The ARA’s Sustainability Committee held an in-person meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday, ahead of the ARA Rail Sustainability Leaders’ Summit. The Committee was also given an engaging tour of the new Keon Park Station in Melbourne, recently opened as part of the Level Crossings Removal Project.  

The Committee was incredibly impressed by the amount of recycled input materials which had been utilised in the construction of the station, with everything from the pavements, seats, slabs and surface treatments all containing recycled materials.  

This impressive embodiment of circular economy principles were not mandatory inclusions, but rather a conscious effort from the teams involved to make the new station as sustainable as possible. Committee members enjoyed hearing from a range of project team members on their contributions – a true testament to collaboration for sustainable outcomes. 

During the Committee meeting, members discussed a range of ongoing agenda items, including the ARA’s Sustainability Strategy and the scope and focus of the Sustainability Committee for the coming years, and also heard endorsement requests under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s rating scheme.  

The group discussed the recently published report, The critical path to decarbonise Australia’s rail rollingstock, with conversations around areas for industry action and collaboration in the coming years. The group also received an update on the ongoing First Nations Engagement project, which is currently underway.  

The meeting concluded with discussion on opportunities for further collaboration between Committee members, increase opportunities for site tours and showcases of Committee members’ work, and brainstorming opportunities for future ARA projects to support the industry in driving sustainable development.  

Special thanks to the Arup team for hosting the Committee in their beautiful Sky Park, Melbourne office.