On-Line Event: From big data to building the first autonomous train
2023-05-18 17:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Western Australia
Overview
Rio Tinto’s autonomous train is 2.4km long, consists of three locomotives and carries around 28,000 tonnes of iron ore, it travels over 280km. It’s the world’s first fully autonomous, long distance, heavy-haul rail network. The trains are giant autonomous robots because once they are set on their course, they make all the decisions.
The AutoHaul™ team monitor the trains remotely from the Operations Centre in Perth (over 1,500km away), they set the route and once the train is running the on-board computers and the computers in the Operations Centre take over and control the train. From setting the speed, to avoiding collisions, checking for obstructions at crossings and verifying there are no faults, damage or broken couplings.
Learn more about the innovation behind this world-first technology.

About the speaker
Lido Costa, MIEAust CPEng NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus), Lead Technical Engineer, Rio Tinto
Lido was the Lead Technical Engineer on the AutoHaul® Driverless Trains system. Lido was part of the project delivery leadership team responsible for all technical aspects of the system. As Technical Authority, Lido was accountable for approving technical changes to the AutoHaul® system. This role represented the most senior level of engineering oversight for the AutoHaul® system, on behalf of RTIO, including approving of System Hardware and Software Architecture and Safety Assurance strategy. Lido has over 35 years’ experience in Railway Signalling, Communications and Control Systems with leading roles in projects in Europe (such as the Madrid – Seville High Speed Line), Asia, Africa and Australia. Lido is a Chartered Professional Engineer (Aus) and a Fellow of the Institute for Railway Signalling Engineers (FIRSE) UK.

To register, click on the link below.

Webinar: Overview of Acoustic Engineering in Rail
2023-06-08 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Western Australia
Overview
In this presentation, you will learn about the general aspects of acoustic engineering in practice, environmental noise emissions, station PA acoustics, railcar internal noise levels, and more.
Learning outcomes

Acoustic engineering and it’s application in tunnel engineering.
Understanding acoustic engineering.
Noise modelling and noise mitigation.

About the presenter
Tim Ryan, Victorian Acoustics Manager, WSP
Tim is the Victorian Acoustics Manager at WSP. He has over a decade of experience working as a professional and acoustic consultant in Melbourne with internationally recognised noise and vibration consultancies.
Tim’s experience in policy interpretation, acoustic design and project delivery spans across the fields of property and buildings, major transport, energy and defence. Tim has been responsible for leading and managing acoustics projects around Australia and internationally, particularly multi-disciplinary efforts with specialists from both the property and environment sectors. He has significant experience in stakeholder and community consultation in a variety of projects, giving Tim the empathy and capability to deliver excellent results to his clients.

To register, click on the link below.

RTSA Conference on Railway Excellence (CORE) 2023
2023-06-19 - 2023-06-21 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Qld EA Event: Gold Coast light and heavy rail update
2023-07-19 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Building G39_1.17; Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland, 4222, Australia
Overview
This presentation will provide high level overview of the current heavy and light rail projects underway on the Gold Coast, including the next stages of the Gold Coast Light Rail, the three new heavy rail stations located on the Gold Coast, the Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail. The update will also include the planning of the Varsity to Tugun section of Heavy Rail and Park ‘n’ ride expansions being undertaken.

Event program
6:00pm: Arrival, networking and refreshments
6:45pm: Presentation commences
8:00pm: Event concludes
About the speaker
Gavin Massingham, Program Director (Gold Coast Light Rail) at Department of Transport and Main Roads

Gavin’s recent experience has been in Program Leadership of the Gold Coast Light Rail infrastructure program and Project Leadership for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3. Prior to this it was providing Program Management of state-wide infrastructure programs. He has a passion for developing teams and strives to provide vision and guidance for them to achieve their personal goals while meeting the department’s needs and expectations. He is a professional civil engineer and Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ), and has extensive experience in project management, road safety, traffic and transport engineering, and asset management. His project experience includes major highways design and construction, regional transportation studies, aviation infrastructure, Intelligent Transport Systems, and general civil engineering with strong skills in public liaison and stakeholder and relationship management.
To register, click on the link below.

Qld Chapter Event: Using supercomputing to assess the influence of wheel diameter differences on rail damage
2023-07-20 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Engineers Australia Queensland Level 9, 340 Adelaide Street Brisbane , Queensland , 4000, Engineers Australia Queensland Level 9, 340 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
Overview
Wheel diameter differences (WDD) on railway vehicles impact the dynamic behaviour, the traction system performance and rail damage. It is well known that the various types of algorithms that govern locomotive adhesion control systems may compensate for the presence of WDD. However, detailed studies on the influence of adhesion control algorithms on rail wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF), under the presence of WDD, have not been published.
Furthermore, several standards establish WDD limits for wheelsets, bogies and vehicles which, in turn, determine the planning of wheelset maintenance activities. There is no information in the public domain on how such limits were set and their impact on the dynamic processes at the wheel-rail interface. Thus, a numerical program comprising thousands of multibody dynamics simulations should be conducted to study the influence of WDD on vehicle performance, considering several combinations of operational parameters, in-train forces and the responses of a locomotive traction mechatronics system. The practical methodology including the example of results from such a numerical program and the analysis of the impact of WDD on rail damage and vehicle performance will be presented. The pathway for the development of digital twins for such tasks will be also presented and discussed.
Learning outcomes

Development and use of digital twins for railway applications.
Wheel diameter difference standards and its influence on rail wear and rolling contact fatigue.
Modern techniques for using physics-based digital twins and supercomputers for railway applications.

