Gary Mclaughlin

The Queensland Government has released the Queensland Level Crossing Safety Strategy, outlining a 10-year strategy aimed at making level crossings safer for rail and road users. In addition to the release of the South East Queensland Level Crossing Program 2024 last week, $10 million has also been set aside to identify solutions for future priority level crossings. A three-year Action Plan was launched alongside the strategy as part of Rail Safety Week, which centres around improving safety based on: 🔹 enforcement 🔹 education 🔹 technology and innovation 🔹 data capture and coordination It’s a fantastic initiative, and we’re thrilled to see such significant investment being made into the safety of our rail industry. Our Plan Safe consultants have delivered safety assurance programs for some of Australia’s most recent rail projects – including the Waratah ETCS upgrade in Sydney CBD and the Sydney Metro Project - and offer a profound understanding of the needs and complexities inherent in the design, build and implementation of transport infrastructure. We look forward to collaborating with new industrial partners in the rail sector on their design safety programs moving forward. 📞 1300 030 361 📧 [email protected]

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Good insight!

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✨ ICCIAUS Corporate Member News ✨ ICCIAUS Corporate Member Hatch has been awarded a key contract for the Sydney Trains Tangara Fleet Life Extension project, reinforcing their expertise in modernizing Australia’s public transport. The project will incorporate new technologies, including a modern train control system, advanced closed-circuit television, improved passenger information systems, increased accessibility for disabled travelers, automated announcements, and an enhanced event recorder. These updates will improve operational reliability and safety, ultimately elevating the passenger experience. This project will extend the operational life of Sydney’s Tangara fleet, improving safety, performance, and sustainability for commuters. Hatch’s role is pivotal in transforming the fleet into a more efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly asset for the city’s transport infrastructure. #Hatch #SydneyTrains #SustainableTransport #Infrastructure #PublicTransport #EngineeringExcellence 

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I know I know, opening dates for new extensions of a railway network should be celebrated as they connect more suburbs to a very reliable and fast mode of public transport (a statement particularly true for the "North South" line in Perth from Mandurah to, now soon, Yanchep). By the way, in a few years this very line is going to take the world record for the longest CBTC-fitted line once the High Capacity Signalling project has completed work there. Yet... If during the planning of the Yanchep extension anyone had hinted it would be mid-2024 before trains finally run in commercial service, that person would have been declared a crazy doomsayer. And there we are anyway. Not sure about the budget development for this project, but it can't be too good either when it takes much longer to build than originally estimated. What this shows once more is the urgency for the rail industry in Australia to up their game in estimating project budgets and schedules. https://lnkd.in/gz3DR39k #perth #publictransport #projectmanagement #docfrankrailservices

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Roads & Infrastructure Magazine outlines what the Western Australian Government’s 2024/25 State Budget means for the region, which highlights $13.8 billion for port, road, rail and transport infrastructure. #infrastructure #funding #budget #transport #construction #government #innovation #technology #sustainability | METRONET, Department of Transport, Western Australia

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Over the next four years a total of $11.8 billion has been allocated for new rail and transport infrastructure projects across Western Australia.

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I just received this email from Sydney Trains:- Radek Kochanowski   Sydney Trains has carried out a 12-week noise monitoring assessment with the report outlining the findings currently being finalised. Once this information is available Sydney Trains will present the findings to WWRNAG.   As previously outlined during the last meeting in Nov 2023, Sydney Trains has taken the next steps in the rail profile trial in the Wollstonecraft area as per the Monash IRT Wheel Rail Template Review. Currently the new profile is scheduled to be ground into the rails on 9-12 Dec 2024 (subject to any potential Planned Industrial Action disruptions).   In addition, Sydney Trains is in the process of planning carrying out a rail lubrication noise performance review which involves approaching suppliers (including ELPA) to submit their interest in participation to determine whether other rail lubrication systems can provide meaningful improvement in curve noise impact reduction compared to the existing friction management systems implemented on the network.   Sydney Trains appreciates the frustrations of the residents and is committed to continued mitigation works in the area. As has been shown by the works carried out to date, there is no one “silver bullet” solution to significantly reduce the noise impacts in this area of the network due to the inherit limitations of the corridor layout. Sydney Trains continues to carryout rail grinding at the now adjusted frequency of every 5 months in addition to the previously expanded top of rail friction modification usage and track geometry adjustments in the area.   Sydney Trains will arrange a meeting with WWRNAG in the new year following the finalisation of the mentioned noise monitoring assessment report.   Regards   Radek Kochanowski Specialist (Noise) – Sydney Trains Environment and Sustainability Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation Transport for NSW

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Brisbane Olympics -indirect transport costs Sunshine Coast rail has a Benefit Cost Ratio much less than 1. Projects with a BCR of 1 or more are potentially acceptable. Projects with a BCR of less than 1 should be rejected. The estimated construction cost (excluding any subsidies ) of the Sunshine Coast railway is between $12 -$14 billion. The estimated cost of the first stage – a 19-kilometre line from Beerwah to Caloundra – was between $5.5 billion and $7 billion. According to a QLD parliament business case, the benefit-cost ratio of the Sunshine Coast railway project is much, much less than 1. See my previous posts on Brisbane Olympics Total and Full Costs. Regional North Queensland needs a better deal from Brisbane Olympics. #OurFairShare Rob McCahill Reuben Richardson Taha Chaiechi Damian Scanlon Clayton COOK Posted from Fethiye Türkiye

