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overview
As Australia’s rail sector pushes forward on its journey to net zero, the newly rebranded Rail Decarbonisation and Resilience Conference recognises that cutting emissions is only part of the equation. This event brings together the twin priorities of decarbonisation and resilience—ensuring our rail networks are not only greener, but also stronger, smarter, and better prepared for disruption.
The 2025 agenda will explore how the industry is adapting to a changing climate, embracing sustainable infrastructure, and investing in technologies that can deliver long-term performance and reliability. Key topics include climate-adaptive design, asset resilience, emergency response, and cyber resilience, alongside solutions in clean traction power, alternate fuels, and energy-efficient operations.
As the sector confronts growing demands for transparency and impact, the program also address Scope 3 emissions, the circular economy, digital innovation, and the evolving landscape of regulation and safety standards—all within the broader context of Australia’s net-zero transition plan.
Join policymakers, engineers, operators, researchers, and industry leaders to explore new strategies, showcase practical solutions, and shape the future of rail.
Speakers
Gunnar Holen
CEO, Nordic Electrofuel
Karen McCarthy APM
Executive Director, Enterprise Security, Crisis and Emergency Management, Transport for NSW
Nick Mitrevski
Head of ESG, Pacific National
Mark Harris
Manager Environment, Aurizon
Anitra Hobby
ESG Principal, Pacific National
Toby Kent
Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Sustainability Council
Mary Barry
CEO & Founding Director, CircularEco Pty Ltd
Dr Qing Wu
Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Railway Engineering, CQUniversity
Rod Barber
Director Environment & Sustainability (Sydney Assets & Operations), Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation, NSW Transport
Troy Harrison
Manager Environment Strategy, Queensland Rail
Gavin Anderson
Acting Executive General Manager, Regional Assets, Queensland Rail
Pricing
Acceleration Allies
Informa Rail ‘Acceleration Allies’: #MarchForward at every event
Launched in 2024, ‘Acceleration Allies’ is a program across all Informa Rail events that calls on organisations to commit to gender equality. In 2025 #MarchForward in your commitment to advance the ‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ of ALL and everyone in your organisation.
Organisations achieving 30% or more female representation—across speakers, delegates, sponsors, and attendees—will be acknowledged as ‘Acceleration Allies’.
- Why It Matters: Public recognition as a leader in gender diversity positions your organization at the forefront of industry innovation and inclusivity.
What’s in It for You?
- Exclusive Recognition: Featured acknowledgments as an as ‘Acceleration Ally’.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded industry leaders who prioritise equality and empowerment.
- Positive Brand Visibility: Show stakeholders, clients, and partners your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to Get Involved: Simple Steps to Make an Impact
- Step 1: Assess your current representation and identify female colleagues to attend, speak, or participate.
- Step 2: Register your organisation and track your progress towards the 30% goal.
- Step 3: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the recognition of being an Acceleration Ally at the Rail Decarbonisation & Resilience Conference.
#MarchForward
- Elevate the women in your organisation. Champion gender equality, diversity and change.
- Secure your place as an Acceleration Ally today!
Next Generation Conference Scholarships
Calling all rail professionals 30 years and under!
Win 1 of 10 scholarships to attend the Rail Decarbonisation + Resilience Conference
NEW INCREASED ELIGIBILITY AGE FOR 2025!
Do you have an idea that could disrupt, improve or positively impact the future of rail in Australia and New Zealand?
We invite all rail sector personnel aged 30yrs and under to submit their innovative idea for the chance to win one of 10 scholarships to attend the Rail Decarbonisation & Resilience Conference in Sydney.
In 200-300 words describe your idea, concept or hypothetical, outlining benefits or impact on the industry. Your idea may relate to any aspect of rail decarbonisation and resilience, from skills and training to standards, technology or asset maintenance.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
- Complimentary attendance to the Rail Decarbonsiation & Resilience Conference being held on the 22-23 July at the Swissotel Sydney
- Certificates of acknowledgement – to be presented at the Rail Decarbonisation & Resilience Conference
- Profile raising activities
Eligibility: Open to all recent graduates and young railway professionals who are 30yrs or under (as at 22 July 2025) A maximum of 3 winners will be selected from the same organisation.
Key dates:
- Entries open – 12 June
- Deadline for submissions – 6 July
Testimonials
Hear what our past attendees had to say:
“A great way to get into the mix of decarbonisation within the industry which allows recipients to understand the latest and greatest insights and what implications may arise.”
“The conference brought together a good mix of industry representatives who were willing to openly share their perspectives, experiences, knowledge and learnings to guide the ongoing conversation of how to decarbonise a critical part of Australia’s mobility and deliver sustainable transportation.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed it. It provided significant learnings to continue to push for improvements in everything we do, and to look from alternative perspectives, to provide more sustainable outcomes.”
“As a young rail engineer attending a conference like this was very inspiring and insightful to see where the future of rail is heading. It was very informative to see the new innovations that are being researched to decarbonise the rail industry.”
“It was a great event to connect with sustainability, environment and technical rail professionals that are focused on the challenges of decarbonisation.”
ConnectMe
ConnectMe • Networking enhanced
All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.
FasterForward
FasterForward is Informa’s approach to sustainability, moving faster to become a zero waste and net carbon business. Our goal is to become carbon neutral across our events by 2025 and a zero waste and net carbon business by 2030.
Sustainability
Our Commitment to Sustainability
In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.
We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.
To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.
when & where
contact
Still have a question?
General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]
Speaking Enquiries
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
[email protected]
Marketing & Media Enquiries
Paul O’Connor
[email protected]