$5.5bn Western Distributor guarantees 89% local content

Victorian Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan today announced that the Western Distributor Project will have a minimum of 89 per cent local content, supporting Victorian businesses and jobs during the design and construction of the $5.5 billion second river crossing.  Minister Donnellan confirmed the minimum local content requirement will include the tunnel, road and elevated structure works. 

“We’re creating 5,600 jobs during construction of the second river crossing and thousands more jobs for local businesses," said Donnellan. 

“Both small and big businesses will benefit: from the suppliers of the concrete and steel needed for construction, right through to cleaning and catering companies to support the project’s staff facilities.”

“We’re providing opportunities for construction apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets to work on Victoria’s major projects.” 

The project will require 82 per cent in the in the supply and installation of the electronic Lane Use Management System, and constructors will be required to maximise the use of local steel.

Apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets will also receive more job opportunities with at least 10 percent of hours worked allocated to young Victorians. 

Suppliers are encouraged to register their industry on the ICN website to benefit from the industry participation boost to the Victorian economy. 

In late June 2016, three consortia were shortlisted to bid for the Western Distributor project, including: 

• John Holland and CPB Contractors 
• Lend Lease Engineering and Bouygues Construction 
• An international consortium of Salini Impregilo, Fluor Australia and Lane Worldwide Infrastructure.

Now armed with the reference design, the three bidders will compete to win the design and construction contract which will be awarded in late 2017.