THE state government of Western Australia has confirmed it is forging ahead with plans for an 8.5km link between the existing Perth suburban station at Midland and Perth Airport, despite previous uncertainty over funding.

PACIFIC National, Australia, has taken delivery of the first two of seven multi-engine N-ViroMotive locomotives from National Railway Equipment Company (NREC), United States.

ADANI Mining, the Australian mining subsidiary of India's Adani Group, has signed a binding agreement with Posco E&C, Korea, to develop a 388km heavy-haul line linking its new Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin with the port of Abbot Point.

PUBLIC services began operating on the first phase of the light rail network in Gold Coast, Australia, on July 20, when thousands of passengers enjoyed a day of free rides the 13km 14-station route from Gold Coast University Hospital to Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

CO-OPERATIVE Bulk Handling Group (CBH), Western Australia, has awarded a contract to Wi-Tronix, United States, to equip its locomotive fleet with a remote monitoring and hosting system.

AUSTRALIAN railfreight operator Aurizon says that as a direct consequence of current market conditions, and the longer-term outlook in the global and domestic resources sector, it has suspended its involvement in two coal terminal projects under development in Queensland.

PROGRESS Rail Services announced on July 1 2014 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the track business of Pacific Rail Engineering (PRE), Australia, for an undisclosed sum.

THE Australian state of New South Wales has announced that the Northwest Rapid Transit consortium has been selected as the preferred operator for the $A 8.3bn ($US 7.79bn) North West Rail Link in Sydney.

THE government of the Australian state of New South Wales has committed $A 9bn ($US 8.35bn) to current and future heavy and light rail projects in its 2014-15 budget, including more than $A 1.5bn this year.

THE New South Wales (NSW) state government has announced that Australia's largest city Sydney will see the expansion of the planned 'metro' concept to include the city centre and western suburbs to cope with demand for rail services which is forecast to increase by 50% or more over the next 20 years.