Join rail industry experts as they discuss the joint Engineers Australia and the Transport Australia Society’s paper ‘Future of Rail Transport’ published in March 2022.

An efficient land transport system that supports Australia’s passenger and freight tasks is integral to our economic success and quality of life.

Rail is a key contributor, but for many decades rail has become a secondary mode for most tasks, as roads received greater emphasis from governments in land transport planning, policy and funding.

This paper presents an opportunity to review the current situation of Australia’s rail system and consider its capabilities to provide more effective mobility and thus make a greater contribution to safe and sustainable economic growth. The paper examines what our transport future could look like and explains what is needed to enable a significant shift to more rail journeys and rail share of our motorised transport.

From this event you will learn:

• insight into the current situation of rail in Australia and what is holding back its development
• understand how rail can help Australia achieve its goals for mobility, economic and environmental improvement
• hear about what is recommended to make rail succeed and suggested action and reform.

Register for this event on the Engineers Australia website.

About the speakers

Mark Johnston

Managing Director, 2XF Advice

Mark is an experienced advisor in climate change policy and energy. He has particular expertise in the development of efficient industries through the application of standards to enhance performance in a competitive environment. Mark’s work also includes advising industry on approaches to scaling to achieve economically viable business models in Transport. He is currently an advisor to the Tasmanian Government and in 2022 became the inaugural Chair of the Transport Australia Society, Tasmanian branch.

Melissa Jovic, FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)

Chartered Assessor, Engineers Australia

Melissa is an experienced Non-Executive Director, Chair and Committee member with over 20 years experience across the public, commercial and not-for-profit sectors, supported by an extensive professional career as an Engineer spanning 40 years. Melissa’s experience includes management of large transport projects in multidisciplinary programs, successfully leading and delivering business cases, including undergoing independent assurance; working collaboratively across States and Commonwealth governments on high-speed, heavy haul and light rail systems across Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Scott Martin

Policy Advisor, Australian Airports Association

Scott is a public policy, transport planning and research professional with significant experience and track record of achievement in policy and project development, implementation, management and evaluation. He has extensive experience researching, analysing and reporting on a wide range of public policy areas including infrastructure, economic development, urban planning, integrity of government, logistics, defence, manufacturing, mineral resources and energy. Scott’s specialties include policy development, research and analysis, project delivery and management, strategic planning, written and spoken communications, public and national transport.Welcome to Engineers Australia Portal