Event program
Online:

12.00pm: Webinar commences
12.55pm: Webinar concludes

In-person:

11.45am: Registration and light refreshments
12.00pm: Welcome
12.05pm: Speaker presentation
12.45pm: Q&A
1.00pm: Networking
1.30pm: Event concludes
Ticket inclusions: Light refreshments, soft drinks

About the speaker
Esteban Bernal, Senior Research Officer, Centre for Railway Engineering, CQUniversity
Esteban Bernal is a Senior Research Officer at the Centre for railway Engineering, Central Queensland University, Australia. During his doctoral dissertation he studied innovative on‐board condition monitoring technologies for railway vehicles. Additionally, he has participated in research and consultancy projects involving vehicle dynamics simulations, traction and wheel–rail wear and damage studies.

To register, click on the link below.

QLD Chapter Event: Annual meeting and trivia extravaganza
2023-08-30 17:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Cloudland – Rose Room, 641 Ann Street, Rose Room, 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, 4006, Australia
Overview
This event is one of the premier occasions on the Queensland Rail Industry’s calendar and provides an excellent opportunity for networking across all sectors and disciplines. After record attendance in 2022, where there was a delightfully varied mix of young and seasoned professionals, we’re expecting interest this year to be strong. Guests will be treated to a keynote speech, followed by the fixture that is the trivia extravaganza.
Event program
5:30pm: Registration and networking
6:30pm: Welcome address
7:00pm: Entrées served
7:15pm: Keynote speaker
7:55pm: Awards
8:00pm: Mains meals served
8:15pm: Trivia
8:45pm: Desserts served
9:00pm: Event concludes

Register via the link below

Australasian Rail Industry Awards 2023
2023-09-13 18:30 - 23:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Palladium Room, Crown Towers Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3006, Australia
The 2023 Australasian Rail Industry Awards will be held on Wednesday 13 September at the Crown Towers, Melbourne. The Australasian Rail Industry Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements, innovation, and successes of those working in the rail industry.
The Infrastructure Project Excellence Award and Young Rail Professional Award, both sponsored by RTSA, are presented at this event.

Click on the link below to purchase tickets

International Workshop on Railway Brake Research (On-line)
2023-09-19 - 2023-09-20 | Virtual / On-line
Brakes are indispensable and safety-critical systems for all types of railway trains including passenger (high-speed, metro, tram, etc.) and freight trains (heavy-haul, intermodal, etc.). Safe and efficient railway operations require a good understanding of brakes from various parties including drivers, maintenance crews, manufacturers, and design engineers. Brake research helps to expand and deepen the knowledge about railway train brakes.
Driven by the rapid development of Intelligent Transport Systems and the ever-increasing demands for faster and heavier trains, as well as energy savings and sustainability, railway brake research has seen a new wave of interests from the industry and academia. Under these situations, we propose an International Workshop on Railway Brake Research to boost brake research. The International Workshop on Railway Brake Research will be virtually hosted by CRE of Central Queensland University (Australia) and DIEF of University of Florence (Italy) from 19-20 September 2023. This virtual conference will bring together the latest research to achieve a better understanding of the behaviour and mechanisms of railway brake systems and associated phenomena.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Passenger and freight train brake systems Innovative brake system designs
Experimental study and field testing of train brake systems Fluid dynamics in brake systems
Real-time brake models including empirical models
Numerical methods for brake modelling
Parameterisation of brake systems
Friction and adhesion in brake systems
Condition monitoring for brake systems
Stochastic features in brake systems
Adaptive brake modelling for automated train driving

Register via the link below

AREMA 2023 Annual Conference with Railway Interchange
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-04 | Western Australia
AREMA 2023 Annual Conference with Railway Interchange
When: 01/10/2023 – 04/10/2023
Where: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

AusRAIL PLUS 2023
2023-11-13 - 2023-11-16 | Western Australia

IRSE ASPECT 2023
2023-11-21 - 2023-11-24 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
ASPECT is the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) international technical conference, held every two years at locations around the world.
ASPECT 2023 Programme
The conference will run over three days, delivering fifty one technical papers from global industry experts on the theme of Global Integration and will also feature several related workshop sessions.
ASPECT provides an unrivalled opportunity for learning and the exchange of knowledge in the fields of train control, railway communications, and related disciplines. The fourth day of the conference will provide a range of technical visits to complement the three technical days.
Thanks to ASPECT 2023 being held in one of the most liveable cities in the world, we have secured the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to host the three days of technical sessions. This world-class facility is in the heart of the Melbourne CBD and close to transport, hotels, and restaurants. It will take place from 08:30 Tuesday 21 to 17:00 Friday 24 November 2023 (local times).
One of the highlights of the week is the conference dinner which will be held at one of Melbourne’s iconic venues. Finally, as it is a rail conference, we have arranged a chartered steam train ride on the Puffing Billy Railway, including site visits and evening dinner to top it off with.
The event has consistently attracted a wide of range of people in the industry with over 250 delegates from across the globe attending the last ASPECT conference.

QLD Chapter Event: QLD Rail Industry 2023 Christmas Conversation
2023-12-06 17:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Mott MacDonald 175 Eagle Street #l14 Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Mott MacDonald 175 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
Join the RTSA Queensland Chapter along with the RTAA, IRSE and PWI for the Queensland rail industry Christmas conversation, a gathering of the Learned Societies of Queensland on the evening of Wednesday 6th December in Brisbane.
Event Details
5:00 – 9:00pm
Wednesday 6th December
Mott MacDonald Office, Level 14, 17 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
About the Speaker
The evening will feature keynote speaker Warren McReight (Queensland Rail’s Cross River Rail Program Director). He will provide 2023 reflections on the CRR program as well as provide some personal insights into 2024 and onwards.
Canapes and refreshments will be provided.
Registration Information
Click here to register on the event portal.
QLD Rail Industry Christmas 2023 event flyer
Member: $0
Non-members: $0
Please note, this event will be complimentary for RTSA, IRSE, RTAA and PWI members, as well as any non-members. Tickets are limited to 80 attendees, and priority will be given to those that are part of the societies.

Leveraging electro-pneumatic turnouts on a brownfield rail corridor at a large scale
2024-04-17 17:30 - 19:15 (Australia/Brisbane) | AECOM Brisbane – Level 8: 540 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006, Level 8, 540 Wickham Street , Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia
Overview

In recent years, Queensland Rail (QR) has upgraded parts of its Inner-City network to allow for electro-pneumatic turnout operation. The largest concentration of existing electro-pneumatic operated points is located in the Roma Street area. As a variation to the Cross River Rail (CRR) UNITY Rail Infrastructure Systems (RIS) Alliance scope, a design package was developed to implement electro-pneumatically operated turnouts from Roma Street Station through to Mayne Yard Stabling Yard via the Exhibition Station for the Northern Inner-City network. The scope of works aimed to complete the loop between the compressor houses from the Southern (Roma Street) to the Northern (Mayne Yard). As part of the CRR project, the existing compressed air system was extended to allow for 82 new turnouts.

Learning outcomes

The team effectively collaborated to implement the strategy, requiring input from various disciplines to ensure full integration of the system into the operational network. This included:
Hydraulic modelling of the air pressure within the system. This required understanding several turnouts in a sequence that could be operating simultaneously.
Civil and track layout for space-proofing the trackside equipment to ensure it was located outside the danger zone where possible and was accessible. The rail alignment was key for determining turnout positions. Please treat information as confidential
Structural consideration for fixing pipework and anchoring the system.
Signalling coordination to inform the hydraulic design and commission the system.
Combined Service Route design to allow for the pneumatic pipework, understanding the separation requirements, and construction staged installation of CSR.

Event program

5.30pm AEST: Arrival
6:15pm AEST: Presentation commences
6:45pm AEST: Q&A
7:15pm AEST: Event concludes

Speakers

Roberto Incampo, Associate Mechanical Engineer
Haider Rizvi, Team Leader Track and Mechanical Design, Queensland Rail
Sophie McLaughlin, AECOM, Senior Civil Engineer
David Steffens, AECOM, Technical Director

Digital automation - signal sighting
2024-05-15 18:00 - 19:15 (Australia/Brisbane) | AECOM Brisbane – Level 8: 540 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006, Level 8, 540 Wickham Street , Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006, Australia
Overview

This presentation examines the evolution of rail signal sighting, a process that has traditionally been fraught with challenges, through the lens of digital technology. We explore how digital tools have not only improved the accuracy of signal sighting but also made the process more accessible to a wider range of stakeholders. Rail signal sighting was once limited to 2D schematic drawings and physical site-based activities, which presented a number of constraints. These constraints, often caused by trackside equipment and underground services, were not apparent in 2D documentation, resulting in a delay in feedback between design and rail signal sighting committees. This disconnect often led to human error, causing construction delays and requiring site rectification works. However, UNITY Alliance has harnessed the power of structured data and automation to revolutionize this process. By deriving 3D model elements from 2D schematic drawings, UNITY Alliance has enabled virtual signal sighting and clash detection with in-ground services and rolling stock dynamic kinematic envelopes in the project’s cloud-based coordination platform.
Learning outcomes

Positive outcomes of implementing this new workflow process include:
Real-time engineering coordination prior to construction with all stakeholders.
Clash analysis of physical assets and rollingstock envelopes during design and before construction – refer attached presentation for example.
Improvement of accuracy and reliability of spatial 2D and 3D signalling information, informed from a controlled data (using a master signalling equipment register spreadsheet).
Safer approach for assessing signal sighting earlier by minimising the need of on track sighting inspections during design and construction.

