New research reveals rail investment pipeline

Work is underway to build the Suburban Rail Loop in Victoria. Image: Victorian Government

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) released new research in October confirming the rail construction and maintenance investment pipeline across Australia for the next 10 years. The ARA National Rail Procurement Pipeline Annual Report, which details market conditions and forecast activity for each state and territory, provided new insights to help the rail industry plan for […]

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ARA confirms priorities for next five years

Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association. Image: ARA

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has confirmed its 2025–30 strategic plan after extensive consultation with members and stakeholders. The plan confirms our priorities for the next five years and provides a platform to strengthen our advocacy on behalf of the rail industry. Pleasingly, the consultation process found that our members and stakeholders believe the ARA […]

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Urgent need for freight reform

The clear benefits rail has to offer have not been enough to shift the dial on declining modal share. Image: Negro Elkha/stock.adobe.com

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) took its freight reform agenda to Canberra in September, hosting an event with senior industry leaders and parliamentarians to discuss the crucial role rail has to play in driving our freight future. The event came at a critical juncture for the freight sector, with the Federal Government’s current productivity reform […]

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Driving change in travel behaviours

The opening of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest Line in 2024 sparked a wave of public transport enthusiasm. Image: ARA

Much has been made of the major rail projects completed or underway across the country, and the impact they will have on our future travel behaviours. The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) commissioned consumer research in April 2025, providing insights into how we can maximise public transport use in the years ahead. A total of 2500 […]

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Driving rail reform: The ARA’s advocacy priorities

Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Railway Association. Image: ARA

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) advocates for policy and regulatory reforms to enhance rail’s role in a sustainable transport future. The ARA is actively working with industry and the National Transport Commission (NTC), Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC), Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), and state and federal governments to identify […]

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Monash Institute of Railway Technology celebrates 25th birthday

Professor Ravi Ravitharan has been a part of the institute since it joined Monash and understands its importance now and for the future of Australia’s rail network. Image: Monash University

Originally established in 1972 as BHP Melbourne Research Laboratories (MRL), the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT) is Australia’s leading track and vehicle railway research centre. The institute has an international reputation for excellence in translational railway research. Monash IRT is known for delivering projects that have reduced operating and capital costs, lowered greenhouse emissions and […]

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