BMD secures contract for Stage 1 works on $128m Port to REZ Program

The first stage of the $128.5 million Port to REZ Program will soon begin construction with the New South Wales Government awarding the contract to deliver the project to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd. 

Works will start within weeks on road upgrades that will pave the way for the State’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZ). 

The Port to REZ Program is jointly funded by the State and Australian Governments, each committing $110.5 million and $18 million respectively. This significant funding will build better roads that benefit communities while also supporting the delivery of vital infrastructure and affordable renewable energy. 

“This contract marks a key milestone in delivering road upgrades from the Hunter to the Central West. 

“Renewable energy projects across the state require large components to be moved along our road network, and the upgrades to local roads will improve safety and comfort for all road users,” Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said. 

“BMD is leveraging our extensive experience and performance on the Newell Highway Program Alliance for Transport for NSW. We’re known for our willingness to problem solve with the client and work as a collective team. Achieving mutual success is our goal, and we are excited to embark on this journey together. 

“We are committed to resourcing and programming the works efficiently to meet the critical EnergyCo milestone dates. These deadlines are essential in the larger scheme of the renewable energy transition, and we are proud to play a part in this significant effort, creating legacies for future generations,” BMD Constructions NSW/ACT Operations Manager Yiannis Stavreas said. 

The Program will involve upgrading key roads and intersections to enable the transport of oversized equipment needed to construct renewable energy projects in regional New South Wales, ultimately leaving improved roads for the entire community. 

Stage 1 will upgrade 19 locations from the Port of Newcastle to Elong Elong near Dubbo, unlocking access to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. Works will include pavement widening, drainage adjustments, construction of new turning lanes and relocation or adjustment of utilities, depending on location. 

Once completed, the upgrades will benefit all motorists by improving travel times, easing movements through intersections and boosting road safety. 

Construction will commence at several locations along the corridor, including Selwyn Street in Mayfield North, Lonsdale Street in Jerrys Plains, Vinegaroy Road in Cassilis and Barneys Reef Road in Dunedoo. 

Many upgrades are expected to be completed this year. Meanwhile, the Program will continue to investigate further works across the State. 

An interactive map of the Port to REZ Program can be found here. 

“The Port to REZ Program is an important investment in our region’s future – we are building better roads that will not only benefit the community but help deliver critical infrastructure and create local jobs. 

“The Hunter has powered the state for decades and this project will help ensure we continue to be an energy powerhouse for further decades to come,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said. 

“The appointment of a contractor to lead the work to enable the safe movement of wind and solar farm components on the road network is great news. 

“These 19 road upgrades will result in greater capacity and a safer road environment from the Port of Newcastle, through the Hunter and then into the Central West where these farms will be located. 

“The beneficiaries will be all motorists, not just those driving the oversized loads,” Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; BMD Constructions; Infrastructure Magazine