Event program

5:30 pm AEST: Welcome and Networking
6:00 pm AEST: Presentation starts
6:45 pm AEST: Q&A
7:15 pm AEST: Close

Speaker

Matt Quigley, Principal Technical Officer, AECOM

Cost

$0 (members) $15 (non-members)

Registration

Follow the link to the EA portal and click on Register >

RTSA: The Future of Digital Railways - Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS)
2024-05-16 18:30 - 20:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Level 10, Allendale Square 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth Western Australia, 6000, Level 10, Allendale Square 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000, Australia
The RTSA and EA are delighted to host a one-of-kind sneak peek into the future of communications in the railways. This hybrid event (in-person and online) will be presented by Mr Rory R. McDonnell from Nokia, who will discuss the technical systems underpinning automated train operation, smart rail maintenance, and 5G Rail.

The event will be free for EA and Technical Society members attending online. There is a small cost for those attending in person, with light refreshments provided, and the opportunity to network with the speaker and other guests following the presentation.

Please visit the link below for more information, or to register and secure your place.
Event details
Date: Thursday, 16 May 2024
Time: 5.30 pm AWST – 6.30pm / 7.30pm – 8.30 pm AEST
Registration: EA:The Future of Digital Railways – Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS)
Cost:
Online
EA and Technical Society members, Student members: Free
Non-members: $30.00

In-person
EA and Technical Society members, Student members: $10.00
Non-members: $40.00

Event Program
Webinar
5.30pm AWST/ 7:30pm AEST – Webinar starts
6.30pm AWST/ 8:30pm AEST – Webinar concludes

In-person
5:00pm AWST – Registrations open
5:30pm AWST – Event starts
6:05pm AWST – Q&A, followed by networking and light refreshments
6:45pm AWST – Event closes

RTSA QLD Chapter Event: How can Virtual Coupling Change the Future of Railways
2024-07-25 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Western Australia
Join the RTSA QLD Chapter with Dr. Egidio Quaglietta for a webinar on his frontier insights on the topic “How can Virtual Coupling Change the Future of Railways.”
🔗 Click here to register now!
Event Program
🗓 Date: 25 July 2024
🕕 Time: 6.00 pm — 7.00 pm AEST
📍 Venue: Online Webinar
Event Overview
Recent developments in rail signalling technology have led to the advanced concept of Virtual Coupling.
Trains are envisaged to exchange real-time information with each other via a Vehicle-to-Vehicle radio communication layer to allow a much shorter separation and the formation of radio-linked train platoons.
Such a concept would unleash the full capacity potential of existing rail networks and meet the ever-growing need of a customer-oriented rail service potentially leading the railways to a tremendous boost in both service efficiency and market competitiveness.
Many are however the safety, technical and technological challenges which need to be addressed before Virtual Coupling could actually come to life.
How can those challenges be tackled? And how could Virtual Coupling change the future of railways in terms of market potentials and service performances?
Looking forward to meeting you at the seminar so that you can know more about the current progress in Europe of this cutting-edge and yet challenging innovation in the railway field.
Learning Outcomes

Operational principles to enable Virtual Coupling train operations.
Simulation-based evaluations comparing capacity benefits of Virtual Coupling to conventional systems.
Market analysis and impact assessment from the European Shift2Rail project MOVINGRAIL.

Learning outcomes

Operational principles defined to enable Virtual Coupling train operations.
A simulation-based evaluation of capacity benefits that Virtual Coupling could lead to versus conventional and moving block signalling systems.
A detailed market analysis and multi-criteria impact assessment carried out in the frame of the European Shift2Rail project MOVINGRAIL.

About the Speaker

Egidio Quaglietta
Assistant Professor, Delft University of Technology

🔗 Click here to register now!

How can virtual coupling change the future of railways
2024-07-25 18:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Western Australia
Overview

Recent developments in rail signalling technology have led to the advanced concept of Virtual Coupling.
Trains are envisaged to exchange real-time information with each other via a Vehicle-to-Vehicle radio communication layer to allow a much shorter separation and the formation of radio-linked train platoons.
Such a concept would unleash the full capacity potential of existing rail networks and meet the ever-growing need of a customer-oriented rail service potentially leading the railways to a tremendous boost in both service efficiency and market competitiveness.
Many are however the safety, technical and technological challenges which need to be addressed before Virtual Coupling could actually come to life.
How can those challenges be tackled? And how could Virtual Coupling change the future of railways in terms of market potentials and service performances?
Looking forward to meeting you at the seminar so that you can know more about the current progress in Europe of this cutting-edge and yet challenging innovation in the railway field.
Learning outcomes

Operational principles defined to enable Virtual Coupling train operations.
A simulation-based evaluation of capacity benefits that Virtual Coupling could lead to versus conventional and moving block signalling systems.
A detailed market analysis and multi-criteria impact assessment carried out in the frame of the European Shift2Rail project MOVINGRAIL.

