WHY IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN

Wisconsin companies that have experience and expertise in providing solutions, services, and products to the rail sector may find opportunities.

Australia is making a major investment in its railway system.

The National Rail Procurement and Manufacturing Strategy, released in November 2023, calls for spending $19 billion AUD ($12 billion USD) for new railway vehicles between 2023 and 2032. That includes about 500 new passenger trains and light rail vehicles in six states and two territories. Nearly two-thirds of the new vehicles will be manufactured in Australia.

Population growth in urban regions, along with aging infrastructure, will continue to drive demand for both passenger and freight trains, the government says.

A desire to lower greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change is another concern that is driving rail investment. A 2021 report by BIS Oxford Economic showed the transportation sector is to blame for about one-fifth of Australia’s carbon emissions.

In addition to the new trains, a December 2022 report by the Australasian Railway Association said $129 billion AUD ($81 billion USD) in rail construction and maintenance is forecast through 2032, compared to $96 billion over the previous decade.

Over the next 15 years, $154 billion AUD ($96 billion USD) in rail construction work is expected.

Several major projects already are underway, including construction of the New South Wales government’s Sydney Metro program—the biggest public transportation project in Australia. It will establish a fully automated metro rail system, the first in Australia, and will increase Sydney’s rail capacity by up to 60% by 2024.

Other projects include the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop, the Cross River Rail Project in Brisbane, and the Metronet passenger rail project in Perth.

Wisconsin companies with expertise in products or services for international rail markets may find opportunities in Australia.