Queensland Government announces preferred contractor for $116m train stabling project
The Queensland Government last week announced that Leighton Contractors has been selected as the preferred contractor to design and construct new stabling facilities to house 75 new six-car trains at Woombye, Elimbah, Banyo and Robina from mid-2016. Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the local company won the construction contract as part of a competitive tender process for the $116 million project, which forms part of the larger $4.4 billion New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) program.
“This is part of a $4.4 billion New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) project to deliver 75 whole new trains for Queensland commuters,” Ms Trad said. “We’ll see additional train services coming online from mid-2016, and just as importantly the project will create more jobs in the local construction industry.” Ms Trad said the construction of new train stabling facilities marked an exciting new stage in the $4.4 billion rollingstock project. “Design works will commence from mid-May 2015, and construction is expected to take place between July 2015 and early-2017,” she said. “At the peak of the project, we expect around 700 construction and manufacturing jobs across a number of trades will be created. “Approximately 85 per cent of all materials for the project will also be sourced from local suppliers.” Ms Trad said the new stabling facilities would ensure Queensland Rail’s network could house the 75 new trains overnight or when not in use. “The NGR project will increase the network’s passenger train capacity by 30 per cent, but it needs to be matched with appropriate stabling capacity,” she said. “By providing additional rail stabling in more strategic locations, Queensland Rail’s network will also operate more efficiently, improving services and reducing costs.” In February last year, the Queensland Government selected the Bombardier NGR Consortium to design, build, finance and maintain 75 new trains, under a 32-year contract valued at approximately $4.4 billion.
Source: News Release, Urbanalyst, 12 May, 2015