The ARTC is talking up the economic benefits of the Inland Rail for southern Queensland.
THOUSANDS of jobs are said to be “up for grabs” as part of the Queensland public-private partnership section of the Inland Rail project.
Local and indigenous business representatives heard from the Australian Rail Track Corporation and shortlisted consortia Capstone, G2Konnect and Regionerate Rail who are bidding to build the section of Inland Rail from outside Toowoomba at Gowrie to Kagaru near Beaudesert section as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
ARTC Inland Rail director of planning Rebecca Pickering said more than 200 people attended the session at the town of Gatton in the Lockyer Valley.
“Three world-class consortia have been shortlisted to bid on the construction of the PPP section, and we expect opportunities for QLD businesses will dramatically increase when the successful proponent is announced later in the year,” Mrs Pickering said.
“The successful contractor will need the support of local businesses in various ways when construction starts.
“The information session today is the first opportunity for the local business community to hear first-hand from the shortlisted companies about their requirements for the project and what kinds of work will be coming down the pipeline.”
Mrs Pickering said Queensland would be the largest beneficiary of Inland Rail with 11,800 jobs created from construction and a $7.8 billion boost in Queensland Gross State Product.
Mrs Pickering said the Inland Rail project team was committed to using local suppliers and labour where possible.
“The PPP section has already generated jobs associated with the geotechnical investigations, cultural heritage surveys and environmental impact assessments and there are many more opportunities to come for local businesses,” she said.
“It’s not just construction work available, there are also opportunities with Inland Rail in administration, technical jobs and support services such as transportation drivers, electricians, traffic control, steel fixing, environmental and rehabilitation work, signage, security and hospitality and accommodation providers too.”