The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has adopted a new procurement plan for Inland Rail project which is expected to accelerate the benefits to business and regional communities.
The model allows the activation of the procurement process earlier and shorter the procurement periods in a more collaborative industry environment.
The new concept is in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to fast-track investment in critical infrastructure projects and is in response to the industry feedback.
The “industry has clearly sent a message that Inland Rail needs to work more closely with project proponents to accelerate project tenders, maximise opportunities to participate and de-risk procurement processes. Doing so will deliver the greatest benefit for government, industry and small and medium regional businesses,” Richard Wankmuller, the CEO for the Inland Rail Programme said.
The Inland Rail project has delivered more than AUD 1 billion (USD 718.5 million) of contracts across Australia and the plan is focused on delivering sustainable employment to regional areas.
The Chief Executive of the Australian Contractors Association Jon Davies has welcomed the ARTC’s procurement plan for Inland Rail which will create new opportunities for the industry. “It has never been more important for industry and clients to work together collaboratively in order to efficiently deliver projects and leverage their social and economic benefits,”Jon Davies said.
Inland Rail has provided an industry briefing to communicate the market opportunities this plan will present for seven projects and is seeking Registrations of Interest (ROI) from suitably qualified and experienced contractors to deliver rail works as part of the new procurement package.
The new railway corridor will link Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland on a 1,700 km rail system that will ensure efficient and fast rail freight transport servicers between Melbourne and Brisbane. With a freight transit time of less than 24 hours, Inland Rail will better link businesses, manufacturers and producers to national and global markets and generate new opportunities for industries and regions.
Recently, the construction and modernisation works for the first section of Inland Rail were completed.
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