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I’m delighted to receive my chartership. Thank you Engineers Australia #AdvancedEngineeringKnowledge #CharteredProfessionalEngineer #CreativityAndInnovation #DecisionMaking #Developsafeandsustainablesolutions #EngageWithStakeholders #Engineering #EngineeringCompetence #EngineeringLeadership #EngineeringRiskAssessment #EngineeringRiskManagement #EngineeringStandards #EthicalStandardsAndConduct #Evaluation #Judgement #LegalAndRegulatoryCompliance #LocalEngineeringKnowledge #ProblemAnalysis #QualityAssurance #Technical #ksh

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Construction trades have always been about learning on the job, however, none of those practical skills prepared me for the reality of running a subcontracting business.

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If you want to stay across the latest on major policy issues impacting the rail industry across Australia and New Zealand, I encourage you to check out our new publication on the Australasian Railway Association (ARA)'s latest reports and insights across 2024.

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In March 2023, ONRSR received the results of the Monash Institute of Railway Technology’s (MIRT) trials of specific controls focussed on better visibility of trains, namely: > Flashing beacons on locomotives > Conversion of locomotive headlights from halogen globes to light-emitting diode (LED) ONRSR subsequently supported further research to assess the effectiveness of additional lighting on a locomotive, specifically flashing LED lights mounted on the front, and marker lights mounted on both sides, primarily during daylight but also at night. Over 500 luminance measurements were collected in various scenarios including vegetation obscurity, simulated weather conditions, and different daylight and night-time conditions. ONRSR has now received the Final Report from MIRT: Quantitative Assessment of Visibility of Modified Locomotive Lighting. The report is a very detailed, technical document – reflecting the thoroughness and scientific rigour of the academic research. ONRSR commissioned this research to ensure that train lighting continued to be carefully considered as part of ongoing efforts to improve level crossing safety in Australia. In isolation, additional train lighting is not a silver bullet solution, it is one of a range of controls that can be used to improve safety at level crossings under certain conditions. Read the full story and the report via our website: https://lnkd.in/g8sNkUKY. #railsafety #collaboration #levelcrossingsafety

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Thanks Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) for sharing this report from the Monash Institute of Railway Technology (IRT). This study specifically examined the impact of additional flashing LED beacon lights mounted on the front and side of locomotives and is the second such assessment commissioned by ONRSR. The research will inform their development of a code of practice that will have legal standing which calls out the RISSB AS 7531 Rolling Stock Lighting and Visibility standard. RISSB fully supports this and have made the commitment to review this standard based on the findings of this report.   Safey incidents have significant human impacts. We know that managing safety risks at level crossings for road users, train drivers and pedestrians is a complex issue and not one with a simple or singular solution, and one that requires the road and rail industry and users to be collectively responsible. Train lighting is one component of the solution.   Level crossing safety is an important priority for the rail industry. As the rail industry’s standards organisation, RISSB continues to prioritise and work on the issue of level crossing safety with ONRSR, governments and key stakeholders.

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🌟 Breaking stereotypes: UGL’s Metronet Railcar Manufacturing Facility at Bellevue in WA is redefining diversity in the construction industry. With significant female representation across roles, including traditionally male-dominated positions, our team is challenging norms and reshaping narratives. Managed by EastRail, a joint venture between UGL and ADCO Constructions, this project sets a benchmark for inclusivity. Between UGL and our subcontractor, the project boasts 35% female participation in various project domains. https://okt.to/0qpLd9 Their dedication, professionalism, and expertise have left a lasting impact on safety and productivity. At UGL, we're committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Our Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) and Women at UGL initiative underscores our dedication towards gender balance. Join us in building a future where everyone thrives.https://okt.to/LzflGK #unitewiththeverybest #EmpoweringWomen #FutureOfWork

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This week in PTAANZ’s #TopTransportNews – the 75th and final New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train has completed its accessibility upgrade and is now in service, marking a significant milestone for Queensland’s South East train fleet. The Queensland Government’s $335 million investment addresses several access issues and ensures the entire fleet is disability compliant.  The upgrades, carried out in consultation with the disability sector, include larger toilet modules, additional priority seats, tactile text and braille signage, extra grab and handrails, and redesigned equipment for customers with limited dexterity.  Queensland Premier Steven Miles emphasized the importance of safety, accessibility, and inclusion, highlighting the transformative impact on how Queenslanders travel by train. “Today is an incredibly proud moment for the disability advocates who championed these upgrades and helped us to deliver the best possible outcome,” he said. “This investment has not only changed the way Queenslanders can travel by train, it has also supported good Queensland manufacturing jobs. This initiative not only enhances the travel experience for passengers but encourages mode shift by making transport more accessible and user-friendly. Supporting more people to safely, comfortably and independently access all modes drives us towards a more sustainable transport system.  You can read more here – https://bit.ly/4fy8Ujm   #PTAANZ #PublicTransport #Accessibility #Sustainability #Queensland #TrainUpgrade #TransportInnovation #CustomerExperience #ModeShift  

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IRJ at Ausrail 2024: Australia’s first high speed line could be operational by 2037, High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) CEO, Mr Tim Parker, has said. https://lnkd.in/e34MKe3w

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