This session will feature two technical presentations:

• An overview of the Somerton Intermodal Terminal (now the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal), including its capability to receive and handle multiple 1800m trains and port shuttle operations. Presented by @ Matt Worthington from BG&E, @John Scaife from IRE and @Brian Tan from Acciona
• Insights into the ARTC Network Investment Program, including five key projects shaping the network over the next five years. Presented by @Tom Shudholz from AR

Following the presentations, attendees are invited to stay for networking drinks and finger food. This is a great opportunity to connect with industry peers and continue discussions in a relaxed setting.

The Permanent Way Institution (PWI) is a professional body dedicated to the development, education, and connection of rail industry professionals. Membership provides access to technical events, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities across Australia. In Victoria alone, four events will be held this year, offering ongoing opportunities to stay engaged with the rail community.

Presentation 1

Somerton Intermodal Terminal

Matt Worthington-Eyre is a Senior Associate – Rail within BG&E/Systra with 15 years industry experience. Having worked at BG&E for 13 years, a founding member of the rail team, he has worked on rail projects across Australia within the National Rail team including Inland Rail, numerous terminals and passenger network upgrades. Recently Matt has been the Design Manager for the Somerton Intermodal Terminal, now the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal. This state of the art $400m terminal for Intermodal Terminal Company or ITC is privately funded with the ability to receive and handle multiple 1800m trains and port shuttles. This presentation will delve into the development of the terminal. Presenting with Matt is also John Scaife, Interface Rail’s Head of Engineering, and Brian Tan, Senior Project Engineer at Acciona Rail . John has over 25 years of experience in the rail industry and is a Fellow at the Permanent Way Institute. Brian has over a combined 15 years of rail and port infrastructure development   and delivery experience and is a member of Engineers Australia . Similar project experience with port/rail freight terminal development is the recent Port of Melbourne Rail Transformation Project, Murray Basin Rail Project , Tasmania Rail  Infrastructure Investment Program and the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal.

An overview of the Somerton Intermodal Terminal (now the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal), including its capability to receive and handle multiple 1800m trains and port shuttle operations.

Presentation 2

ARTC Network Investment Program

Tom Sudholz – ARTC – Senior Project Engineer Rail Systems

• Tom is an infrastructure professional, project manager and strategist with experience in track, rail civil, signalling and service delivery across the design and delivery lifecycle. Tom is working within the Infrastructure Projects Technical Services team at ARTC, assisting in the delivery of the Network Investment Program.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is a government-owned organisation responsible for managing and operating Australia’s national rail network. It oversees more than 9,600 km of track across five states, facilitating the daily movement of over 400 freight and passenger trains.

ARTC plays a critical role in the nation’s supply chain, connecting regional industries to major cities and ports. Beyond maintaining and operating rail infrastructure, ARTC is delivering major investment programs to increase network capacity, improve reliability, and support future freight growth.

Through projects such as Inland Rail and ongoing network upgrades, ARTC is helping drive productivity, reduce road congestion, and lower carbon emissions, making rail a safer and more sustainable transport solution.