Meet the team – Steve Smith

Tell us a bit about your professional background

I have had many years’ experience in rail and construction. I’ve been with ARTC since 2004, but prior to that I was a construction manager for New South Wales Country resources delivering major work programs across the state. This included working on the Sydney to Melbourne rail corridor, the Port Botany upgrade, the Sydney Freight Line and the Ballast Rehabilitation Program in Victoria and NSW.

Why did you decide to join Inland Rail?

I wanted to be involved in the biggest freight rail project currently under construction. Over the past 20-plus years I’ve built solid working relationships across the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes corridors and this will benefit the project.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of working on this project?

I only joined in September last year, and I’ve already seen the passion shown by the team for the project through their willingness to work together through these challenging times with COVID restrictions often keeping them separated.

What can the community expect to see in coming months?

Outside of releasing our EIS & REFs for public exhibition, we have minor survey working in the Forbes area over the next several months.

What do you like doing in your time off?

I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling within Australia (love Cairns) and, of course, supporting my NRL St-George-Illawarra Dragons.

IMAGE: Steve Smith working with one of the contractors welding on the ARTC Corridor Interstate Rerailing in the North Coast, Coffs Harbour area.