THE deputy premier of the Australian state of New South Wales Mr Troy Grant and minister for transport Mr Andrew Constance announced on October 28 that the state government has allocated $A 50m ($US 37.9m) to accelerate the renewal of NSW TrainLink’s medium-and long-distance diesel fleet, starting with the XPT trains.

US regional rail operator Genesee & Wyoming (GWI) announced on October 20 that its Genesee & Wyoming Australia (GWA) subsidiary has entered into agreements to acquire Glencore Rail (GRail) for $A 1.14bn ($US 870m) and will also issue a 49% equity stake in GWA to funds managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (Mira).

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a combined statement of issues on October 6 on alternative proposals from Aurizon and Pacific National to acquire Glencore Coal’s Hunter Valley rail business.

SIX new stations were added to Queensland Rail's Brisbane Citytrain network on October 3, when the Redcliffe Peninsula Line was inaugurated by Australian prime minister Mr Malcolm Turnbull, the premier of Queensland Mrs Annastacia Palaszczuk, and the mayor of Moreton Bay, Mr Allan Sutherland.

MAJOR upgrades to the Australian state of Victoria’s regional rail network will be required over the next 20-30 years to accommodate projected population growth, according to a report prepared by the Melbourne-based Rail Futures Institute, which was released on September 5.

WESTERN Australia track owner Brookfield Rail has announced on August 15 it will undertake all regular track maintenance activities over the state’s 5500km multi-user rail freight network, previously undertaken by John Holland.

AUSTRAILIAN rail freight operator Aurizon revealed on August 15 that its 2015-16 full year results highlighted a reduced profit based on falling volumes and previously announced asset impairments.

THE first tracks were laid on August 8 on the 12km CBD and South East light rail line under construction in Sydney, Australia.

TRANSPORT for New South Wales (TfNSW) has appointed Downer EDI as managing contractor for the Newcastle light rail project.

THE government of the Australian state of New South Wales has announced the two consortia that have been shortlisted for the contract to construct twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour that will link Sydney Metro North West project, which is already under construction with the planned Sydney Metro City & Southwest.