About the speaker

Egidio Quaglietta

Egidio Quaglietta is a tenured assistant professor in Railway Traffic Management at TU Delft and co-director of the Digital Rail Traffic Lab. He has been leading research on digital rail innovations including Moving Block, Virtual Coupling signaling and self-organsing rail traffic for several European projects such as MOVINGRAIL, PERFORMINGRAIL and SORTEDMOBILITY. His experience in the field of railway signaling started in 2008, obtaining a PhD degree on simulation-based signaling optimization. Later on Egidio worked as R&D engineer for several prominent railway companies such as the Italian railway system supplier Ansaldo STS (now Hitachi STS) and the British railway infrastructure manager “Network Rail”. Among his industrial experiences, he has led a workstream of the R&I program “Digital Railway” as well as the sub-project on “Operations for Enhanced Capacity” for the EC FP7 project Capacity for Rail (C4R). He has developed the simulation tool EGTRAIN and his main interests are in the areas of railway traffic and infrastructure optimization, innovative signaling technology and automated railway operations. He is a member of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE).

RTSA Queensland Chapter Annual Dinner and Trivia Extravaganza 2024
2024-08-28 17:00 - 21:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Cloudland – Rose Room, 641 Ann Street, Rose Room, 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, 4006, Australia
Overview

This event is one of the premier occasions on the Queensland Rail Industry’s calendar and provides an excellent opportunity for networking across all sectors and disciplines. After record attendance in 2023, where there was a delightfully varied mix of young and seasoned professionals, we’re expecting interest this year to be strong. Guests will be treated to a keynote speech from Warren McReight, Queensland Rail’s Group Executive Major Projects as part of the night’s proceedings, followed by the fixture that is the Trivia Extravaganza.

Pricing

Member: $125.00
Technical Society Member: $125.00
Student Member: $80.00
Non-Member: $155.00
Guest Member: $125.00
Guest Non Member: $155.00

About the speaker

Warren graduated from University a long time ago and started his career with the Department of Main Roads in Cloncurry. He has worked both in government and private sector roles and joined Queensland Rail in early December 2018.
His current role is the Program Director for the Major Projects Engineering and Rail Safety Group and he has accountability for the Cross River Rail Program, Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail Program, Beerburrum to Nambour Project and the three new Gold Coast Stations.
In his spare time (not a lot), he plays golf badly, relaxes at his Sunshine Coast property or takes out his frustrations playing drums. Warren has been happily married for over 35 years and has three adult children.

National Event: Learning and development is the mission webinar
2025-03-26 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Western Australia
Overview
Join the RTSA ACT/NSW Chapter online for an insightful lecture with the UK Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Rail Division Chair on the critical role of Learning and Development, with a particular focus on empowering young professionals in the Rail industry. This event highlights the importance of nurturing the next generation of engineers, allowing them to shine and contribute their unique perspectives. The session will emphasise the value of Diversity of Thought and how supporting younger members fosters innovation and growth in the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with key ideas that shape the future of Learning and Development in Rail. 🌏 Online ⏰ 7:00-8:00pm AEDT 📅 Wednesday 26th March 2025 📢 If you are a young professional in rail and want to participate in Iain’s challenge in the lead up to the event – please contact us at: RTSA@engineersaustralia.org.au 🎫 Register for the event on the Engineers Australia website: Learning and development is the mission | Engineers Australia 💰 This event is free for RTSA and Engineers Australia members, and $30AUD for non-members.
Learning outcomes
In this presentation, you will learn:

understand the significance of Learning and Development in fostering professional growth within the Rail industry
explore the value of Diversity of Thought brought by young professionals and how it impacts innovation
learn strategies for encouraging and supporting the development of young members in the engineering community
gain insights into the role of young professionals in driving progress and shaping the future of the Rail industry.

About the speaker

Iain Rae
Strategy & Sustainability Director, Brodie Engineering

Women in engineering and technical colleges: connecting for success
2025-04-10 17:30 - 19:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Emerald Peacock, 233 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
Overview
This event will provide attendees with an informal networking opportunity. It is an avenue to create a community for Women in Engineering and Advocates across EA Technical Colleges, including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Risk Engineering, Systems Engineering, Water Engineering, Railway Engineering, and Asset Management.
Learning outcomes
In this event, you will be able to:

network in a casual/informal environment,
create a community of Women in Engineering and advocates for Women in Engineering,
provide better industrial insights for early women professionals.

