Addressing Workforce Challenges at Aurizon’s Freight Terminal in Alice Springs

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) Engagement Managers Carly Grigg and David Forbes recently visited Aurizon’s Freight Terminal – Bulk Central in Alice Springs to gain insights into the workforce challenges impacting the Rail sector. Operating seven days a week, with two train services per day except on Mondays, the terminal plays a crucial role in ensuring freight deliveries across the Northern Territory. It also serves as a key connection point linking Aurizon to all Australian mainland capital cities by rail.

During the visit, Nathan Botterill, Regional Operations Leader, highlighted some of the workforce challenges facing the site. Attracting suitable candidates, even for entry-level roles, remains a significant hurdle. One of the key issues is ensuring that new recruits understand the demands of the job before they start. To address this, Aurizon is implementing more informative recruitment strategies to improve workforce retention and engagement.

Another critical challenge is the lack of training providers and qualified trainers in remote areas. While Aurizon is committed to training and upskilling its staff, the limited availability of training resources makes it difficult to develop the workforce locally. This challenge reflects broader concerns across the transport and logistics industry, particularly in regional and remote areas.

The visit also coincided with a stop from The Ghan, providing a moment of excitement, they had to settle for a photo opportunity instead of a ride.

Have your Say
ISA is currently seeking feedback on the 2025 Draft Workforce Plan. Have your say and help shape a stronger workforce: Draft 2025 Workforce Plans