Overview

With the recent announcements of the High Speed Rail Authority and Federal Budget commitments there is no better time than now to get insights from leaders in the sector on the potential for Australia’s fast rail network.

James Mackay, Risk Policy Executive Advisor at GHD, and Natalie Currey, General Manager Supply Chain as MC, and network with colleagues, engineers and policy makers over drinks and nibbles.

This event will serve as a platform for collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing. Engage in a thought-provoking panel discussion, where industry leaders share their insights on overcoming challenges and charting a transformative course for fast rail development across the nation.

This event will provide a glimpse into the advancements that will revolutionize transportation and connect the east coast like never before. Following the discussions and Q&A, immerse yourself in networking with like-minded professionals in Canberra, establish valuable connections, and forge partnerships that will drive the fast rail industry forward.

Embrace the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss best practices, and collaborate on ground-breaking projects that will redefine Australia’s transportation landscape. Be part of this event as we embark on a journey towards an era of connectivity for Australia. Together, let us engineer the future of fast rail in Australia and shape a sustainable, efficient, and interconnected nation.

This event is co-hosted by the Railway Technical Society of Australasia, Transport Australia Society, and the Australasian Railway Association, and sponsored by GHD.

Learning outcomes

In this presentation you will learn about:

• High speed rail and the connection to Canberra
• The current state and future of Canberra Rail
• How Canberra rail is being planned to grow and interlink with other modes of transport.

Event program

5:30pm: Commencement of presentation
6:30pm: Q&A
6:50pm: Networking
7:30pm: Event concludes

About the speakers

James Mackay, Executive Advisor – Risk, Strategy and Policy, GHD

James was previously Head of Regulation and Customer Relationships at High Speed 1 (HS1) from 2018 to 2022, the UK’s only high-speed railway and rail connection into Europe. In that time, James led the business through its regulatory processes as well as the response to Brexit and the pandemic. Previously performed in senior regulatory roles in the NHS and Heathrow Airport Ltd.

Alan de Reuck, Director Strategic Projects ANZ

As Director Strategic Projects at Alstom Transport ANZ – Alan is responsible for the development of strategic and emerging technology business opportunities across Australia and New Zealand including Hydrogen trains. Alan is an active member of the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers and has worked in the Rail Industry for over 30 years. He is a skilled Rail Industry professional with experience across Signal Engineering, Rolling-stock and Train Protection Systems, General Management, Business Development and Programme and Project Management.

Andrew Hyles, Acting CEO, High Speed Rail Authority

Andrew Hyles has spent the majority of his career in transport roles in both the public and private sectors. Prior to commencing as acting Chief Executive Officer of the High Speed Rail Authority in June 2023, Andrew was an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development Communications and the Arts. During this six year period, Andrew occupied various roles leading the Air Cargo Security Branch, the Rail Policy and Planning Branch, the National Faster Rail Agency, the Classification Branch and the Platforms and News Branch.

MC: Natalie Currey, General Manager Supply Chain, ARA

Natalie Currey leads the rail supply chain’s industry engagement, industry and policy development, related Committee and Working group facilitation and initiatives. She is also responsible for the management of the Rail Industry Worker Program and national competency development. Natalie’s work is focused on creating better systems, processes and policies to make it easier for rail suppliers to do business, invest in innovation and technology and achieve greater economies of scale

Click here to register on the Engineers Australia website