Inland Rail uses AusRail platform to highlight First Nations progress
Inland Rail has used its platform at the Australasian Railway Association’s 2024 AusRail conference on the Gold Coast to showcase how it is providing training and employment opportunities for First Nations people and helping First Nations owned businesses access potential opportunities on Inland Rail.
November 28, 2024
Inland Rail Social Performance Manager Joel Johnston told rail industry leaders at the conference how Inland Rail is pitching in with local stakeholders and key construction companies to address local and industry needs via the Inland Rail Skills Academy (IRSA).
The IRSA has been creating opportunities for First Nations people who live along the project alignment by organising key training courses with accredited training providers and giving candidates the essential skills to work in the rail construction industry.
Helped by the support and commitment of the contractors engaged on the projects, IRSA has helped a total of 788 First Nations people gain work on Inland Rail since the end of 2018 – more than 12% of the total Inland Rail workforce.
During that same period, more than $46 million has been spent with First Nations business on the Inland Rail project.
Mr Johnston told the conference on Tuesday the Inland Rail Skills Academy provided training in courses such as Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure, plant operation, Safely Access the Rail Corridor and Working at Heights and Confined Spaces courses as well as the bespoke Rail Readiness Course to meet industry needs.
Inland Rail is a 1600km freight rail line that will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Work is well under way in mid-western NSW while sections in southern NSW have received State and Federal Government approvals ahead of construction beginning next year.
In Victoria, work is nearing completion in the northern tranche while the southern tranche will enter construction in 2025.
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, said:
“AusRail 2024 is the largest rail event in the Asia-Pacific region and attracts key stakeholders in the industry, enabling us to share insights with more than 3000 rail professionals to deliver legacy outcomes.
“We have made a commitment to provide sustainable pathways for First Nations and local people or businesses through opportunities to rewarding and challenging careers in rail construction now and into the future.
“We also support Local and First Nations businesses to build capacity to be more competitive in the Inland Rail supply chain.
“Inland Rail is delivering real opportunities for regional communities through training, employment and the supply chain, ensuring we enhance diversity through positive engagement.”
CAPTION: Inland Rail Social Performance Manager Joel Johnston, accompanied by Senior Program Skills and Training Advisor Cathy Duncan, shared with rail industry leaders at the Australasian Railway Association’s 2024 AusRail conference how Inland Rail is delivering opportunities for First Nations people and businesses.
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November 28, 2024
