Freight Rail

Contract signed with INLink JV for Parkes-Narromine Inland Rail

Freight rail track - stock - credit Shutterstock (8)

A $300 million construction contract has been signed for the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project, the first section to be built for the 1,700-kilometre freight rail line.

A joint-venture between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan, called INLink, has been selected as the construction contractor for the Parkes to Narromine section.

INLink was named the preferred bidder for the contract in July.

Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and federal member for Parkes Mark Coulton said that the federal government was working with the ARTC and INLink to create local jobs and opportunities for local businesses to work on the project.

“An Australian government project facilitator is working with the ARTC and INLink to open the door for local businesses, communities and job-seekers on the ground to get on board with the opportunities this project presents,” Coulton said.

“Right here in the Parkes electorate there will be local opportunities for concrete supply services, transportation, fencing, earthmoving, drainage, electrical works, concrete works, security and water bore drilling.”

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.

Federal finance minister Mathias Cormann said that, with the beginning of construction works, Australia was closer to addressing its long-term freight challenges.

“In New South Wales alone Inland Rail will boost the Gross State Product by $2.6 billion and create around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and into operation,” Cormann said.

“We are already seeing jobs for regional communities in New South Wales as well as complementary investment in towns along the route, such as the $50 million Parkes National Logistics Hub.”