INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS
CREDIT: ARA / INFORMA AUSTRALIA
RTAA striving for rail’s success In his Rail Express column, RTAA President Thomas Kerr talks through the Association’s ongoing contributions to rail in Australia.
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OR THOSE WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR, the Rail Track Association Australia (RTAA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to pursuing and promoting the interests of rail infrastructure within the Australian community. With a proud history which began in 1973, the RTAA brings together owners, contractors, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, academics, research and development personnel, regulators and individuals who are part of the Australian rail community. Membership is invited from individuals, corporations, government bodies, tertiary education and institutions. Between 1973 and 2001, the RTAA organised thirteen highly successful rail conferences at three yearly intervals. These conferences were held in major locations in Australia and New Zealand and were well supported by the rail community. Fast forward to 2019, and the RTAA continues to promote the interests of rail within the Australian community. This is done by focusing on four key priority areas: • Broadening the appeal of rail to women,
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ISSUE 2 2019 | RAIL EXPRESS
young people and Indigenous people. • Being truly national through the Rail Industry Field Day, technical and networking events and other RTAA activities. • Promoting the establishment of Australian Rail Infrastructure Standards. • Promoting ‘grassroots railway knowledge’ retention from our generation to the future generations. One of the key priorities currently in the spotlight is promoting grassroots railway knowledge and appealing to the younger audience. With a skills shortage in the industry, this is a priority the RTAA is heavily focusing on. In 2019 the RTAA will be implementing a number of initiatives to further progress the strong headway made in 2018 in this high priority area. The Frank Franklyn Award continues its success this year and in 2018 there were eight outstanding entries, indicative of the railway infrastructure expenditure and scope of projects being undertaken. 2019 submissions are now open and already shaping up with stellar
ABOVE: A crowd gathers at the last RTAA Field Day.
ABOVE: RTAA President Thomas Kerr.
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