Australian Railway Research and Innovation Network launched

The Australian Railway Research and Innovation Network (AusRRIN) collaborative effort by five Australian leading universities and key industries was established highlighting intentions to advance research and innovation. Their efforts, which were revealed at a launch event on Wednesday 22 November, will contribute towards the development of a sustainable and advanced rail manufacturing base in the country.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between UTS, Monash University (via its Institute of Railway Technology), Central Queensland University, University of Queensland, and the University of Wollongong, alongside industry entities such as the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB), Australasian Railway Association (ARA), Rail Track Association Australia (RTAA), and the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE). This MoU formed as the foundation of AusRRIN.

The collaboration aims to address critical research needs for the future of Australia's railway system and support the National Rail Manufacturing Plan. This plan, part of a nationally coordinated approach, seeks to promote rail manufacturing. It aligns with the government's policy goal of fostering domestic production, utilising local expertise, and reducing transport emissions.

The launch event was officiated by Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres. 

The AusRRIN initiative is a great example of the collaboration between research and industry that the Government is supporting under the National Rail Manufacturing Plan, and our recently announced National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy. I look forward to AusRRIN’s contribution to the development of trains that are designed and built to Australia’s unique condition – lowering costs for government and industry, improving the quality of the commuter experience and lowering our national transport emissions.

Senator Hon Tim Ayres,

 Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing

Ms Jacqui Walters, the National Rail Manufacturing Advocate and Rail Industry Innovation Council Chair, underscored the crucial role of research and innovation in establishing a sustainable, advanced manufacturing base in Australia. She emphasised the potential for building efficient, modern, low-emission rolling stock that aligns with global decarbonisation efforts.

The AusRRIN initiative is seen as pivotal in strengthening the country's research and innovation capabilities, supporting the evolution of Australia's railways to meet future demands and contribute to achieving a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. Advanced technologies are expected to play a critical role in enhancing efficiencies, safety, resilience, and sustainability while integrating multi-modal transport networks.