Feasibility design work under way as Inland Rail construction draws closer

• Feasibility design contracts awarded for the Tottenham to Illabo, and Stockinbingal to Parkes  and Narromine sections of the Inland Rail project
• These contracts, for Technical and Approvals Consultancy Services, will help progress the Tottenham to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections to the detailed design phase and, ultimately, construction
• The Australian Government committed $8.4 billion toward Inland Rail in the 2017-18 Budget

The contracts to deliver feasibility design work have been awarded for the Tottenham to Illabo, and Stockinbingal to Parkes and through to Narromine sections of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project.

The contract for the Tottenham to Illabo section has been awarded to Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd and is valued at approximately $6 million. The contract for the Stockinbingal to Parkes section has been awarded to Lycopodium Infrastructure Pty Ltd, valued at $500,000. The Parkes to Narromine section has been awarded to WSP Australia Pty Ltd and Mott MacDonald Australia Pty Ltd and is valued at approximately $10 million.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said Inland Rail would stimulate significant development, investment and innovation opportunities for many communities.

“This critical infrastructure will be the catalyst for new manufacturing and production opportunities throughout regional Australia. We are already seeing private investors making enquiries, and the Australian Government will work closely with local partners and the community to make the most of these opportunities,” Mr Chester said.

Federal Minister for Small Business and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the feasibility design works would lead on to the detailed design phase.

“This will see more contracts awarded, which will ultimately lead to construction,” Mr McCormack said.

“This means residents and local businesses can maximise the benefits of Inland Rail, including the jobs and new investment opportunities it will create.

“The detailed design stage assesses the preferred solution from feasibility design, together with any directives as a result of the EIS consultation process.

“This takes the project from the concept stage to a point where a builder can commence construction.”

The Australian Government announced an additional $8.4 billion commitment to Inland Rail in the 2017-18 Federal Budget, on top of nearly $900 million previously committed.

The Australian Government, through the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), is delivering the multi-billion dollar Inland Rail in partnership with the private sector. More information about the Inland Rail project is available at www.inlandrail.com.au