Inland Rail Steaming into the Moree Plains - $693 Million Construction Contract Awarded

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has awarded the $693 million construction contract for the next section of Inland Rail, with Trans4m Rail announced as the Tier 1 Contractor for Phase 1 of the Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, welcomed the news that ARTC had signed the contract with Trans4m Rail, a joint-venture between John Holland and SEE Civil, as it represents a significant milestone for Inland Rail.

“Inland Rail is going to change the freight task in Australia and in doing so will create opportunity in regional Australia with unprecedented investment and job creation,” Mr McCormack said.

“This $693.8 million contract with Trans4m Rail, along with the delivery of almost 25,000 tonnes of steel over the past 18 months, puts us closer to construction and the benefits of Inland Rail in North West NSW.”

Trans4m Rail will deliver construction of the first phase of work on the Narrabri to North Star project, which involves the upgrade of the existing 171km rail line between Narrabri and North Star.

The announcement was welcomed by Moree Plains Shire Council, with Mayor Katrina Humphries acknowledging that Trans4M Rail’s appointment will bring widespread flow-on effects through the local Moree Plains economy.

“With most of Trans4M Rail’s workforce to be accommodated here in Moree, there is a once in a life time opportunity for many different businesses to cater for our influx of Inland Rail personnel as well as keeping our Tourists happy too,” said Mayor Humphries.

“We are also really excited that Trans4M Rail is committed to employing local people and engaging with local businesses and suppliers. During the Parkes to Narromine construction, over $109.7million was spent with local businesses and 762 local residents worked on the project.

“This is all ahead of us.  I can’t imagine a better way for the Moree Plains to show the world we are open for business!”

With construction to commence shortly, Council’s Regional Activation Unit Manager Mark Connolly agreed that the project was going to be a key driver of employment and investment into the Plains.

“Our local producers have been crying out for many seasons for this upgrade to take place to provide them with better and quicker freight access.

“While the works will provide immediate benefits for the local ag sector, this project is so much bigger for us. With the Moree Special Activation Precinct, we are already seeing plenty of investment opportunities canvassed for the Moree Plains because of our key place on the Inland Rail and the unique characteristics of our area.

For more information on Inland Rail and the Narrabri to North Star project visit www.InlandRail.gov.au.

Photo caption: General Manager Lester Rodgers, Jon Holmes, David Lightfoot, Daniel Boyce, Brendan Lane, Jodie Grant, Wayne Window, Tim Hale, Mark Connolly, Mayor Katrina Humphries