Queensland-based contractor VAC Group is reportedly challenging the NSW Government with a $4 million lawsuit over alleged issues with the Sydney CBD & South East Light Rail project.
According to multiple reports, VAC Group has filed documents in the Federal Court, alleging Transport for NSW “has engaged in conduct which is misleading and/or deceptive, or likely to mislead or deceive”.
The contractor, which is conducting trenching work for the project, is said to be seeking at least $4 million, plus damages.
It’s the latest headache for the state government over the light rail project, which appears to be significantly over budget, and is also the subject of a $1.1 billion lawsuit from major construction firm Acciona, which has alleged it was misled over its responsibilities relocating underground power infrastructure along the project route.
VAC Group’s claims appear to stem from a lack of understanding about old, underground tram tracks it would need to remove, with VAC claiming it was not given enough hours of access to construction sites to get work done.
NSW opposition leader Luke Foley said the Government could not deny the project has been mishandled.
“This is becoming the most disastrous infrastructure program delivered in NSW history,” Foley said.
“You now have a queue of companies at the door of the highest courts in the state, lined up in legal battles with the Berejiklian Government.”