Introduction to European Train Control System L2 rollout on the Queensland Rail Network
2025-06-18 17:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Engineers Australia Queensland Level 9, 340 Adelaide Street Brisbane , Queensland , 4000, Engineers Australia Queensland Level 9, 340 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
Overview
The European Train Control System (ETCS) is a digital signalling system that relays continuous information between trains and the central Rail Management Centre via a radio system, trackside technology and onboard equipment being delivered by the Sequence Signalling & Systems Alliance. Already operating in cities around the world, the new digital signalling system, ETCS will help increase capacity, efficiency and reliability while ensuring the highest level of safety on our rail network. ETCS L2 is currently being installed on the Shorncliffe line in Brisbane’s North and will support the safe operation of trains in the Cross River Rail tunnels and the area south to Moorooka. It is being progressively rolled out on the Queensland rail network over the next decade. The next phase of this roll out is on the Gold Coast line between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes. Sequence is an alliance between Hitachi Rail, Queensland Rail and the State of Queensland, working in partnership with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. This collaboration unites Queensland Rail’s 150+ years of local experience and operational excellence with Hitachi Rail’s global expertise in rail and digital signalling solutions.
Program timeline
In person
4.30pm – Guest arrival and networking | Catering provided
5.00pm – Presentation commences
6.00pm – Presentation concludes
Online
5.00pm – Presentation commences
6.00pm – Presentation concludes
Learning outcomes
In this presentation, you will:
Understand how ETCS L2 will be rolled out on the Queensland rail network
Learn about the ETCS L2 and its different systems and sub systems.
Speaker
Anthony MacDonald combines deep expertise in computer software engineering with a ‘real world’ lens and straightforward communications approach that ensures results. His track record of delivering successful projects across the globe is backed by PhD qualifications and university-level research and teaching positions.
Over 20-plus years, Anthony has built a reputation for developing and implementing integrated software systems that change the face of the rail industry and train control operations. In particular, he led a team responsible for the pioneering systems behind the world’s first fully automated, heavy haul rail network, AutoHaul® – as well as rail, signalling and automation innovations everywhere from India and the US to Queensland.

Conference on Railway Excellence (CORE) 2025
2025-08-12 - 2025-08-14 | Western Australia
Kia Ora!
We warmly invite you to join us in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand), for the Conference on Railway Excellence 2025 (CORE 2025), themed Kaitiaki – Guarding the Future, from 12-14 August at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland. CORE is Australasia’s premier railway engineering and technology conference, featuring over 80 peer-reviewed papers and international keynote speakers addressing critical issues in railway policy, operations, and engineering. Expect insightful presentations, dynamic discussions, networking opportunities, technical tours—and, of course, a bit of socialising. CORE 2025 will deliver the high standard of content you’ve come to expect, with a distinct New Zealand touch. Our theme, Kaitiaki, embodies the concept of guardianship over the sky, sea, and land—just as we, as railway professionals, are the guardians of rail’s role in sustainable freight and passenger transport. We’re also introducing a new option for presentations: a pathway for those unable to submit a full paper but still keen to share valuable insights. These extended abstracts, typically 2-4 pages, will be peer-reviewed to maintain the high standard of CORE while offering more flexibility. Auckland, known as the “City of Sails,” is at the heart of New Zealand’s rail investment, including the City Rail Loop, which will be nearing completion during the conference. This project will be a highlight of our technical tours. With convenient flight options from major Australian cities and the added opportunity to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty, CORE 2025 offers a perfect blend of professional development and adventure. For those concerned about overseas travel, keep in mind that the flight time is shorter than an east coast-to-Perth trip, we speak the same language, and we’re still part of the family—well, almost! The RTSA New Zealand Chapter, the CORE 2025 organising committee, and the New Zealand rail industry look forward to welcoming you to Auckland for another exceptional CORE.
John Gardiner Chair, CORE 2025

RTSA QLD annual dinner and trivia extravaganza
2025-08-28 17:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Cloudland – Rose Room, 641 Ann Street, Rose Room, 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, 4006, Australia
Overview
Join rail industry personalities for another exciting instalment of the Yearly Meeting Dinner and Trivia Extravaganza. This event is one of the premier occasions on the Queensland Rail Industry’s calendar and provides an excellent opportunity for networking across all sectors and disciplines. Guests will be treated to a keynote speech as part of the night’s proceedings, followed by the fixture that is the Trivia Extravaganza. This event includes a two-course dinner and beverages.
Event Timeline
5.30pm – Registration & Networking
6.30pm – Welcome address
7.00pm – Entree served
7.15pm – Keynote speaker
7.55pm – Awards presentations
8.00pm – Mains served
8.15pm – Trivia
9.00pm – Trivia concludes
9.30pm – Event concludes
Table bookings
For table bookings (up to 8 guests) and supporter packages, please contact eaqevents@engineersaustralia.org.au
Pricing
Member: $110.00
Technical Society Member: $110.00
Student Member: $80.00
Non-Member: $150.00
Guest Member: $110.00
Guest Non Member: $150.00
Keynote Speaker
Paul Hoffman
Acting Deputy Director-General (Rail), Department of Transport and Main Roads

Paul was appointed Acting Deputy Director-General, Rail in March 2025. In this role, he leads a pipeline of strategic initiatives that shape the strategy, development, and delivery of rail infrastructure, signalling, and Rollingstock projects. He is responsible for the commercial management of the Queensland Rail Transport Services Contract and the New Generation Rollingstock Public Private Partnership.

