An agreement between the NSW and Victorian governments is set to innovate rail and road infrastructure, potentially saving taxpayers tens of millions of dollars annually.
With an Australian-first trial underway to adopt a system of nationally standardised approvals for products to be used in rail and road projects, any new product used must meet minimum regulatory, technical and safety standards to obtain type approval.
Currently there are significant inconsistencies in approval processes across Australian jurisdictions, costing the rail industry up to $40 million per year according to the Australasian Railway Association (ARA).
Transport for NSW (TFNSW) secretary Josh Murray says standardising processes could be a gamechanger.
“There are significant implications for thousands of items associated with train control systems, active level crossings, electrical substations, track, bridges, traffic lights, road pavements, drainage and pipes,” he says.
“Faster and more smoother approvals will assist us as we engage industry to help the government in NSW procure more locally made products to stimulate domestic manufacturing.”
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by TFNSW and Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to trial a process for product type approvals.
This cross-border partnership benefits Australia’s rail and road networks by creating efficiencies, reducing costs and removing barriers to new technology that can perform better.
DTP secretary Paul Younis says states working together to provide greater consistency in standards is vital in delivering important road and rail projects with quality, while also reducing costs.
“This trial will help test the benefits and effectiveness of this approach and delivers on our joint commitment to the National Rail Action Plan and delivering nationally harmonised outcomes for public transport,” he says.
“We are cooperating closely with industry to support jobs and local content and this trial will help manufacturers comply with the relevant standards in NSW and Victoria.”
TFNSW is leading working groups across government agencies, industry partners and peak industry bodies, supporting the development of a draft national Product Type Approval (PTA) Framework.
National Transport Commission (NTC) chair Carolyn Walsh says she warmly welcomes the development of the Product Type Approval Framework.
“It will facilitate the delivery of ministers’ commitment to drive down the cost and barriers to investment in safe, reliable and sustainable rail and road services nationally,” she says.
The Chief Transport Engineers of the two states are also collaborating with 49 members across Australia and New Zealand representing organisations including:
- Australasian Railway Association
- Australian Rail Track Corporation
- Austroads
- Crane Industry Council of Australia
- Kiwi Rail
- National Transport Commission
- National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO)
- Queensland Rail
- Rail Industry Safety Standards Board
- Transport and Main Roads, Queensland
- Transport Certification Australia (TCA)