The Queensland government has called on industry support for its Cross River Rail project, with premier Annastacia Palaszczuk saying that preparations were under way for the beginning of early construction works in September.
Speaking at a forum bringing together representatives from major contractors, building companies and potential suppliers, the premier restated the government’s commitment to fully fund the project.
“We are wasting no time – I have been clear that Cross River Rail is happening and that we will deliver this nation building infrastructure project,” Palaszczuk said.
“I understand that we need our industry leaders to be ready to act on our tenders and start the flow of jobs which is why we are having our first industry briefing today.”
State transport minister Jackie Trad said that the appointment of Graeme Newton as acting head of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority indicated that the government was bringing industry with it in its push to deliver the $5.4 billion rail project.
“I’m pleased to announce that Graeme Newton will be the Acting Head of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority while we embark on the search for a CEO,” the minister said.
“Graeme is perfectly placed to drive this project forward. He works for Deloitte Australia with a national focus on the delivery of large, complex and high-profile infrastructure and major capital projects. He is also a former Coordinator-General and CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.”
Newton called Cross River Rail a “flagship project” for the industry, and that, once underway, it would showcase “world-leading” design and delivery practices.
“A great amount of planning has gone before us and now is the time to flip the switch and get on with the job of building Cross River Rail,” Mr Newton said.
“The Delivery Authority is in a unique position to partner with industry to build Cross River Rail and we will look to industry and our other delivery partners to mobilise quickly so that Queenslanders can realise the benefits of Cross River Rail sooner.”