QLD section of Inland Rail expected to support 950 local jobs

Inland Rail is progressing in Queensland with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) signing a collaborative frameworks agreement with BHQ joint venture (BHQ JV). 

The joint venture is comprised of Bielby Holdings Pty Ltd, JF Hull Holdings Pty Ltd and QH&M Birt Pty Ltd. 

“Inland Rail is a fast freight backbone that will transform how goods are moved around Australia – it’s also a catalyst for regional employment and economic opportunity. 

“Queensland stands to benefit significantly from Inland Rail, with approximately two-thirds of the total project expenditure allocated for Queensland, and more than 11,800 jobs expected at the peak of construction in 2023-24. 

“We’ve already committed contracts to over 630 businesses in Queensland worth over $1.5 billion, and this agreement will bring even more stimulus to the state as it recovers from the economic impacts of the pandemic,” ARTC Inland Rail Interim Chief Executive Rebecca Pickering said. 

The appointment of BHQ JV for the Northern Civil Works Program along with environmental planning approvals will enable local businesses to “hit the ground running” once formal approvals have been granted to the project. 

Major construction work on this project will not commence until statutory approvals have been given by the Australian and Queensland Governments. However, local businesses are given the go signal to engage with BHQ JV to see what opportunities Inland Rail will provide. 

“This is an extensive program of civil works with more than 160kms of rail corridor within the Border to Gowrie section of Inland Rail, including more than 30 bridges spanning over 11 kilometres, more than 900 concrete culvert cells and the use of over 200 pieces of machinery. 

“We will also need a large local workforce to support this part of the project with an estimated 950 workers needed at the peak of construction,” Mrs Pickering said. 

ARTC will be working closely with BHQ JV to review the reference design for the project as well as develop construction plans and methodologies ahead of the development of a fully costed proposal for some of the works next year. 

The joint venture will now commence engagement with businesses and skilled operators – including transport operators, fencing, quarries, earthworks and electrical companies – that has the potential to support the delivery of the project. 

“Bielby, JF Hull and QH&M Birt are honoured to be selected by ARTC as their design and construction partner for the Northern Civil Works Program as part of the broader Inland Rail project. 

“As three proudly Queensland owned businesses, we have a 40-year history of working together on a collaborative basis to deliver exceptional outcomes for both our clients and the communities in which we operate. 

“We are excited by the opportunity to continue this tradition, and we look forward to working with both ARTC and the various stakeholders on this nation building project. 

“BHQ looks forward to working with local businesses, community groups and indigenous residents and businesses to maximise opportunities for participation on the Inland Rail project,” Bielby Holdings Managing Director and BHQ JV Spokesman Adam Edwards said. 

In addition, the joint venture is committed to build skills for future generations of Queensland workers. 

Mr Edwards added: “We will work with ARTC to enhance the skills and capabilities in the region through both the Inland Rail Skills Academy and BHQ’s own work ready program targeted at school leavers and other new entrants to the construction industry. 

“This is a significant win for local industry and unlocks continued investment in jobs, technology and local manufacturing capability in Queensland, by Queensland companies like our own.” 

Last year, ARTC announced that it is changing the procurement process for Inland Rail to make it more collaborative as well as have projects that are smaller and less complex and provide more opportunities to other sectors in the industry to participate in the delivery of Inland Rail. 

The change in the procurement process is in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to fast-track the delivery of vital infrastructure projects and is in response to feedback received from the industry. 

“We are working with BHQ to develop works packages as part of this approach, which will enable more suppliers and contractors to get Inland Rail ready. 

“This is what industry has told us they want, and it has driven our conversations with them. It will maximise opportunities to participate and de-risk procurement processes, while we engage with government on the environmental approval and detailed design for this project,” ARTC Inland Rail Director of Pre-Contracts Rob Storey said. 

The Northern Civil Works Program include: 

• 162 kilometres of rail corridor between the Border and Gowrie 

• Up to 34 bridges, more than 11 kilometres in length 

• Over 900 culverts 

• Earthworks such as cut and fill 

• • Use of machinery such as scraper, dozer, water cart, padfoot roller, compactor, grader, excavator, trucks, roller, loader, drill rig and mulcher 

Source: Australian Rail Track Corporation; Inland Rail; Roads and Infrastructure Australia