The multi-billion dollar Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project takes another step forward towards construction with approximately $30 million in contracts already awarded for feasibility and detailed design works.
According to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, the four contracts were awarded after a competitive tender process for four sections of the Inland Rail in New South Wales and Victoria.
“These contracts will provide vital input into the Australian Government’s work to get Inland Rail construction ready.
“The consultancies will support the ongoing approvals process, environmental investigations and engineering design for each of the projects,” Mr Chester said.
Two of the four contracts were for the finalisation of the detailed design for the Parkes to Narromine and Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail, which will progress the project into the construction phase.
The other two contracts were for feasibility design works on the Tottenham to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections.
“This will see more contracts awarded, which will ultimately lead to construction. This means residents and local businesses can maximise the benefits of Inland Rail, including the jobs and new investment opportunities it will create,” Federal Minister for Small Business and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said.
The four contracts were awarded to:
Over the coming months, more contracts will be awarded for Inland Rail in New South Wales and Queensland.
“This critical infrastructure will be a launch pad to develop intermodal hubs and attract new manufacturing and production businesses to regional communities.
“Inland Rail will expand the freight network between Melbourne and Brisbane, connecting regional Australia to domestic and international markets. I am looking forward to seeing construction get underway in 2018,” Mr Chester said.
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Source: Infrastructure Magazine, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport