ARTC did not reliably identify, monitor and analyse recurring track defects which resulted in a reduced capability to:
To be assessed pending follow up review of Decision Support Platform roll out and performance.
As a result of this event, ARTC implemented a Decision Support Platform (DSP) available across the entire ARTC network, as a centralised system for integrating and analysing asset condition data, imagery, and maintenance records. This provides a better view of asset health, degradation trends, reoccurring issues, and risk indicators, while enabling more accurate forecasting, supports programs such as resurfacing, grinding and rerailing, and strengthens evidence-based decision‑making across the network. As the platform continues to expand its data coverage and analytical capabilities, it is intended to improve ARTC’s ability to optimise asset lifecycle performance, reduce failures and deliver safer and more reliable outcomes.
ARTC provided a copy of the Decision Support Platform Training Package (April 2024) describing the functionality and operation.
ARTC established a dedicated engineering function within the interstate network asset maintenance business unit in August 2023. This function included a cohort of 8 track and civil engineers to provide technical support for ARTC provisioning centres and field staff, and each section of the interstate network. Part of this function included the monitoring of track condition and deterioration through physical presence on the AK car track monitoring vehicle, frequent review of defect data and trends – including geometry measurements, ultrasonic test results and vehicle track interaction (VTI) records.
The Decision Support Platform has been rolled out to the freight and passenger network within the last 12 months, with its ongoing usage and effectiveness to be monitored through ARTC’s risk and assurance functions, and in line with ARTC’s Enterprise Asset Management System Procedure.
ARTC has also described an enhancement in its assessment tools for identifying special locations with an increased risk of track instability. The requirements for managing these special locations are defined in the ‘Track and Civil Code of Practice – Section 6 Track Lateral Stability’ and associated procedures. ‘ETP-06-01 Managing Track Stability’ (ver. 1.1) was updated to incorporate the use of assessment tools in analysing and identifying potential special locations. An algorithm-based tool, Special Location Identification Program (SLIP), is used to identify areas that may be classified as special locations, based on criteria defined in the relevant standards.
ARTC provided ‘ETP-06-01 Managing Track Stability’ (ver. 1.1) as evidence that these improvements are incorporated in the safety management system.
Scheduled follow-up of decision support platform roll-out for September 2026.
