Technologies News

Marist College Ashgrove Students Explore Cross River Rail Site

Last Wednesday, a select group of Construction students from Marist College Ashgrove had the unique opportunity to tour the Cross River Rail’s (CRR) Mayne Yard Stabling Facility site at Bowen Hills. This impressive infrastructure project, led by Unity Alliance under the Rail, Integration and Systems (RIS) Alliance, is transforming Brisbane’s rail network in preparation for future population growth and the 2032 Olympic Games.

The RIS Alliance is responsible for integrating existing rail systems with new tunnels and stations. Their work includes civil and electrical upgrades, station reconstructions, rail signalling, and environmental compliance across multiple sites. The students learned that this complex operation involves over 250 workers on-site and another 350 personnel in supporting roles.

As the site is within Queensland Rail’s live rail corridor, strict safety protocols were in place for our visit. Students were required to wear full PPE, including high-visibility clothing, hard hats, leather shoes, and trousers. They were also advised to avoid wearing red or green to prevent confusion for train drivers on this live rail site.

A normal day for these workers begins with a “Pre-Start” session – a daily routine that includes sign-in, safety briefings, coordination between teams, and even group stretching exercises to promote wellbeing and efficiency. Our students also enjoyed the stretching exercises that all teams participate in each day.

Students were guided by Sigi Beschel, a Graduate Civil Engineer who shared his journey from high school to QUT and into the world of major infrastructure projects. His passion for helping people and solving complex challenges inspired many of the students.

Environmental Graduate Grace Scales and Environment Coordinator Vashishth Domadiya introduced students to the critical role of environmental management on-site. They demonstrated how water is safely removed and treated to prevent pollution of nearby Breakfast Creek. Students participated in hands-on activities, testing pH levels and turbidity to understand how sediment is separated and water reused for dust suppression.

HR graduate Emma Graham, spoke to the students about career pathways with Tier 1 contractors and offered practical advice on resume writing. She emphasised the importance of professionalism, clear communication, and a strong work ethic – qualities highly valued in the industry.

The excursion concluded with a visit to the soon-to-be-opened Exhibition Station at Brisbane Showgrounds, showcasing the scale and impact of the CRR project.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ryiah Taylor from CSQ, and the Unity Alliance team including Kahla Caspen (Training Advisor), Emma Graham (HR Graduate) and Anna Stubbings (Stakeholder and Community Relations Advisor), Tim Carlton (Senior Safety Advisor and Marist Old Boy, Class of 2006), Matt Papworth (HR Manager) and all those involved in the day for making this enriching experience possible. 

We very much look forward to the progression of the sites and future experiences with Construction Skills Queensland and Unity Alliance.