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 Basic infrastructure, such as roads, telecommunications and water, are essential for economic and social stability and development.
The term ‘infrastructure’ refers to services and facilities in roads, rail, airports, ports, water, irrigation, electricity, oil and gas and telecommunications. It also includes sports facilities, mining, building and construction and special projects, such as reconstruction in Iraq.
Australia has unique experience in infrastructure because of our geographic conditions and history:
- Our roads, rail, telecommunications and other utilities have to cover huge distances over a wide range of terrain and climates to reach small, remote communities. The national highway network linking the capital cities is 16,000km long.
- Australia has a harsh environment - it is the driest continent in the world with limited water resources.
- Australian transport, communications, and ports and harbours are well developed as the country has relied on primary production and mining exports since the 19th century. Australia is the largest producer and exporter of bulk commodities in the world.
Major projects
Over the past 25 years, Australia has undertaken major project work in areas such as ports and harbours, road and rail networks, communication networks, oil and gas pipelines, regional airports, water purification and recycling facilities and commercial and residential construction.
Airports
Australia is a pioneer in aviation technology and infrastructure. Australia is also a leading supplier of airport infrastructure to the world. We have developed world-class airport expertise through adapting solutions to suit our unique geography and range of climatic conditions.
Australian companies can provide a complete range of airport services, including:
- consulting
- civil works
- supply and installation of systems and equipment
- management and operation support
- training packages
Australia has:
- 1600 airports and airfields
- 9 international gateways
- 14 major regional airports
Railways
Australian railway systems operate in the world’s harshest environments. The iron ore tracks in Western Australia carry the world’s longest freight trains, several kilometres long.
In response to Australia’s vast distances, crowded cities, widely scattered communities and extreme weather conditions, the industry has become on the most diverse, creative and productive in the world.
Both the government and private sectors own and manage Australian railways with private operators mainly providing freight and some passenger services. Dramatic restructuring in the railway infrastructure industry over the last decade has led to increased efficiencies and a more price competitive market.
General information
The railway infrastructure industry has an annual turnover of over $8 billion.
Approximately 75,000 people are employed in the railways industry.
Exports have more than doubled over the last 15 years.
37,000km of multi-gauge tracks – in Sydney alone, the urban network has over 2000km of track.
In Queensland, over 120 million tonnes of coal is hauled annually.
Current markets for Australia’s railway product and services include Malaysia, USA, Indonesia, Philippines, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South America and Europe.
(Source: Australian Railway Industry Corporation)
Australian expertise
The Australian railway industry is diverse with expertise in rolling stock, track design and construction, ticketing, signalling and communication systems, consultancy services and componentry.
Rolling stock
Australian manufacturers have experience in the design and manufacture of all rolling-stock types, including diesel and electric locomotives, single and double-deck electric and diesel multiple units, long-distance passenger coaches and freight wagons.
Track design and construction
Australia has a worldwide reputation for the development of heavy haulage railways. Australian manufacturers have developed products to suit all types of conditions including head-hardened rail for heavy haul railways and concrete and steel sleepers. We also supply track maintenance systems to handle both congested suburban systems and isolated country locations.
Ticketing
Automated systems using smart card and magnetic strip ticket technology, portable and fixed ticket vending machines and passenger control barriers and commonplace and Australian technology is used in several overseas markets, including Hong Kong and the UK.
Consultancy services
Australian railway consultants have managed a number of overseas projects, including transport planning in Eastern Europe, benchmarking in Hong Kong and the UK, and signal planning and supervision, and training in various countries.
Componentry
Australia leads the world in the manufacture of asbestos-free, composite brake blocks and disc pads that outperform.
Technical innovations
Australia’s long history in railways and our harsh environment have encouraged the industry to develop robust, leading-edge technologies, such as:
- dry brake fuelling systems
- simulators for driver training
- optical techniques for monitoring rail conditions and measuring rail freight heights
- designs for track fasteners
- fully computerised track relaying machines
Sports infrastructure
With the hosting of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the 2003 Rugby World Cup and the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, Australia continues to showcase its sports infrastructure expertise.
Australia has a breadth and depth of experience in:
- masterplan design – overall concept design and development
- project management – engineering, environment and procurement
- Olympic planning expertise
- opening and closing ceremonies and events
- event and venue management – during events and long-term viability
- facilities fit-out – seating, shade structures and temporary facilities
- services – websites and ticketing
Some Australian sporting infrastructure highlights are Stadium Australia, Sydney International Aquatic Centre and the Melbourne Cricket Ground:
- Stadium Australia
Stadium Australia in Sydney is the largest stadium built in the history of the modern Olympics. Key features include world-best practice environmental sustainable practices, such as:
- harvesting stormwater for later use
- passive ventilation to minimise the need for air conditioning
- computer-generated lighting technology
- Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
The Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre is consistently described as the world’s best aquatic centre. It houses diving, main competition and training pools with variable-depth flexibility and a temporary grandstand that transforms seating capacity from 4500 seats to 12,500 seats.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground will be the main stadium for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. It is being redeveloped into one of the world’s most modern stadiums capable of seating 100,000 spectators. Eighty per cent of the seats will be under roof cover.
Export markets
Australian sporting infrastructure experts are involved in the design, engineering and construction of major sporting venues worldwide. For example, Australian companies:
- are involved in the construction of the new Wembley stadium in England
- assisted in the planning and organising of the 2004 Athens Olympics
- supplied flooring products for the 2003 South Pacific Olympics
For more information please visit:
www.ara.net.au - Australasian Railway Association Inc (ARA)
www.aric.com.au - Australian Railway Industry Corporation (ARIC)
www.ausport.gov.au - Australian Sports Commission
www.asi.gov.au - Australia Sport International
www.dcita.gov.au - Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts – Sport and Tourism Division
www.sportforall.com.au - Sports Industry Australia |