The recently-approved new Rail CRC has kicked off its new life with core participants (including CQU) meeting to shape the future of 7 years of cutting-edge research.

At the meeting, held in Canberra earlier this month, the core participants appointed current Rail CRC CEO Professor Dudley Roach as interim CEO, who has appointed an interim management team.

Professor Roach said the interim management team was currently developing the processes for establishing the Centre and finalising its research program.

“The new CRC will work with the participants to develop a suite of research projects that aim to make a real difference to the way that railways do business, exploit technology and manage their operations for least impact on the environment, while improving safety in all areas,” Professor Roach said.

“This new CRC will benefit from the extensive and innovative research carried out by the current Rail CRC over the past 6 years. Much of this research is already benefiting Australia’s rail industry and is in use by our industry partners".

Professor Roach said all rail CRC projects would be led by industry partners and developed in partnership with universities.

The first meeting of the Interim Board for the new CRC will be held on March 1, 2007.

The new Rail CRC (Cooperative Research Centre) was one of 14 successful CRCs to bid for the new round of Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program funding, with $21 million promised to rail. The Australian rail industry will also contribute significantly, to bring the new Centre’s 7-year research budget to more than $105 million.

For information on current Rail CRC projects visit www.railcrc.com.au .