AUSTRALIA: Australian Rail Track Corporation has selected the BHQ joint venture of Bielby Holdings, JF Hull Holdings and QH&M Birt as design and construction partner for the Northern Civil Works Programme, covering a 162 km section of the Inland Rail freight corridor in Queensland.
This will include the construction of 145 km of 1 435/1 067 mm dual-gauge track and upgrading 71 km of existing track from the NSW/Queensland border near Yelarbon to Gowrie Junction, northwest of Toowoomba.
BHQ will initially work with ARTC to review designs and produce a fully costed proposal.
‘Major construction will not start until statutory approvals have been received from the Queensland and Australian governments, but with the appointment of a preferred proponent now tells local businesses to get Inland Rail ready and start talking with BHQ JV about what the future looks like’, said ARTC Inland Rail Interim Chief Executive Rebecca Pickering on September 3.
ARTC Inland Rail Director of Pre-Contracts Rob Storey said ARTC had changed its procurement process last year ‘to make it more collaborative, projects smaller and less complex and provide a broader section of the industry with more opportunity to participate’.
Bielby Holdings Managing Director Adam Edwards said BHQ would now begin engaging with local businesses, community groups and indigenous residents to maximise opportunities for participation. It will also work with ARTC to enhance skills and capabilities through the Inland Rail Skills Academy and BHQ’s work-ready programme which is targeted at school leavers and other new entrants to the construction industry.
