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 | 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.
