The NSW government has awarded the first major contract for work on the Regional Rail Maintenance Facility, in Dubbo to local business MAAS Civil.
MAAS Civil will be responsible for bulk earthworks to prepare the site for construction when it begins later in 2020.
The maintenance facility is being delivered by CPB Contractors as part of the Momentum Trains consortium, which was awarded the control to deliver the Regional Rail Project, including the rollingstock and ongoing maintenance.
The project aims to support local economies in Dubbo, said local MP Dugald Saunders.
“The Regional Rail Maintenance Facility will be a real boost for the Dubbo economy and I look forward to other local businesses getting involved.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole highlighted the breadth of opportunities from the project.
“The $2.8 billion Regional Rail Project will create new opportunities for regional NSW businesses and suppliers such as MAAS Civil,’ he said.
“The maintenance facility is expected to generate around 200 jobs during the construction phase and approximately 50 ongoing jobs when it opens, including apprenticeships and traineeships.”
Saunders also announced the release of a Business Support Catalogue, which provides information about programs that can enable SMEs to build capability, capacity, and develop their employees’ skills.
“We want to ensure regional businesses become long term beneficiaries,” said Saunders.
Once complete, the maintenance facility will support the new regional rail fleet, which includes 29 new trains, made up of 10 regional intercity, 9 short regional, and 10 long regional trains. The first trains are expected to run from 2023.
The trains are the first in Australia to use bi-mode technology, where they will use electric power when the track is electrified and diesel outside of that. Spanish manufacturer CAF will build and supply the trains, while UGL will provide maintenance.