Inland rail project update: Meet the Preferred Contractor

The session was one of five sessions held this May attended by over 200 people in Coonamble, Narromine, Gilgandra, Baradine and Narrabri.

ARTC has appointed a preferred contractor for the section Narromine- to-Narrabri, ACCIONA and CPB Contractors Joint Venture (ACACPB JV) and the Rail Corridor Program preferred contractor Martinus Rail.

An ARTC spokesperson has said that the infrastruc- ture project is expected to support up to 2600 jobs across the region, engaging local job seekers, subcon- tractors, and suppliers.

“Businesses who are interested in supplying to the project are encouraged to come forward and register their interest via the ICN Gateway. Direct jobs with

inland rail contractors will be advertised as we get clos- er to construction,” the spokesperson said.

The ARTC has also said that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is considering up to 500 work- ers being housed in or near Gilgandra. However, the exact location of the accommodation will be determined following approvals of the project.

The spokesperson said that “the Narromine-to- Narrabri project is in the last stages of the EIS process. Key reports are being finalised in consultation with the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), with inland rail working towards a proposed approval late this year.”

Amendments to the EIS have included proposed drainage control areas in response to flood mitigation measures deemed necessary.

The spokesperson said that subject to approvals being received, the 306-kilometre greenfield Narromine-to-Narrabri section is anticipated to com- mence construction later this year.