Track + Signal Magazine - October 2017–January 2018

In this issue

Rail’s influence worldwide was growing, not declining, and continued to underpin industrial growth particularly in the developing nations of Asia and Africa, Australia's Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, Anthony Albanese, told the Australasian Railway Association’s inaugural Rail Freight Conference and Exhibition in Sydney. The industry achievements of Speno Rail Maintenance Australia's long-time CEO Ben Lombardo were recognised at the Australasian Rail Industry Awards gala dinner when he was honoured for his outstanding career achievement and innovation. The New Zealand Government will add a third rail line between Westfield and Wiri in Auckland as part of a funding package to help cope with the city’s rapid growth. This welcome announcement came shortly after delegates at the New Zealand Rail event pondered how to cope with an influx of visitors attending New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup yachting title in 2021, with news of the competition victory coinciding with the opening of the conference. French train-maker Alstom turned on a party to celebrate the centenary of the Ballarat Train Workshops in rural Victoria, involving workers both present and past, suppliers and the local community. The party celebrated the pivotal role the workshops have had in the life of the city of Ballarat as well as their contribution to Victoria generally through the transfer of skills and apprenticeships. Alstom purchased the workshops in 1999 and since then has won orders from the Victorian Government to manufacture a total of 101 X’Trapolis train sets.