UK railway suppliers are invited to join a Railway Industry Association (RIA) trade mission supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to Australia. Participants will meet key players and find out more about opportunities in this strong railway market.
Australia
Funding from recent budgets continue to support infrastructure with over £80B committed by the Federal and NSW governments alone. Significant funding was also allocated to housing in response to population growth. Major works continue particularly in Western Sydney and Greater Melbourne, with plenty on the horizon with Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics. The rail focus is twofold: heavy rail for freight, primarily overland, and rail for metro systems. The recently established Fast Rail Authority has now started planning and corridor works for Sydney to Newcastle section of high-speed rail network. New metro systems are underway in Sydney and Melbourne, including links to Melbourne’s existing International Airport/outer suburban rail loop and Sydney’s new second International Airport. Underpinning this growth is a strong demand for rolling stock and maintenance. All State Governments are regularly releasing contracts to supply new rolling stock for current projects, as well as, refreshing existing fleets. Additionally, there is a focus on upgrading regional railway systems, both passenger and freight.
UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement
The UK free trade agreement has now been in force for just over a year. This new trade deal will lower tariffs, improve mobility and simplify trade and investment regulations, making it easier to do business in Australia.
Mission Dates
Friday 29 November 2024 to Thursday 05 December 2024
The mission commences following AusRAIL, which is held Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 November, Gold Coast, Queensland. Voluntary attendance at AusRAIL is at delegates’ own cost. For more details visit the AusRAIL website.
Costs & Travel
£650 plus VAT per company for DBT support and RIA Management Fee.
Delegates will be responsible for their own flight bookings and related costs including hotels. A detailed programme will be provided along with a mission brochure. With any overseas travel, RIA recommends that those travelling always check the latest travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before committing to travelling and again before travelling.
Outline Programme (Draft)
Taking place immediately after AusRail 2024, the mission group should expect to meet key stakeholders in multiple cities with site visits, roundtable meetings, and a networking reception:
Friday 29 November – Brisbane
Saturday 30 November & Sunday 01 December – Free weekend, make own way to Sydney for 9 a.m. Monday start.
Monday 02 December & Tuesday 03 December – Sydney
(Midday flight to Melbourne 03 Dec)
Wednesday 04 & Thursday 05 December – Melbourne
Registration
The event is open to all UK registered companies – 2 delegates per company limit. A minimum of ten companies are required for the mission to go ahead. Applications are open until full or Friday 18 October.
Please note you will be first required to create an account if you have not used the RIA booking system before.
On successful registration delegates will receive an automated email confirmation.
Organiser
