The design and construction of Inland Rail is providing stimulus to companies right across the nation with investments in services and supplies driving employment and growth in regional Australia.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has awarded a contract worth more than $30 million for signalling design and the delivery of rail safety systems for the Inland Rail project north of Illabo in New South Wales, through to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton in Queensland.
Leading global design and consultancy firm Arcadis Australia Pacific Pty Ltd is the successful company tasked with delivering the design of rail signalling systems from concept through to final commissioning for these sections.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said Inland Rail was delivering jobs, opportunities and regional resilience.
"Our Government backs regional Australia with the infrastructure and programs that will unlock the untapped potential and economic growth of our regional centres," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Investments through projects such as the transformational Inland Rail send a clear signal that regional Australia is open for business and industry is listening and acting.
"As a nationally significant project, with economic benefits that reach far beyond the rail line, the design and construction of Inland Rail provides the vital economic stimulus that Australia needs.
"Every dollar we spend on Inland Rail is another dollar injected into the Australian economy - this contract with Arcadis is one of more than 1,000 committed to date."
Local Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said that Inland Rail was bringing jobs to regional Australia.
"To design the rail signalling systems for Inland Rail, Arcadis will have regional resources in Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee to complement its central offices in Sydney and Brisbane," Minister Coulton said.
"This $30 million contract for Inland Rail signalling design will provide work for 80 Australians, with the majority of these located in New South Wales and opportunities for local people to apply for regional positions working with Arcadis over the next six years.
"Through the design and construction of Inland Rail, the Australian Government's investment in infrastructure is bringing immediate opportunities to our regions, providing work in professional and trade based sectors."
Local Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education Andrew Gee welcomed the news that towns in regional New South Wales were directly contributing to Inland Rail.
"Regional New South Wales is benefiting greatly from the design and construction of Inland Rail," Minister Gee said.
"The contracts to design and deliver Inland Rail are allowing businesses in regional New South Wales to employ local people and demonstrating the enormous capability of our regions as businesses look to the bush for their next office and opportunity for growth."
Inland Rail signalling and trackside infrastructure will be designed and delivered to integrate with the Advanced Train Management System, supporting enhanced rail safety and freight efficiency across the national network.
