With a career spanning decades in the rail industry, Chris has seen firsthand how the sector has evolved. From its roots in traditional state-owned operations to today’s dynamic, technology-driven landscape, his journey reflects a deep commitment to both technical excellence and practical delivery. As a leader, Chris brings a rare blend of operational insight, strategic vision, and a passion for mentoring the next generation. In doing so, he’s helping shape the future of rail in Australia and beyond.
Can you share your career journey and how the rail industry evolved since you first started?
I started my rail career with Queensland Rail, joining not long after university. At the time, most entry points into the industry were through state-owned operators, and career paths were fairly traditional. QR was my second job, and it offered me a solid foundation in the sector.
A few years in, I was given the opportunity to lead a major internal re-construction project. It was a formative experience. I built and developed a team, documented processes, and ultimately merged several groups to increase delivery capability. Most of our work focused on track renewals and upgrades, with only a small portion involving new construction. Looking back, this period gave me a strong appreciation for both the technical and human aspects of delivery.
Since then, the rail industry has changed significantly. There’s been a resurgence in rail investment, with a stronger focus on new construction projects. Because many operators don’t have the in-house flexibility or capacity to scale quickly, we’ve seen a greater reliance on contract resources and specialist skills, especially in track and systems.
At the same time, the modernisation of health and safety regulations and the increasing complexity of projects have driven a sharper focus on planning, assurance, and project management. This has further increased the role of consultants in the industry, with rail operators now more focused on core asset management, and often turn to external partners for delivery and advisory expertise.
It’s been rewarding to witness and contribute to this shift. The landscape today is more dynamic and collaborative, with new challenges but also greater opportunity for innovation and impact.
The opportunities for innovation and collaboration have never been greater.
Engineering is a field that’s constantly evolving. What emerging technologies or trends in the rail sector are you most excited about, and how do you see them shaping the future of transportation?
The rail industry is at a pivotal moment, shaped by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and the increasing demand for sustainable, connected transport. These pressures are driving a global wave of investment in rail infrastructure, where efficiency, safety, and innovation are key priorities.
Given the scale and complexity of upcoming projects, clients are increasingly looking for ‘cradle-to-grave’ expertise, they want partners who can support everything from early planning to commissioning and operations. That creates exciting opportunities for specialist consultancies like IRE to bring both technical knowledge and strategic insight to provide value across all stages of a project.
At the same time, the cost of constructing and commissioning rail infrastructure is rising. This is influenced by both rapid technology changes and the growing challenge of securing suitable land. On top of that, client priorities are often subject to shifting political and community expectations.
One area I’m particularly focused on is the evolution of signalling. It’s a complex and critical piece of the network, and while the rollout takes time, I’m hopeful that the broader community remains patient. The benefits of timely, uninterrupted and safe travel will be well worth the wait.
The future of rail is ambitious and dynamic. What excites me most is the chance to help shape that future. By applying lessons from the past while embracing the possibilities offered by technology and new ways of thinking.
Reflecting on our 20-year journey, what makes IRE’s culture unique? What do you think sets our company apart from others in the industry?
What sets IRE apart is our role as a trusted advisor to the rail industry. We don’t position ourselves as designers, yet we bring deep expertise in reviewing and assessing design work. We’re not rail operators, but our team includes professionals with extensive operational experience; people who truly understand what clients need from a practical, day-to-day perspective.
Similarly, while we don’t install or commission infrastructure ourselves, many of our people have done exactly that in previous roles. They understand the risks, the pressures, and the realities on the ground. That insight allows us to anticipate client concerns, communicate effectively, and support projects with a level of empathy and practicality that’s hard to replicate.
At the heart of IRE’s culture is our people. Without them, we wouldn’t be the company we are today. Our team brings not only experience but also genuine passion for what we do. We care deeply about the outcomes we help deliver, and that care is reflected in the quality, thoughtfulness, and integrity of everything we work on.
That blend of knowledge, passion, and commitment is what’s made our journey over the last 20 years so impactful and it will be what continues to set us apart.
We bring deep expertise and real-world insight to every project.
Where do you see the next generation of rail engineers making the biggest impact? What advice would you give them to help them succeed?
In my view, rail operators—being the ultimate decision-makers—will always need to retain a skilled internal team, particularly to manage their obligations under ONRSR and to provide oversight across operations and projects.
Engineers who develop a deep understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by rail owners will continue to be in high demand. That combination of technical skill, regulatory awareness, and operational insight is critical to ensuring both safety and efficiency across the network.
To the next generation of rail engineers, I encourage you to actively seek out new challenges and embrace a wide range of experiences. The rail industry is continually evolving, and those who stay adaptable and open to learning will be best positioned to grow and make a lasting impact.
IRE is a great place to start that journey. We offer exposure to a broad range of projects and clients, and we’re committed to helping young professionals develop both technically and strategically. It’s an environment that supports exploration, builds confidence, and encourages a strong sense of purpose in the work we do.
What do you hope to see IRE achieve in the next 20 years?
I’m confident that IRE will continue to strengthen its position as a trusted advisor to the rail industry. Looking ahead, one of our key challenges—and opportunities—will be to build and be recognised as the most capable and well-rounded rail support team in the country.
This will come from actively capturing the collective experience of our people, sharing that knowledge across the organisation, and continually building confidence in our capabilities. A culture of learning and collaboration will be critical to our success.
I also see potential in using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance how we apply lessons learned across rail projects. When combined with our deep expertise, this will position IRE as the partner of choice for rail owners delivering complex and high-impact projects.
