The ARA is very proud to be a part of the CORE Innovation Hub’s Rail Collaboration Centre (RCC), which is leading rail innovation in the Pilbara.

The ARA’s Heavy Haul Executive Committee is partnering with CORE for a program of work to boost design, manufacture, decarbonisation and employment opportunities in WA.

The Hon. Minister Stephen Dawson officially opened the new RCC in Karratha last week.

Rio Tinto’s Managing Director of Port, Rail and Core Services – Iron Ore Richard Cohen and ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie spoke at the launch, and Gemco Rail gave a presentation on the progress of their new Karratha manufacturing and maintenance facility.

Guests including Jacqui Walters, National Rail Manufacturing Advocate Office of National Rail Industry Coordination, Brodie McCulloch, Director of CORE Innovation Hub, Kevin Michel MLA, Member for the Pilbara, Tony Simpson, CEO, Regional Development Australia (Pilbara), Sarah Whelan CEO, KDCCI, Georgia Nicholls, General Manager – Rail freight and Heavy Haul, ARA, Luke Bolzan, Rail Network Maintenance Manager, BHP, Geoff Thorn, Executive General Manager, Gemco Rail and Brett Ellacott, Deputy Chair, Pilbara Development Commission also had the opportunity to board Rio Tinto’s Loco at 7 Mile.

The WA State Government provided CORE with $1 million under the Local Manufacturing Investment Fund for the RCC, which will also have hubs in Newman and Perth.

You can read the WA Government media release here

Find out more here