From the Editor

Issue 09 - October 2021

Published by:

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Christine Clancy E: christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

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Syed Shah E: syed.shah@primecreative.com.au

Editor

Ray Chan E: ray.chan@primecreative.com.au

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Design

Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty

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Ray Chan

Editor - Rail Express

Welcome to our October edition of Rail Express

WARMEST greetings from yours truly, who has taken over as the editor of Rail Express.

Many thanks go to my predecessor, David Sexton, who did a sterling job in his time at the helm.

I come with an extensive background in the media industry, having been a newspaper editor for almost 30 years. Much of that time has been spent managing agricultural and mining publications, so I am well-acquainted with the heavy haulage rail stakeholders who play such an important role in transporting commodities such as grain and minerals to port.

I possess a keen interest about the passenger transport side of the sector, and have my batteries charged up to provide readers with the latest products and developments as we head into an incredibly hectic rail infrastructure space across Australia and New Zealand. In doing so, I am looking forward to meeting members of the industry who champion these causes.

Indeed, it is an exciting time, COVID notwithstanding: for example, Inland Rail construction across three states, the METRONET project in WA, Melbourne and Sydney Metros, and the underground Cross River Rail tunnel program in Queensland. Then of course, there’s the Level Crossing Removal Project, aimed at easing road congestion and travel delays caused by level crossings.

Rightfully so, the Federal Government has recognised freight and transport as essential services during the pandemic, so progress across the country remains unhampered. But it’s a privilege not taken lightly, with strict preventative measures in place to protect workers and the local communities in which they operate.

Of course, having reliable staff is just part of the formula to achieve success in the rail sector. The other vital part of the equation is ensuring the right equipment and technology is in place.

In this issue, we look at some of the innovations and ideas that can make the difference between success and failure. Key questions regularly arise: should one invest in new technology? Or seek to bring about improvements from existing plant?

Read about the Unipart Group’s mission to bring about safety and productivity efficiencies and improvements with the use of innovative rail construction and maintenance equipment. Also, find out more about Alltrack Rail, an Australian company making global waves in the quality-used railway equipment procurement business. Remarkably, it deals with every country in the world except the Russian Federation.

Then there is manufacturing giant Caterpillar, who shines the spotlight on its specialist piece of excavator machinery designed for rail services, while Holland shows off a number of its highly-regarded welding solutions.

We also speak to Ballarat institution, Harrybilt, on how business is growing for its rail maintenance products; George’s Loader Hire, which focuses on its dedicated rail, recycling and materials handling services; and MFB Products, which showcases its enclosures for data centre and outdoor applications.

There’s plenty of other interesting articles as well, of course, including the regular contributions from our rail industry partners.

We’re sure you will find this informationpacked issue an enjoyable read.