Final work contracts are expected to be awarded starting this month for the completion of the $252 million re-railing project between Adelaide and Tarcoola in South Australia – a project that will provide a long-term freight productivity boost as well as create jobs for the State.
“As many as 180 workers have been employed on the project so far, with many of these located in regional South Australia, such as Whyalla and Port Augusta.
“The main re-railing work is already done and dusted, paving the way for finishing works such as replacing wooden sleepers with new concrete ones to complete the project,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
According to Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, this project will greatly improve the efficiency and productivity of freight movement between Eastern and Western Australia and get goods to local and international markets quicker.
“Re-railing this key section of the national rail network will allow heavier, more efficient freight trains to safely operate at faster speeds.
“With some of the final tenders for remaining works to be signed as soon as next month, South Australia and the entire national supply chain will reap the benefits of the improved track,” Minister Cormann said.
Local steel manufacturing has benefitted from this project, with about 70,000 tonnes of Australian-made steel from Liberty’s Whyalla plant produced for this vital rail upgrade. This will also provide a significant boost for the broader South Australian economy with more jobs and investments bringing in more cash flow across local goods and services.
“The investment in staff and skills on this project ensured Liberty was able to secure further contracts with the ARTC to deliver steel rail to the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Program and the Goulburn to Sydney re-railing program.
“This highlights just how large-scale infrastructure projects such as this can be a significant catalyst for further economic growth, creating jobs and giving businesses the boost they need to upskill and employ more people, encouraging local investment,” Federal member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said.
This $252 million project involves replacing about 600 kilometres of standard gauge rail track between Adelaide and Tarcoola with stronger 60-kilogram-per-metre rail to allow 25-tonne axle load limits.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)