The ARA’s Rail Infrastructure Contractors Executive Committee (RICEC) met this week to discuss its four strategic areas of focus, the rail infrastructure project pipeline in each state, and the roll out of the National Product Type Approval Framework. The ARA thanked Julian Sharp (CPB) for his leadership in Chairing the RICEC for many years and welcomed the new Chair David Robotham (Laing O’Rourke) and Deputy Chair Mark Harris.
Updates on the four strategic areas of focus include:
- National pre-qual – We are progressing engagement of a consultant to support the review and required adaption of the Austroads national pre-qual scheme criteria for rail infrastructure projects;
- Management plans – A proposal has been put forward to procurers to better sequence the provision of management plan information for projects, and minimise requirements during tenders until preferred suppliers are selected to better manage resources and costs;
- Systems Integration – A working group has been established with asset owners, operators, delivery authorities and contractors to identify opportunities to better support systems integration outcomes in major infrastructure projects;
- Micro-credentials – A micro-credential framework has been established with micro-accredited courses being developed to better support industry in addressing knowledge gaps.
The RICEC discussed the future rail infrastructure project pipeline, at a state-by-state investment level, and noted the ongoing concern of a lack of a smooth, transparent and nationally coordinated pipeline that could best support a sustainable rail industry. It was recognised how lumpy procurement impacts on resource planning, asset investment, industry capacity and capability.
The RICEC received an update on the roll out of the National Product Type Approval Framework and input was sought as to what rail assets, components or criteria should be prioritised.
The RICEC also received an update on the Infrastructure Australia Net Zero initiative to drive collaborative projects to define net zero pathways for the sector and what skills are needed to prepare for a net zero rail construction future, as well as the upcoming Rail Industry Worker tender.