THE first of 75 new six-car EMUs for South East Queensland commuter services arrived in Brisbane, Australia, on February 16.

AUSTRALIAN ports and logistics group Qube and its consortium partners are a step closer to gaining control of Asciano, the parent company of Australia's second largest rail freight operator, Pacific National.

THE government of the Australian state of Victoria has announced the introduction on February 8 of what it describes as a temporary, stable timetable for V/Line regional passenger services which have been crippled by excessive wheel wear on VLocity DMUs and a level crossing malfunction.

THE government of the Australian Capital Territory has announced that the Canberra Metro consortium has been chosen as the preferred bidder for a PPP contract to construct and operate the initial 12km phase of Canberra's light rail network from Gungahlin to the city centre.

MAJOR construction works on Auckland's long-proposed 3.4km City Rail Link are set to start in 2018, two years ahead of its previous start date, after New Zealand's prime minister Mr John Key announced the government will commit to funding half of the $NZ2.5bn ($US 1.6bn) project.

THE New South Wales state Department of Transport (Transport for NSW) has invited expressions of interest for contracts to to design and construct a new light rail line in the city of Newcastle.

IN light of emerging global economic trends in competition and innovation, Australia's industries and business environment have undergone significant changes in the past seven years.

THE Queensland state government says construction of Stage 2 of the Gold Coast light rail line has moved a step closer with three previously shortlisted bidders submitting offers to the GoldLinQ consortium for construction of the extension.

FOR its January 2016 issue, International Railway Journal has forsaken its usual format for something a little different. The Railway in 2016 is a comprehensive look ahead to the trends and issues set to impact the global rail industry in 2016 and beyond through interviews and insight from leading industry figures from across the world.

AUSTRALIAN railfreight operator Aurizon has announced up to $A 240m ($US 174.5m) in anticipated write-downs for its half year results which are due in February 2016, and says it will cease all development work on its West Pilbara Iron Ore Project (WPIP) joint venture.