The focus on supporting local manufacturing and maintenance of rail freight wagons will receive a significant boost as the Australian Government's Rail Industry Innovation Council (RIIC) meets in Perth today.
- Perth selected as host city for inaugural meeting of Rail Industry Innovation Council (RIIC)
- RIIC meeting provides insight into national rail procurement and manufacturing strategy
- Focus on job creation and growth opportunities in local rolling stock manufacture and maintenance
The focus on increasing local manufacturing and servicing of rail freight wagons will receive a significant boost when the Australian Government's Rail Industry Innovation Council (RIIC) meets in Perth today.
Minister Assisting the State and Minister for Industry Development, Employment and Trade Stephen Dawson noted that this is the first time the RIIC has met in Perth since its inception.
The RIIC meeting will provide an overview of the Australian Government's National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy and its implementation, and allow RIIC members to engage with Western Australian rail industry stakeholders for the first time.
Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Trade Tim Ayres will deliver the keynote address at a networking event following the RIIC meeting.
Western Australia plays a key role in the development and implementation of rail strategy, particularly in the heavy haul sector, and initiatives to support growth in the sector.
The commitment to supporting local wagon manufacturing and maintenance is demonstrated by the $15 million Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF), which aims to improve the competitiveness of local companies in this important market sector.
Since its inception in 2021, the LMIF has provided more than $12.2 million to several WA-based companies. This includes funding for the establishment of a Rail Collaboration Centre in Karratha, Newman and Perth, run by the CORE Innovation Hub.
During their time in Perth, RIIC members plan to visit the METRONET Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility, the Rio Tinto Rail Operations Centre and Gemco Rail. Gemco Rail has received LMIF funding to upgrade its Forrestfield facility and establish a new facility in Karratha.