The ARA’s Heavy Haul Executive Committee recently met for their third quarter meeting. The Committee was briefed on the recently developed Safely Access the Rail corridor (SARC) and provided a demonstration of the course and advised of next steps relating to the release of the course on a broader scale.

The group was joined by the Rail Collaboration Centre‘s Renee Hakendorf who provided an update on the RCC’s program of work with key priorities to boost design, manufacture, decarbonisation and employment opportunities in WA. Renee shared further insight into the recent  opening of the RCC in the Pilbara last week, which was attended by the Hon. Minister Stephen Dawson. Key projects being led by the RCC include real-time connectivity and local manufacturing of sleepers.

The committee was also briefed on the ARA’s recently launched report on rollingstock decarbonisation . The rail industry is facing a critical window of opportunity with approximately half of Australia’s rollingstock due for replacement in the next eight to 13 years, and needs to consider low and zero carbon technologies that can meet net zero obligations and targets. It was noted current pathways for these technologies are not clear and therefore a shared, national strategy is essential to ensure the planning, policy, technology and capability is in place to utilise the opportunity provided by this window. The ARA will be engaging with government and industry to progress the recommendation of setting up a specific decarbonisation strategy.

For further information please contact ARA General Manager – Freight and Heavy Haul, Georgia Nicholls.