Paul plays a key role in strategic cross-agency initiatives that foster collaboration on shared outcomes. He is the primary source of rail advice to the Director-General for the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, the Minister for Manufacturing, and the Minister for Regional Development.
Paul has had a senior career spanning 40 years, marked by deep technical knowledge in infrastructure asset expansion and advanced project programs across industries such as rail, mining, energy, and major engineering construction. He has led teams and delivered successful outcomes on complex projects from concept design to execution.
His previous roles include senior positions at Aurizon, specifically in Aurizon’s successful freight rail business, and other leadership roles with BHP Metropolitan Coal and the West Pilbara Infrastructure Project. In addition, Paul has held various consulting roles globally and has traveled to over 40 countries, highlighting his global perspective and subject matter expertise.

Freight Train Aerodynamics
2025-10-22 17:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Virtual / On-line
Overview
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is conducting extensive research into the aerodynamics of freight trains, aiming to improve operational efficiency and safety. Findings from large European Union research projects—including Shift2Rail FR8RAIL IV and Europe’s Rail FP5 TRANS4M-R—along with specific industrial investigations, will be presented. Insights are drawn from on-rail experiments using the DLR FR8-LAB (a sensor-equipped swap-body container), advanced wind-tunnel experiments, and novel moving-model tests that realistically simulate vehicle-infrastructure interactions. The presentation will cover:

Effects of container loading on efficiency, slipstream, and tunnel pressure
Aerodynamic optimization of wagon geometries
Crosswind stability challenges
Future perspectives from an aerodynamic standpoint

This presentation is brought to you by the RTSA Queensland Chapter.
Learning Outcomes

Understand the current aerodynamic limitations of freight trains and opportunities for improvement.
Recognise how real-world operating conditions impact aerodynamic performance.
Learn how novel laboratory and simulation methods can inform practical efficiency and safety improvements.

Speaker

Dr James R. Bell is a ground-vehicle aerodynamicist from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Göttingen, Germany at the Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology. He achieved his doctorate on the topic of the slipstream and unsteady wake structure of high-speed trains at Monash University, Australia in 2016.
His area of expertise is experimental aerodynamics, particularly wind-tunnel, moving-model and full-scale experimental campaigns, investigating high-speed and freight trains, heavy-vehicle and automotive aerodynamic problems, with the motivation of improving operational efficiency and safety.
Price
Member: Free
Technical Society Member: Free
Student Member: Free
Non-Member: $30.00

Design of dual gauge tangential turnouts with asymmetric switches
2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Engineers Australia Queensland Level 9, 340 Adelaide Street Brisbane , Queensland , 4000, Engineers Australia Queensland Level 9, 340 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
Join the RTSA Queensland Chapter in person in Brisbane and online for a presentation on Design of dual gauge tangential turnouts with asymmetric switches at 7:00-8:00pm AEST on Wednesday 11th February 2026.
Overview
Discover the real-world engineering behind dual gauge tangential turnouts with fixed heel asymmetric switches. This session dives into the design challenges and innovations in both track and mechanical components, from inspections to commissioning. Learn how tangential geometry and standard components can offer benefits (and complications), and explore the unique constraints of dual gauge mechanical design in narrow-standard gauge environments.
Program timeline
Online
7.00 pm AEDT – Webinar commences
8.00 pm AEDT – Webinar concludes
If you are joining from Queensland, please join at 6:00 PM AEST
In-Person
5.30 pm AEST – Registration and networking
6.00 pm AEST – Presentation commences
7.00 pm AEST – Presentation concludes, networking
7.30 pm AEST – Event concludes
Learning outcomes
In this presentation attendees will learn about:

Challenges of railway mechanical design for dual gauge
Project design insights for Cross River Rail trackwork
Inspections and commissioning process of customised railway components.

About the speakers

Allyson Stanmore
Senior Trackwork Designer, Queensland Rail

Haider Rizvi
Team Leader Track and Mechanical Design, Queensland Rail

EMC Management: How to Achieve Electromagnetic Compliance
2026-04-09 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | BG&E, Level 5, 180 Ann St. Brisbane QLD 4000:, 180 Ann St, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
Overview
Electrification of railways brings its own unique problems due to the high amount of energy required to operate a modern electric train. When Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) unintentionally affects signalling systems and trackside equipment there can be detrimental consequences. The management of electrical energy is a strict requirement for safety in the rail corridor, and the ARISO Standard Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) Management (AS 7722) provides the framework to maintain electrical safety in this highly charged electrical environment.
This presentation will go through the impact that electrical systems can have on each other, and how to achieve electromagnetic compliance in the rail corridor through the various stages of the project. A brief overview of the relevant standards and how they apply within the rail corridor will provide a basis for ensuring safety is achieved when all the processes, procurement and construction activities have been performed with EMC taken into consideration.
This event will be delivered as a hybrid event. For those not available to join face to face, please see below the teams link.
Teams link
Please note, for those planning to attend face to face, an RSVP is essential for catering and room capacity purposes
Learning Outcomes
By attending this presentation, participants will:

