RTSA acknowledges recent passing of rail industry stalwart Ian Nibloe (1937-2020)
The RTSA acknowledges the recent passing of Ian Nibloe, our inaugural National Secretary from 1998-2001.
Ian had more than 40 years experience in engineering, infrastructure planning, and senior management positions in Queensland Rail and TMG. During that time he had become one of Australia’s leading experts in the fields of rail management, strategic railway investigations, wheel/rail interactions, and track design, construction and maintenance.
Ian’s rail career began when he received an engineering cadetship from Queensland Rail to study Civil Engineering at the University of Queensland. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) with First Class Honours.
During his time with Queensland Rail, Ian held many positions, rising to the position of Assistant Commissioner Engineering, where he was a member of the Senior Executive and responsible for all engineering functions. Ian Nibloe was much involved with the construction of the dual gauge railway bridge over the Brisbane River. After leaving Queensland Rail, Ian held the positions of Director Engineering with The Institution of Engineers, Australia and then Chairman & Director Business Development and Marketing with TMG International (acquired by Worley Parsons in 2006).
Apart from Queensland Rail, Ian had been very actively involved in standards organisations, learned institutions and societies. Over his long rail career, Ian was:
- Chairman, Railways of Australia Technical Development and Applications Committee
- Chairman, Standards Australia Committee for Permanent Way Material
- Chairman, International Heavy Haul Association
- Chairman of the fourth IHHA conference held in Brisbane in 1989
- Director Engineering, The Institution of Engineers, Australia
- National Secretary, Railway Technical Society of Australasia.
Ian was then awarded a RTSA Life Membership Award in 2002, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Railway Industry and the RTSA.
Photo: Ian receiving his RTSA Life Membership award at CORE2002 Gala Dinner 12-11-02.