The ARTC did not have a comprehensive system in place to identify and actively manage risks associated with severe weather events that were likely to affect the safety of their rail network.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the ARTC addresses this safety issue.
In conjunction with the implementation of Operational Procedure OPP-01-05, remote weather monitoring and recording stations were commissioned on the Trans Australian Railway at Barton, Cook, Rawlinna and Zanthus on 19 December 2014. Data from these weather stations will be linked to the Early Warning Network service to provide automated alerts.
Four water flow monitors have been installed at culvert locations identified through a hydrology study of the Trans Australia Railway. Field evaluation of this equipment is being undertaken.
