Businesses are invited to take part in building 130 kilometres of new dual gauge track, 11 passing loops and three rail tunnels for the Gowrie to Kagaru Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The Australian Rail Track Corporation released the Registration of Interest document for the Gowrie to Kagaru section of Inland Rail on Thursday.
The PPP will cover:
- approximately 130 kilometres of new dual gauge rail track including 11 passing loops to cater to 1,800-metre trains
- three tunnels:
- at Toowoomba Range (approximately 6.4 kilometres)
- at Little Liverpool Range (approximately 1.1 kilometres)
- at the Scenic Rim (approximately 1 kilometre)
- a number of viaducts and bridges totalling around 12 kilometres
- approximately 10 million cubic metres of cut to fill in earthworks
- a number of road-over-rail grade separations and level crossings
- new roads and realignment of local roads
- performance of maintenance services over a maintenance phase of 15 to 30 years
Inland Rail chief executive Richard Wankmuller called the PPP a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity.
“This is a program of national significance and ARTC is seeking a partner to deliver the most technically-challenging section,” Wankmuller said.
ARTC modelling suggests the PPP will add $7.3 billion to Queensland’s Gross State Product during construction and the first 50 years of operation.
It will employ an estimated 7,000 people during peak construction.
Wankmuller said a PPP model would give the ARTC access to major Australian and multi-national builders and engineers, who will harness innovative design solutions and more efficient construction methods.
“Private sector involvement in the design, build, finance and maintenance of the PPP section of the Inland Rail programme is critical,” Wankmuller said.
“There is leadership in the private sector that will deliver innovation and results. There is much we can learn from industry and the PPP will allow us to harness their energy, drive and excellence.”
Wankmuller said the RoI process would allow the ARTC to determine “the likely bidding field” while also indicating to the market the progress being made ahead of the formal Expressions of Interest opening early in 2019.
“This will allow those companies interested in the project to progress discussions with contractors, financiers and advisers,” he said.
Federal infrastructure minister and deputy PM Michael McCormack was on hand in Toowoomba to promote the benefits of the project to regions all along the Inland Rail route.
“I know in the Parkes to Narromine section, in New South Wales, that there’s a lot of small businesses which are now taking part in providing ballast, in providing dirt for the cut and fill,” McCormack told a press conference.
“We heard [about] 10 million cubic metres of cut and fill here in the Gowrie to Kagaru section.
“Back in my Riverina electorate, I know there’s a lot of small businesses which are tapping in, subcontracting to big business, which have put registrations of interest in and got the work.”