Perpetuum, Britain, is utilising its patented vibration energy harvesting technology to power, collect and transfer wireless data from condition monitoring sensors fitted to rolling stock. This system is already delivering noticeable improvements in efficiency and reductions in train maintenance costs for several operators, as Justin Southcombe, Perpetuum's commercial director, explains.

TRANSPORT for New South Wales (TfNSW) has launched a tender seeking a technical advisor for the planned 2.6km light rail line in Newcastle.

QUEENSLAND's deputy premier and minister for transport Ms Jackie Trad announced on August 6 that expressions of interest for the second phase of the Gold Coast light rail network will open on August 10 as the state and the city push to complete the project in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

TRANSPORT for New South Wales (TfNSW) has awarded a joint venture of Australia's UGL and Unipart Rail, Britain, a $A 131m ($US 96m) contract to upgrade the fleet of 447 Tangara double-deck EMU cars operated by Sydney Trains.

THE Australian government and the country's railway industry have launched the Rail Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (RMCRC), a collaboration between industry organisations, research universities and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

PERTH's Forrestfield-Airport Link took an important step towards the start of construction on July 13, when Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority recommended the $A 2.2bn ($US 2bn) project for conditional approval.

NEW South Wales (NSW) state minister for transport and infrastructure Mr Andrew Constance confirmed on July 9 that four suppliers have been shortlisted to bid for a contract to supply 65 eight-car inter-city EMUs.

SUNSHINE Coast, Australia, is to carry out further studies into the development of a light rail network after a public consultation revealed 87% of residents endorse the project.

ASCIANO, the parent company of one of Australia's largest railfreight operators Pacific National (PN), confirmed on July 1 that it has been approached by Canada's Brookfield Asset Management in a $A 8.8bn ($US 6.8bn) takeover bid.