Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

A new, streamlined procurement process for Inland Rail will see more businesses benefit during the construction of the Australian Government’s multibillion dollar fast, reliable and cost-competitive freight rail line connecting Melbourne and Brisbane.

Charged with delivering the 1,700-kilometre Inland Rail, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has launched a new procurement and packaging plan that promises to bring benefits to business and regional communities sooner.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack welcomed the procurement initiatives implemented by the ARTC to fast-track stimulus and encourage industry collaboration.

“Inland Rail’s construction is providing a boost for local businesses and communities at a time it’s most needed,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

“By dividing this nation-building project into smaller parts, more local businesses can bid for this valuable work, contributing to Australia’s future.

“Almost $110 million was spent locally with 99 businesses engaged as supply and service providers during the construction of the first section of Inland Rail between Parkes and Narromine.

“Indigenous communities also played a role in the construction of Parkes to Narromine, with nine Indigenous-owned businesses receiving $14.1 million for their work on the project and more than 300 Indigenous people employed.”

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the new, streamlined procurement process for Inland Rail would significantly boost the opportunities for businesses to participate in the delivery of this crucial piece of freight infrastructure.

“Inland Rail connecting Melbourne to Brisbane will deliver significant freight and supply chain efficiencies for our national trading economy,” Minister Cormann said.

“Our government is committed to supporting strong and vibrant local economies along its route through the creation of local jobs, economic diversification and regional growth.”

Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government and Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said regional Australia had benefited greatly from the construction of the Parkes to Narromine section.

“The contracts delivering Inland Rail have put money in the pockets of businesses, paying salaries and employing local people during what has been challenging time for many rural workers and businesses,” Minister Coulton said.

“Construction of the Parkes to Narromine section demonstrated the wide reaching value that can be generated nationwide from Inland Rail, with contracts for the supply of steel manufactured in Whyalla, ballast and capping sourced locally in Parkes and rail clips from Blacktown.”

Businesses and industry sector representatives are encouraged to join the ARTC’s live online question and answer session today, to hear more about the streamlined procurement and packaging process for Inland Rail.

To register for the live Q&A, hear more about market opportunities or watch a presentation of the recent ARTC industry briefings visit www.inlandrail.com.au/industrybriefing.

Materials and suppliers for the completed Parkes to Narromine section of Inland Rail