There are many problems arising at the various stages of design, fabrication, assembly, installation and maintenance asset management planning that cascade down affecting the turnout performance.

The existing knowledge and skill base in the industry is declining and this contributes, at least in part, to some of the problems faced today. The remaining knowledge is more disparate and held by fewer and fewer individuals, as time passes Australia risks losing not only the knowledge that currently exists but also the opportunity to build on this knowledge in the future.

The National Rail Turnouts Workshop is the industry's opportunity to pass on the key elements of it's existing knowledge base first hand to those coming into the industry, to consolidate current know-how and retain it in a form that will ensure it is more easily passed on in the future. The 2nd annual workshop will strive to expand on the areas covered in 2008, and advance the expertise and learning of the delegates in each of the key module areas.