Understand how electromagnetic energy can impact electrical systems to cause equipment to malfunction
Understand the basic minimum requirements that a rail project must adhere to meet EMC Compliance Standards
Understand the project stages where EMC compliance is fundamental to success

Biography
Bradley Smith was born in Brisbane although lived in rural Queensland for ten years through his high school days. His engineering career began in Optus as a graduate engineer on the mobile phone 2G network and over a period of 20 years his final role in the company was as technical project manager introducing the new Nokia and Huawei features across 2G, 3G and 4G across the Optus network. From 2020 to 2024 he joined UGL and was the Principal Telecommunications Engineer for the Cross River Rail Tunnel and Stations Development. It was on Cross River Rail project that he developed an interest in EMC, as an extension of his radiofrequency knowledge and experience, and how it applies to the rail industry. Bradley has recently been involved in the review of Standards for RISSB / ARISO to provide feedback for the rail industry topics such as Communications in the Rail Corridor and EMC Management, amongst others. He is currently working on the digitalisation of trains with ETCS in Sydney and Brisbane. Bradley Smith is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia.

ETCS and Digital Radio System Deployment
2026-05-19 17:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Mott MacDonald 175 Eagle Street #l14 Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Mott MacDonald 175 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
Join the RTSA for 2 technical presentations on recent deployment of railway technology systems on international projects:
ETCS Rollout on East Coast Mainline
Mike Odling is major projects delivery director for Mott MacDonald in Australia. Mike was the Delivery Director leading the integrated delivery partner for the uniquely collaborative ETCS programme on ECML. Mike has wide range of rail experience including leading the design JV as Programme Director on HS2. The rollout of ETCS on the East Coast Main Line will be the UK’s first intercity mainline to be upgraded to digital signalling in the UK and will lay the foundation for further improvements across the network. The programme included preparing all businesses for ETCS Level 2 operation.
ETCS Rollout in Belgian Railways
Thomas Laguérie is an ETCS Engineer with Mott MacDonald specialising in railway signalling systems and integrated systems design. Thomas has developed expertise in ERTMS deployment, system architecture, and functional specification analysis, contributing to major European rail projects for Infrabel and was part of the ERTMS Users Group based in Brussels. Belgium’s RIM, Infrabel, has recently completed the nationwide rollout of ETCS. This presentation highlights key milestones from the origins to its rapid acceleration in recent years, the benefits now realized, and a glimpse into Infrabel’s Vision 2040 for a smarter, more connected railway.
Timeline
5:00pm Registration & catering
5:30pm Presentation start
6:30pm Networking refreshments
7:00pm Event close
Please note, the event is fully catered. Please do not RSVP if you are only attending online. Teams link is hyperlinked.

Fire safety in transition from diesel to battery locomotives
2026-05-27 17:30 - 18:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | 9/340 Adelaide Street , Brisbane, Queensland 4000, 9/340 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
Overview
Fire risks in rail operations—whether in tunnels, on bridges, or within dense urban environments—vary significantly across diesel, battery-electric, and electric locomotives. These differences are shaped by fuel sources, fire dynamics, and the availability of early warning and control systems. From a driver’s perspective, the critical operational question is not only if a fire will occur, but where to stop the train to minimise harm, especially when access and egress are constrained. Reprising his paper from 2026 Heavy Haul Rail Conference, Roger draws on lessons from diesel fire responses and electric vehicle (EV) incidents, to propose infrastructure solutions that significantly moderate safety outcomes following unplanned fire events. The proposed seven-point framework, demonstrates how battery-electric systems, supported by thoughtful infrastructure and operational planning, offer a safer pathway for zero-emissions rail in complex environments.
Program timeline
Online
5.30pm – Presentation commences
6.30pm – Presentation concludes
In-Person
5.00pm – Registration & catering
5.30pm – Presentation commences
6.30pm – Presentation concludes, post-event networking
7.00pm – Event concludes
Learning outcomes
In this presentation you will learn:

Fire risks in rail operations.
Hear a proposal to improve infrastructure and operational planning, to offer, in turn, a safer pathway for zero-emissions rail in complex environments.

Pricing
Online
Member: Free
Technical Society Member: Free
Student Member: Free
Non-Member: $30.00
In-person
Non Member: $30.00
Member: Free
Student Member: Free
Technical Society Member: Free
About the speaker

Roger Buckley is an accomplished engineer with over 35 years’ experience in design, integration, and project delivery across Defence, Toll Systems, and Rail. After 9 years as ChiefEngineer, and 4 years leading Aurizon’s Fleet Decarbonisation Programme, advancing zero-emission technologies and practical emission-reduction initiatives it was time for a change. Roger established Taglio, partnering with Harding Innovation Consulting and Rail Confidence to deliver strategic advisory services in decarbonisation, safety, and operational efficiency. A Fellow of Engineers Australia and the IMechE, he continues to champion professional growth and innovation within the engineering community.
