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We have the opportunity to continue
building on this and demonstrate our
expertise in project delivery in the year
ahead via major projects such as the
Inland Rail Programme, Advanced Train
Management System (ATMS) and
upgrading the productivity of the
rail line between Adelaide and Tarcoola.
We are involving our customers and our
supply chain partners in infrastructure
projects more than ever before to ensure
we meet market need and that what
we do is clever, targeted investment.
This is part of our broader approach to
doing things smarter and more efficiently.
We are looking at ways to deliver Inland
Rail as innovatively as possible and are
applying some of the lessons learned
from other major projects delivered
around the world.
Inland Rail will be crucial to help complete
the national interstate rail network and
to grow rail’s competitiveness against
road and to attract new freight to rail
from different sectors. With close to
$1 billion in funding now committed by
the Australian Government, this project
continues to gain momentum as we
ready it for construction.
The project, coupled with broader private
investment in rail and rail-associated
infrastructure means the next 12 months
are going to be important ones for rail’s
growth. Coupled with our own strategy
that sees a critical place for intermodal
terminal development, we are confident
that the FY2017 will be a positive one
for us to consolidate and grow.
The Board
FY2016 has been one of significant
change for the Board.
Three long-serving dedicated directors
retired. Pamela Catty and Barry Cotter
retired from the Board on 17 March after
five years of service. On 29 June, Lucio
Di Bartolomeo retired from the Board
after nine years of service. I thank each
of them for their commitment and the
significant contribution they have made
to the Company.
Following my joining the Board on August
3, 2015, Vince Graham and Chris Barlow
were appointed as directors on 8 March
and 2 May respectively. Gillian Brown
was reappointed for a further 3 year
term on 30 June 2016.
The Board will continue to work with
our Shareholder to review its skills and
capabilities to meet future challenges.
On behalf of the Board I would like to
express my appreciation to our CEO,
the management team and all our
employees for their efforts and
commitment. I would also like to thank
our customers for their ongoing support.
We all remain focused on placing rail as
the mode best suited to carrying a larger
burden of the Australian freight task.
Helen Nugent AO
Chairman
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