The Minister for Small Business, Information Technology Policy & Multicultural Affairs (as well as Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries), Chris Cummins toured CQU's Centre for Railway Engineering (CRE) facilities last Friday (October 7).

He was guided by Professor Elizabeth Taylor, Dr Colin Cole, Associate Professor Manicka Dhanasekar, Professor Bob Miles, Bernard Jansen and Chris Bosomworth from CQU.

Brad Carter from the Office of State Development and Innovation was also on hand to review the innovative research conducted at the CRE.

The Minister showed keen interest in the development of projects such as erosion control of railway embankments and cuttings, stress management of wagon couplers and the on-board train dynamics management system for long, heavy-haul trains.

Given that previous career opportunities for Mr Cummins have included working for Queensland Railways as an electrician, he certainly appreciated the value of this type of research.

The researchers at the CRE continue to build, support and develop opportunities for the improvement of railway hardware and technology.

These achievements continue to receive international review and acknowledgement. The Minister discovered that this research is conducted with both academic backing and commercial results.