Contractor confirmed for $300M Inland Rail construction

The $300 million construction contract to deliver the first section of Inland Rail has been awarded to a joint venture.

BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan trading as INLink will construct the first 1700 kilometres of rail line for the project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government is excited to see preparation for construction on this project, and eager to see the jobs and opportunities it will deliver for regional Australia.

“Inland Rail is a transformational freight rail line and we’re already seeing millions of dollars in Federal Government investment making a difference to communities,” Mr McCormack said.

“Earlier this year we saw 14,000 tonnes of steel rail from Whyalla delivered and concrete sleepers from the Southern Highlands have been arriving every week since April, with almost 100,000 delivered so far.

“This year the Federal Government has signed bilateral agreements with New South Wales and Victoria, and we are seeing the benefits already flowing in those states. We are working with the Queensland Government to finalise a bilateral agreement and realise the significant benefits which will flow to Queensland.”

Minister for Finance and the Public Service Mathias Cormann said that the commencement of construction is the next step in the Federal Government addressing Australia’s long-term freight challenges and boosting metropolitan and regional economies.

“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. 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,” Mr Cormann said.

Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Federal Government is working with the Australian Rail Track Corporation to help local communities and small businesses take advantage of the employment and economic opportunities of the project.

“A Federal 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,” he said.