There are signs of life on the 17,000 kilometre Inland Rail – a massive Federal Government infrastructure project to build a rail freight corridor from Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
Politicians have talked much about Inland Rail, with big promises of more than 21,500 jobs during peak construction and an $18 billion boost to the Australian economy, but until now, there’s been limited movement on the project.
Finally, local businesses and jobseekers in regional New South Wales and Queensland are getting a much-needed shot in the arm, with tenders and job listings coming online in the coming months.
Work is kicking off along the Narrabri to North Star section and a public-private partnership (PPP) section delivering the 128km of track from Gowrie to Kagaru.
Inland Rail will need all diggers on deck from the private sector to deliver a project of this scale, which includes traversing the Great Dividing Range.
What’s in demand:
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has said the use of local suppliers is a priority.
ARTC Inland Rail Chief Executive Officer, Richard Wankmuller, said they need the right people and businesses to be involved to deliver the work on-time, on-budget and with minimal disruption.
“There will be many more opportunities as Inland Rail progresses, so we encourage local businesses of all shapes and sizes to submit their interest,” Mr Wankmuller said.
Aside from the benefits to contractors, Inland Rail also supports manufacturing jobs through the demand for materials from businesses such as quarries, concrete sleeper factories, and other major suppliers.
Click here to access the tender portal and check back often for new opportunities as works gain momentum.
