The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and INLink are calling on expressions of interest (EOIs) from local suppliers for construction works on the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail line, following recent industry briefings on the project.
The industry sessions were held in Parkes, Narromine and Dubbo and conducted by the preferred construction contractor INLink, a joint venture with BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan. Over 400 local companies reportedly attended.
ARTC’s NSW senior project manager for Inland Rail Mark Stevens said both ARTC and INLink would strive to ensure abundant opportunities are available for suppliers and regional businesses in the area.
“We expect over 200 people to be employed to construct the Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail. In addition, a broad range of services will be required which we hope to procure locally as much as possible, including but not limited to concrete supply services, transportation, fencing, earthmoving, drainage, electrical works, concrete works, security and water bore drilling. The list is extensive,” Stevens said.
The 106-kilometre Parkes to Narromine section is to utilise existing ARTC operated track. It will undergo extensive upgrades, including the replacement of bridges and culverts, enhanced level-crossings and three new crossing loops at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly. A new 5-kilometre long connection to the Broken Hill line west of Parkes is also to be constructed.
Stevens said that registering an EOI for services on the Parkes to Narromine section with INLink will not preclude companies bidding for work on other sections of the Inland Rail project.
“There will be many more opportunities as Inland Rail progresses, so we encourage local businesses of all shapes and sizes to submit their details,” he said.
INLink’s project director Steve Emery said that the company was looking for businesses that could deliver works on-time, on-budget and with minimal disruption to the community.
“It doesn’t matter what sort of services you are able to offer; if you are a company, a partnership or a sole trader, it is crucial that INLink hear from you,” Emery said.
“The key aim is to maximise participation for local companies, businesses and job seekers in the area, so it is important that we have as much information as possible about the skills and experience available from the local area.”
Registrations for EOIs are to be made by Friday 31 August 2018. Once an EOI has been registered in the procurement system, bidders will be contacted when a request for pricing (RFP) related to their particular business service is issued from INLink.