Inland Rail

We’ve had an insightful and engaging time at the AusRAIL 2024 conference on the sunny Gold Coast this week. Over the course of two days, we’ve connected and discussed ideas with others in the rail industry, showcased our 3D digital visualisations using VR headsets and listened to a fantastic program of presentations. This included Inland Rail's very own Cathy Duncan and Joel Johnston, who presented an in-depth talk about the important work they do in furthering diversity in the rail industry. We're already looking forward to AusRAIL PLUS 2025 in Melbourne! #AusRAIL2024 #RailIndustry #InlandRail

McConnell Dowell is proud to partner with The University of Melbourne on a first of its kind trial that could revolutionise the way we support local wildlife. The University has developed prosthetic nest boxes, informed by cutting-edge scanned imagery from salvaged, inhabited tree hollows near one of our Inland Rail Project sites in Seymour, Victoria. The scanned data was used by the University to design prosthetic hollows with the goal of providing enhanced nesting and shelter options for local species. By replicating the unique features of these hollows, we hope to boost the uptake of these nests by local wildlife, improving habitat availability and supporting biodiversity. If successful, the trial will provide open-source access to the scanned imagery for use by land managers, conservationists, and in future rehabilitation projects, paving the way for broader environmental benefits. This is just one example of how innovation, collaboration, and a focus on sustainability are at the core of what we do. #CreativeConstruction #Sustainability #WildlifeConservation #UniversityOfMelbourne #InlandRail

Join us at AusRAIL 2024 conference on the Gold Coast next week. Inland Rail’s Cathy Duncan and Joel Johnston will be speaking about social performance and the Inland Rail Skills Academy’s approach to diversity in rail. Be sure to catch them at 2.30pm Tuesday 26 November. And  drop by to meet some of the team at the Inland Rail booth, where you can find out more about the project as well as get a virtual insight into how we’re progressing Australia’s largest rail freight project with our VR headsets! We look forward to seeing you there. #InlandRail #AusRAIL2024

It was a pleasure to take part in the Local Government NSW Annual Conference in Tamworth this week. We had the opportunity to talk with people from all over New South Wales, sharing how Inland Rail works with local communities, suppliers and our contractors to achieve progress. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ggZ4nVYm

PROGRESS UPDATE: With last week’s approval of the Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail, we can now report that all sections within the 492 kilometres of Inland Rail, between Albury NSW and Narromine NSW, are now either approved, in construction or complete. ✔️

Inland Rail CEO Nick Miller joined The Australian Financial Review Infrastructure Summit this week where he discussed how the Inland Rail project will transform Australia’s freight network as well as the benefits the project has already brought to regional Australia. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8JKTPCG

Another important step forward. Recently Inland Rail contractors McConnell Dowell lifted six 85-tonne concrete beams into place at Seymour-Avenal Road in Victoria. A part of the Beveridge to Albury section of Inland Rail, the installation of bridge beams enables remaining works to continue on the 35-metre-long bridge, with construction set to be completed in 2025.

When high tech meets environmental protection. We’ve joined with University of Melbourne researchers to install eighteen 3D printed nesting boxes near Seymour-Avenel Road in Victoria. These computer-generated nesting boxes have been specifically designed to provide shelter for local wildlife, such as the crimson rosella, turquoise parrot, sugar glider and the brush-tailed phascogale. Cameras are setup to monitor the nesting boxes, and we’re pleased to report that the locals have already begun moving in!

An important part of the Inland Rail project are geotechnical investigations. To ensure that the ground underneath the railway is suitable for running heavy double-stacked freight trains and capable of withstanding all weather conditions, engineers and scientists test the substance and condition of the earth many layers deep. These vital works ensure Inland Rail is safely designed and constructed.

PROGRESS UPDATE: We’re happy to report that the Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received Australian Government approval! With this final approval, construction on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section is set to begin in 2025. This 39km section of Inland Rail will create a new, faster and direct rail route, a vital piece in the future of Australia’s freight transport network. 🚆