The release of a major technical advisory tender is a major momentum gathering moment for the Inland Rail project, deputy prime minister Warren Truss has said.
Truss, leader of the Nationals and minister for infrastructure and regional development, announced the Technical and Engineering Advisory Services tender on October 31.
A release from Truss’ office said the tender was “a vital link in delivering the project and shows the Government is well and truly on track”.
“Inland Rail is now very much in the planning and environmental approvals phase,” the minister said.
“The company that is chosen to deliver Technical Advisory and Engineering Services for Inland Rail will provide a team of experts to guide the engineering requirements for the project.
“This will allow the Australian Rail Track Corporation to get on with the job that I’ve charged them with – getting Inland Rail shovel ready.”
A tender briefing session will be held in Brisbane on Friday, November 13.
Australasian Railway Association chief executive Danny Broad said the advertisement of a new tender was a signal the “iconic” Inland Rail project was gaining traction.
“The rail industry has long been calling for this vital project to gain momentum,” Broad said.
“To see progress in tendering for the company which is to deliver the technical specs and engineering services for the project is certainly encouraging.”
Truss believes the Inland Rail line – between Brisbane and Melbourne via country Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria – can take 200,000 trucks off the roads each year.
The minister says the project will create up to 16,000 jobs during a 10-year construction period, and will add 600 jobs to the economy once operational.
“Inland Rail is a game-changer for Australia,” Truss said, “with regional Australia’s growth, productivity and prosperity at its core.
“Inland Rail will boost regional economic growth and drive national productivity, connecting key production areas in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with export ports across the country in the most efficient way possible.”