19 October 2018 – Tasked with overseeing the construction of the nation’s $8 billion inland rail project, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has this week awarded INLink a $300 million contract for the construction of the first section of the project between Parkes and Narromine in NSW.
INLink, a joint venture between Fulton Hogan and BMD Constructions will support the Parkes to Narromine section which comprises of 98.4 kilometres of existing rail track with 5.3 kilometres of new rail to be built near Parkes. According to ARTC the majority of the work will be a full rebuild of the rail tracks, rail formation and supporting structures in the existing rail corridor.
The Parkes to Narromine work is expected to create more than 200 jobs with Inland Rail Chief Executive Officer Richard Wankmuller saying that the ARTC and INLink are determined to engage with local communities and work in partnership with the private sector to deliver a project that was faster, straighter and safer to the benefit of regions and the national economy.
“Inland Rail is securing jobs in regional Australia and our cities. Not only will there be opportunities for businesses in the area to participate in delivering segments of work associated with construction, there will also be a positive flow-on effect for enterprises from motels, retailers, cafes and restaurants through to a range of service providers who will reap the benefits of the project.
“This is just the beginning job-wise. Inland Rail is gathering momentum each day and is delivering on its great potential,” said Mr Wankmuller.
INLink Project Director Steve Emery said the joint venture has already started canvassing local businesses to identify potential suppliers.
“We have had very positive responses from the community so far with more than 200 EOI registrations from local companies, partnerships and sole traders and we have been working with them throughout the entire process to understand the kind of variable skills and opportunities to price work that is available.
“We are looking forward to securing the right people and businesses who have the capacity, skills and experience to deliver the work on-time, on-budget and with minimal disruption to the community,” said Mr Emery.
Construction will start in Parkes on the Broken Hill railway line near Cooper Road level crossing. Construction work will then progress north towards Narwonah, south of Narromine.
