Rail manufacturing strategy aims to coordinate procurement

The federal government has released a National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy, aiming to help grow a sustainable rail manufacturing sector, increase productivity, international competitiveness and industry participation.

To be delivered in partnership with the states and territories the Strategy has six pillars:

• Develop a nationally coordinated approach to rolling stock procurement
• Harmonise standards for manufacturing rolling stock
• Adopt a national local content approach
• Maximise opportunities for freight and heavy haul rail manufacturing
• Improve research and innovation outcomes in the rail sector
• And establish the foundation for good jobs and rewarding careers in rail manufacturing.

The Strategy is part of the National Rail Manufacturing Plan which has already seen the establishment of the Office of National Rail Industry Coordination (ONRIC), and the appointment of a National Rail Manufacturing Advocate and Rail Industry Innovation Council.

Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Assistant Minister for Trade Tim Ayres said: “We want to make more things here – we’re rebuilding domestic industrial capability so Australia can make high-value products for our country, our region, and the world.

“The National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy is the framework for the Commonwealth and the states and territories to work together to help ensure passenger and freight rail rolling stock is built here in Australia.

“Building an enduring rail manufacturing industry means good jobs, high quality trains and lower costs for taxpayers and the States and Territories.”

Ayres said a report by the Australasian Railway Association found that taxpayers would have saved $1.85 billion over the last 10 years if state rolling stock contracts had been better coordinated.

National Rail Manufacturing Advocate Jacqui Walters welcomed the release of the strategy.

“I look forward to working closely with industry, governments and the Rail Industry Innovation Council throughout 2024 and beyond on the Strategy’s key aims to improve competitiveness, innovation, and growth within the rail manufacturing industry.”

Picture: ARTC