Shortlisted contractors for the 185km Albury to Illabo project and the 170km Stockinbingal to Parkes project will attend networking sessions hosted by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
Businesses interested in attending the networking sessions can pitch to John Holland, FreightConnect and Martinus Rail to win future work.
Project Director of Inland Rail (Tottenham to Narromine) Melvyn Maylin said that ARTC Inland Rail is providing new opportunities for local businesses to engage with the Inland Rail program as they progress towards construction.
“These briefings are intended to help get as many local people as possible involved with the project,” he said.
“We are inviting local businesses who are keen to be involved in Inland Rail to join us at this networking event, hear from the shortlisted contractors and meet with representatives from each organisation.
“Bookings are essential. You can register your attendance by visiting www.inlandrail.artc.com.au/a2p-meet or by emailing inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.”
ARTC is now entering a formal Request for Proposal phase to determine which contractor will be chosen to conduct the project.
The successful contractor will be required to deliver initiatives and meet targets related to industry participation, employment and workforce development with the Inland Rail team working closely with them to achieve these targets.
“We are incredibly mindful of how sizable investment can reshape regional economies in a short period of time and our focus is on ensuring that benefits flow directly to the communities on the Inland Rail alignment,” Maylin said.
ARTC is expecting to award the contract in early 2023.