Former airports association boss to take reins next year
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) will see Caroline Wilkie take on CEO responsibilities in mid-February.
Wilkie will join the ARA from the Australian Airports Association (AAA), where she has been the CEO since 2010.
The ARA observes that she brings “extensive policy experience to the role, with a strong understanding of the nation-building impact of infrastructure investment and how critical transport networks are to connecting urban and regional communities”.
“Whether you catch a passenger train, tram or light rail in our cities or work for a business that relies upon the rail freight network, the rail industry touches the lives of so many in our communities in both Australia and New Zealand,” Wilkie says.
“Sustainable, efficient and safe rail networks are essential to drive our economies, increase productivity and shape the development of industries across our nations.”
“Rail, as the backbone of our evolving freight and passenger transport networks, adds to the social, economic and competitive fabric of both Australia and New Zealand, while addressing the challenges of increasing congestion in our cities and growing the efficiency of our supply chains.”
“There is already a strong focus on safety, skills development and the implementation of new technologies within the rail industry and I’m committed to leading these agendas and developing others on behalf of our members.”
Read how changes in ARA personnel emerged earlier in the year, here
Outgoing ARA CEO Danny Broad remains at the association, taking up the position of chairman.
He replaces current chairman Bob Herbert, who is to will step down from the board at the end of this year.
Broad sees Wilkie as having proven experience in leading a member association with a transport and infrastructure focus, and also the ability to foster a strong sense of industry collaboration.
“Under her leadership, Ms Wilkie significantly increased the size and scope of the AAA, expanding its industry engagement and stakeholder management as well as its events and education programs,” he says.
“She led the successful Protect Regional Airports campaign, culminating in the Federal Government’s announcement of a $100 million regional airport fund this year, and also oversaw a long-term engagement process with CASA ahead of changes to the Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139.”