The Federal Government has launched a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for rail innovation.
The centre, based in Brisbane, will receive a CRC Program grant of $21 million over seven years and will attract investment of around $100 million over this period.
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr said the research program is the biggest in the history of Australian railways.
"This is a huge vote of confidence in the rail industry and it reflects the Rudd Government's determination to work closely with researchers and industry to ensure railways make their full contribution to Australia's transport mix,” he said.
"According to one estimate, the CRC's research could generate up to $6.5 billion worth of benefits nationally in the long-term.
"The Rudd Government fully recognises that world class rail infrastructure and services are critical to Australia's economic and social growth and we expect the CRC for Rail Innovation to play a vital role in this process.
"By addressing operational efficiencies, supply chains, engineering technology, and up-skilling of workers, the CRC will greatly contribute to improved transport infrastructure," Carr said.
The new CRC is a collaborative venture between leading organisations in the Australian rail industry and Australian universities.
The CRC for Rail Innovation will build on the successful collaborative arrangements and approaches from its predecessor, the CRC for Railway Engineering and Technologies.

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