A contract valued at more than $300 million has been signed, signalling that the Parkes to Narromine (P2N) section of the Inland Rail is ready to commence construction. INLink - a joint venture between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan - has been named as the contractor to deliver the first section of the 1,700-kilometre Inland Rail.
According to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the Australian Government is thrilled to see pre-construction works get underway as well as the opportunities and jobs that the project has delivered and will continue delivering to regional Australia.
“Earlier this year we saw 14,000 tonnes of steel rail from Whyalla delivered and concrete sleepers from the Southern Highlands have been arriving every week since April, with almost 100,000 delivered so far.
“This year the Australian Government has signed bilateral agreements with New South Wales and Victoria, and we are seeing the benefits already flowing in those states. We are working with the Queensland Government to finalise a bilateral agreement and realise the significant benefits which will flow to Queensland,” Mr McCormack said.
The Inland Rail development is set to address the country’s long-term freight challenges as well as help boost regional and metropolitan economies by creating a rail line that will run from Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The P2N section is one of the 13 projects that will complete the Inland Rail, and works will include:
Other works will include the construction of crossing loops at areas where trains can pass each other as well as upgrading level crossings, signalling and communications, signage, fencing, and services and utilities along the route.
The delivery of this project is overseen by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), who will ensure that local businesses, job seekers and communities will have equal opportunities to participate in this project.
“This means local communities, small businesses and farmers can take advantage of the employment and economic opportunities of the project. We’re working with the ARTC to maximise Inland Rail’s local and Indigenous employment and procurement outcomes,” Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Mark Coulton said.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Inland Rail