Rail - For a Better Future


As the rail industry flourishes, it is important that the rail sector continues to build long-term momentum, striving for a better rail industry based on a strategic future that provides for a stable pipeline of work, enables greater investment and opportunity for the rail industry and the broader Australasian economy.


At AusRAIL PLUS 2017, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) launched the Deloitte Access Economics commissioned report, ‘Value of Rail – The Contribution of Rail in Australia’, which highlighted that the total contribution of the rail sector was around $26 billion a year (contributing 1.6% of GDP) to the Australian economy and creating over 140,000 jobs nationally.


Similarly in New Zealand, KiwiRail and the New Zealand Transport Agency taskforce launched the EY commissioned report into the ‘The Value of Rail to Aotearoa’. The report highlighted that the value of rail to New Zealand is estimated to be between $1.47 and $1.54 billion a year.


Across the Australasian region, significant investments are being made into rail infrastructure, with projects such as Inland Rail and movements towards metro operations in Sydney and Melbourne currently underway in Australia.
Given the rail industry’s drive for innovation, collaboration and government investment, it’s only fitting that AusRAIL 2018 takes place in Australia’s capital city, Canberra – Where the rail industry meets parliament.


AusRAIL 2018, Australasia’s premier rail industry event, is set to take place on the 27-28 November 2018 at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. The event which is hosted by the Australasian Railway Association, will attract over 700 senior attendees to the conference program which includes plenary sessions, technical streams and forums with well-respected industry leaders and CEOs. The conference theme for this year is ‘Rail – For a Better Future,’ delving into the economic, social and environmental benefits and future opportunities of rail in developing a better integrated, livable and prosperous society.


120+ Rail Industry Organisation Exhibition
AusRAIL 2018 will feature the largest rail exhibition in Australasia running concurrently with the conference. With over 120 organisations on display you’ll need the full two days to check it out! Entry to the exhibition is free should you wish to browse. 


Not just a conference! Take advantage of the networking events.
AusRAIL 2018 features a number of networking events headlined by the Gala Dinner, sponsored by Downer. Other events include the Exhibition Networking Drinks, sponsored by McConnell Dowell; the Welcome Reception as well as a sponsor and exhibitor networking breakfast. 


Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition 
Since its launch in 2016, the AusRAIL Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition has been a popular and much welcomed addition to the conference agenda. The competition sees finalists pitch their revolutionary idea to the AusRAIL attendees with the winner announced at the Gala Dinner. The audience plays its part by voting for their favourite pitches! 


To register and for full event information, please visit