Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson AO has launched the Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation (ACRI) with invited guests from industry and government.
The launch coincided with the first day of the 10th World Congress on Railway Research, a global forum held in Australia for the first time showcasing the latest innovations in the global rail industry.
Mr Anderson is the chairman of the new independent research body, which will seek to undertake targeted, applied research, strategic analysis and problem solving to improve the productivity and competitive position of the Australasian rail industry.
“I am pleased to be part of this wonderful new independent research centre for rail in not only Australia, but also New Zealand and Indonesia,” said Mr Anderson.
“In Australia alone, we have over 44,000km of track and the sixth largest network in the world. It is a big and vibrant industry with still so much potential to unveil.
“It will be my responsibility to ensure the Australasian rail industry is provided with timely, relevant and effective applied research and strategic analysis to ensure continued improvement in productivity and sustainability, to underpin the competitive position of the industry,” Mr Anderson continued.
“ACRI will be crucial in continuing the production of important research for the rail industry to meet the massive increase in demand for rail travel and transport.
“Passenger journeys in Australia have increased by 84 million over the past four years and our freight trains are moving almost one billion tonnes of freight each year,” he said.
ACRI will take over from the work of the current CRC for Rail Innovation, which has for the past seven years brought together the substantial skills and resources of the rail industry and the research and development expertise of Australia’s leading universities to advance the sector.
ACRI intends to maintain the legacy of and continue on with the impetus for research and access to research developed by the CRC and its predecessor. It is paramount that research into this growing industry continues to develop and evolve.
ACRI is open for business now and will be transitioned into full operation during 2013/14. For further information on ACRI, visit www.acri.net.au.
ACRI is supported by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board and the Australasian Railway Association.
