Inland Rail Looking for Locals to Share in $693 Million Project

With the award of the $693 million construction contract for Phase 1 of the Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail, it’s full steam ahead for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail in the Moree Plains.

ARTC and head contractor Trans4m Rail are now looking to source local plant, equipment, materials and people to support rail works, roadworks, prospective sub-contractors, suppliers and equipotent providers.

Last week, nearly 200 prospective job seekers and local businesses attended ‘Meet the Contractor’ sessions in Moree and now is the time for local suppliers to register for supply opportunities through the Project’s ICN Gateway page.

Expressions of Interest are now invited for a number of Work Packages - https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4473/inland-rail-narrabri-to-north-star-phase-1?st=projects&psid=1603931436

Moree Plains Shire Council is delighted with the response from local businesses thus far, noting that nearly 20% of registrations on the page have been from local suppliers.

Mayor Katrina Humphries issued a reminder to businesses seeking to be involved in the project, “I know I keep saying it, but this is the biggest project North West NSW has ever seen and it’s going to be based right here in the Moree Plains.

“You don’t put together a $700 million project of this scale on the back of an envelope. I would encourage all local suppliers to visit the ICN Gateway to determine which opportunities are available for their business.

“The work packages are now open and as you can imagine, there is plenty of work on offer across a number of industries. There’s everything from site cleaning and transportation services to construction-based work like pipe and culvert laying and concrete cutting.

The enthusiasm for local participation in the project is shared by both ARTC and Trans4m Rail, noting that significant expenditure made its way into local hands for the first completed section of the Inland Rail.

ARTC confirmed the approach taken on Inland Rail was to engage a major contractor for each project stage, which would then use smaller regional suppliers and businesses to source and deliver a variety of materials and services.

This approach was echoed by Trans4m Rail’s Project Director, Mr Jon Holmes confirming that “Trans4m Rail is committed to supporting local and Indigenous businesses to ensure they are prepared for, and provided with, opportunities to participate in Inland Rail.”

For further information about how to become a supplier for the Inland Rail, visit:

Trans4M Rail’s website https://www.trans4mrail.com.au/#PROCUREMENT

ICN Gateway https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4473/inland-rail-narrabri-to-north-star-phase-1?st=projects&psid=1603931436