Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has released the design and construct tender for the Cabramatta Loop Project, which will play an important role in meeting Sydney’s future freight demand.  

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project involved constructing and operating a passing loop on the eastern side of the Southern Sydney Freight Line between Cabramatta and Warwick Farm stations to allow trains to pass at a key juncture.

“This transformative project will help increase the share of freight moved by rail in New South Wales and create up to 220 jobs during the construction phase which is scheduled to start in 2021,” Mr McCormack said.

“Downer EDI, Fulton Hogan and John Holland Group have been shortlisted for the design and construction work for the Cabramatta Loop, which will help accommodate the expected increase in containers moved by rail to and from Port Botany on the Southern Sydney Freight Line.

“The Morrison-McCormack Government has committed $400 million to the Port Botany Rail Line Duplication and Cabramatta Loop projects, which will increase rail freight productivity through Port Botany.

“The Cabramatta Loop will aid the national supply chain by building upon the benefits of other capacity improvements across the ARTC network and by enabling freight trains up to 1,300 metres long – travelling in either direction – to pass each other.

“The increase in rail capacity will create greater reliability for freight customers and improve operational efficiency and flexibility.

Rail is playing a critical role in our $110 billion infrastructure plan, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the delivery of the Cabramatta Loop was important to meeting the freight demands of Sydney as well as linking our regions with one of Australia’s largest ports.

“Australia’s freight flows are set to experience significant growth over the coming decades and demand for further capacity on the Southern Sydney Freight Line is expected by the mid-2020s,” Minister Birmingham said.

“This is part of the Australian Government’s investment to increase the safety and efficiency of the national freight network to ensure Australian businesses remain globally competitive and deliver their products to markets in Australia and overseas with more ease.”