- Perth set to host the Rail Industry Innovation Council (RIIC)
- RIIC event to provide update on the Australian Government’s National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy
- Government committed to creating more jobs and opportunities through local railcar manufacturing and servicing
The Cook Government’s focus on enhancing local manufacturing and servicing for rail freight wagons will get a welcome boost with today’s meeting of the Australian Government’s Rail Industry Innovation Council (RIIC).
Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson said it was first time since its inception that the RIIC has hosted a meeting in Perth.
The RIIC will provide an update on the Australian Government’s National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy and its implementation. This will enable RIIC members to interact with Western Australian rail industry stakeholders for the first time.
The Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Trade Tim Ayres will be the keynote speaker at a networking event following the RIIC.
Western Australia is playing a key role in the development and implementation of the rail strategy and features prominently in one of the six pillars regarding heavy haulage and programs to promote growth in this sector.
The Cook Government is committed to supporting local rail wagon manufacturing and servicing through the $15 million Local Manufacturing Investment Fund (LMIF). The LMIF was part of an election commitment to support local companies to be more engaged and competitive in this important market sector.
The LMIF has awarded over $12.2 million to several WA-based companies since being established in 2021. This includes funding to support the establishment of a Rail Collaboration Centre in Karratha, Newman and Perth to be operated by CORE Innovation Hub.
While in Perth the RIIC members plan to visit the METRONET Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility, the Rio Tinto Rail Operations Centre and Gemco Rail, which received LMIF funding to upgrade its Forrestfield facility and establish a new facility in Karratha.
As stated by Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This is an exciting opportunity for our State with the Rail Industry Innovation Council visiting Perth for the first time. It’s the chance to profile exactly what the Cook Government is doing to boost jobs and opportunities in this important sector.
“The visit is a clear endorsement of how important Western Australia is to the National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy.
“Our State plays a key role in the development of the initiative with a focus on increasing opportunities for freight and heavy haul manufacturing.
“Our Government is committed to supporting the local rail industry and we’re investing millions of dollars through the Local Manufacturing Investment Fund to make this happen.”
