Martinus Rail and Inland Rail have met with local communities and organisations to discuss operations to deliver the 570-kilometre rail corridor component of the project linking Narromine in New South Wales and Gowrie in Queensland, which Martinus won the contract for in December.
ARTC Inland Rail Director Delivery (Southern), Paul Giess, said more than 115 people and 68 organisations attended a ‘Meet the Contractor’ event with Martinus Rail last week.
“It was fantastic to see a strong presence from local businesses. We had suppliers from Narromine, Dubbo, Gilgandra and further afield who came along and were keen to find out how they could get involved with this once in a lifetime project,” he said.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring that these regional towns reap the jobs and economic benefits that come with building an infrastructure project as huge as Inland Rail.
“Inland Rail is expected to support 7,500 jobs in New South Wales at the peak of construction and boost Gross State Product by $3.4 billion over construction and the first 50 years of operation.
“We’ve already committed 745 contracts worth over $580 million to NSW-based businesses and this number is expected to grow sharply as we start to sub-contract for the Narromine to Narrabri section.
“We’re eagerly encouraging businesses who could contribute to the project to come forward and register their interest with ICN Gateway. We want the benefits of Inland Rail to be felt far and wide within our regions.”
Martinus Rail Chief Operating Officer Ryan Baden said events like these offered a better understanding of the local supply capabilities and needs.
“There is a real sense of enthusiasm and commitment from the local community and businesses to get involved,” he said.
“As an Australian-owned rail contractor, we understand the importance of working with the local communities and supporting local businesses. We intimately understand the benefits of working with local businesses and manufacturers and will be adopting this approach on the Inland Rail – Rail Corridor Program.
“We are thrilled to be involved in this once-in-a-generation project that will unlock various opportunities for local businesses, communities and provide local economic prosperity by connecting thriving regional areas to the rest of the world.”
The 306-kilometre greenfield Narromine to Narrabri section is anticipated to commence construction later this year pending relevant approvals.
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Inland Rail contract for Martinus