from others and their experience in addressing similar issues.

In an industry where safety is crucial the ability to share information, successes and failures is paramount. It cuts at the very heart of the TrackSAFE Foundation’s mantra ‘Working together to save lives’.

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Workforce DevelopmentRail Careers Week - Get on board the rail careers express!Rail Careers Week 2014 will be held for the first time this year from the 8-14 September. The theme for the week is ‘A Network of Opportunities’ aimed to encourage job seekers to consider the rail industry as a place to work and advance your career. Rail Careers Week will target universities, colleges and other education institutions, with students being a primary target audience. It will also target the public and specific age/

gender demographics, to support the diversity objective, encouraging them to consider a future career in rail.

The Rail Industry has a network of career opportunities for people of all ages and experiences, however there is a significant lack of awareness and poor perception amongst our target audiences when it comes to rail. The Week will require strong industry support and

participation through planned activities. Operators across Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to participate.

To find out how you can get involved in Rail Careers Week, please contact Lauren Sullivan lsullivan@ara.net.au or on 02 6270 4535. Find out more about careers in rail at www.railcareers.net.au.

A Taste of SuccessFollowing on from the last update, the weeklong Taste of Harmony campaign ran from the 17 – 23 March 2014, celebrating diversity in Australian workplaces by encouraging colleagues to share food and stories from different cultural backgrounds.

Over 4000 companies were involved, including 17 ARA members. Congratulations to our members who participated!

The ARA held a luncheon on Monday 17 March. It was a great success with 20

staff members attending, each bringing a dish from their own culture or their ancestor’s country of origin, somewhere the staff may like to visit, or their favourite destination or cuisine.

The luncheon included trivia and supported connecting with colleagues in a relaxed and fun way.

To find out how to get involved in next years Taste of Harmony, visit www.tasteofharmony.org.au

Improve Your Career Opportunities Through Online StudyNow is a perfect time to improve your career options by undertaking online studies. A broad range of units are available for CPD of railway managers and infrastructure and rolling stock engineers. Duration of each unit is 12-14 weeks.

Professional Area Units Available Enrol by

Rail Infrastructure Engineering Track Construction and Civil Structures Track Design and Formation Ballast Sleepers and Fasteners

20 June

Rolling Stock Engineering Rolling Stock Safety and Braking Systems Rail Vehicle Design

4 July

Railway Operation Management Rail Infrastructure (for managers) Passenger and Freight Operations

30 June 13 June

For further information please click here or contact Vicky Kreiser by phone on 07 4923 2277 or email at v.kreiser@cqu.edu.au.

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ARA Rail Industry Courses 2014Run by the rail industry for the rail industry, these courses are great value. Discounts are available for ARA members, and also for IRSE and RTSA members for their respective courses.

For further information contact Janet Cameron, ARA Events Coordinator at events@ara.net.au or 02 6270 4527 or visit the events page on the ARA website.

Understanding Rail Course • 30-31 July 2014 – Melbourne

• 29-30 October 2014 – Adelaide

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Australian Rail Industry, from the various elements that make up railway track to the strategic direction of the industry. Designed for those new to the rail industry, as well as those who have recently assumed a different or broader role, the course is also popular with those who have been in rail for years and enjoy a refreshing update of the entire Australasian Rail Industry.

Insight into Railway Signalling Course • 10 September 2014 - Melbourne

This introductory course provides an insight into the technology, processes and principles used by railway signal engineers. It is designed for those who liaise with signal engineers, interface to railway signal systems, coordinate with signalling projects or provide operational requirements for signalling systems.

Insight into Rolling Stock Engineering Course• 23 September 2014 - Brisbane

This introductory course provides an insight into the principles used in the design, manufacture and maintenance of rolling stock including locomotives, passenger cars, multiple unit trains and freight wagons.

Insight into Track Engineering Course • 24 September 2014 - Brisbane

This introductory course provides an insight into the technology, processes and principles used by railway track engineers and an understanding of the interface between track and other railway systems.

Australasian Rail Industry Awards Dinner • 17 July 2014, River Room, Crown

Towers, Melbourne

The countdown is on with the opening oThis premier event for the rail industry will bring together leaders in rail from all across the sector to unite and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies in a broad range of areas. Held in the stunning and superbly appointed River Room of the Crown Towers in Melbourne, guests will be treated to views of Melbourne’s Yarra River through exceptional floor to ceiling windows. Information and registrations are available by clicking here.

Any queries please contact Alicia Hewitt, ARA Communications Manager on 02 62704531 or ahewitt@ara.net.au.

Rail Industry Networking Dinners 2014 The ARA facilitates industry networking by arranging ARA Rail Industry Networking Dinners around Australia. These dinners provide an opportunity to foster relationships with colleagues from other industry organisations allowing industry to further collaborate and work together.

The dinners are attended by ARA members and non-members.

• 3 September 2014, Sydney

The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, NSW Minister for Transport will be the guest speaker at the ARA Members’ Dinner to be held in Sydney on 3 September 2014.

Cost (per person including GST): ARA members $110, non-members $130

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Top Train PicsTop shot of a double stacked freight train sent in by ARA member Pacific National, visit www.asciano.com.au/pacific-national-rail.

Send us your top train and track images, it might be published in the next edition of quarterly update! Send images to Alicia Hewitt at ahewitt@ara.net.au.

Contact UsFor more information or to get involved in ARA efforts, please contact our office via ara@ara.net.au or 02 6270 4501.

Subscribe Anyone can subscribe! Please register to receive ARA Communications here.