The federal government has launched a database of rolling stock projects that it says will address the nation’s fragmented approach to rail.
The National Rolling Stock Procurement Pipeline, the first major initiative of the Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC), provides a snapshot of present and future rolling stock projects across states and territories.
The pipeline provides users with interactive graphs, a searchable data table and a customisable experience.
It will include procurement location, estimated value, status, timeframe and type for new fleets and fleet upgrades, as well as different rollingstock types, from heavy rail to light rail and metro.
Assistant trade and manufacturing minister Tim Ayers says the pipeline will lead to better national coordination across rail projects and support local businesses across the rail manufacturing supply chain.
“We’ve had a fragmented approach to rail in this country that has hurt Australia,” he said on Monday.
“This pipeline is an important step toward making sure our states and territories can work together.”
A boon for rail manufacturing
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) says the database will benefit the Australian rail manufacturing industry and provide a transparent national approach.
“The pipeline enables procurers to assess the impact of the timing of their procurement decisions and should decrease boom and bust cyclical rail procurement,” ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said in a statement.
“This enables capacity, skills and input costs to be better managed, ensuring a more sustainable rail supply chain.
“The centralised nature of this information allows industry improved visibility to support planning and investment.”
The project is an initiative of the Department of Industry’s Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy.
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