ARTC awards $143 million Inland Rail sleeper supply contract to Austrak
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has awarded a contract for the supply of more than 1.3 million concrete sleepers for Inland Rail projects to Austrak.
February 4, 2022
The $143 million agreement between the ARTC and Austrak will see the delivery of 695,000 standard gauge sleepers for projects in New South Wales and 615,000 dual gauge for projects in Queensland.
ARTC Inland Rail Interim Chief Executive Rebecca Pickering said the contract was a concrete commitment to Inland Rail’s delivery, which will be a catalyst for regional employment and economic opportunity.
“Inland Rail is a game changer for regional Australia. It will transform how we move goods around Australia, better link businesses to markets and generate new opportunities for industries and regions,” Mrs Pickering said.
“We’ve already committed more than 700 contracts to businesses in both Queensland and New South Wales with a committed value of $2.3 billion across the two states, and this agreement will create even more economic stimulus as the country recovers from the impacts of the pandemic,” she said.
“Austrak will employ approximately 30 people at the peak of this work – these are jobs that Inland Rail is directly supporting.
“We have already had around 225,000 sleepers delivered from Austrak for the Narrabri to North Star project currently under construction and it’s great to have them on board for the remaining projects of Inland Rail.
“Large-scale infrastructure projects such as Inland Rail are a catalyst for growth – they support jobs, give businesses the boost they need to employ more people and encourage local investment.”
Managing Director for Austrak Murray Adams said the company is delighted that ARTC Inland Rail selected Austrak for a contract of this magnitude in this important nation building project.
“This contract win means a great deal to our local communities in Rockhampton where we employ over 60 people, and in Wagga where we will employ 35 people while supporting the delivery of Inland Rail,” Mr Adams said.
“It’s our biggest ever contract and recognises the capabilities of the whole Austrak team who continually producing high quality sleepers that meet the increasing demands of our customers and underpin the increasing importance that rail will play into the future.”
Mrs Pickering said the appointment of Austrak for the delivery of sleepers will allow accelerated investment and local opportunities to regional Australia.
“Sleepers are a vital part of our work on Inland Rail and this contract with Austrak will support the delivery of a project that will join Melbourne and Brisbane with fast, reliable and cost-competitive freight rail,” she said.
“This appointment at this time also allows Austrak to maximise local jobs and procurement, and they will soon be seeking partnerships with businesses and skilled operators that can support its delivery.
“Inland Rail is far more than building a rail line – it’s about investing in our regions, completing the national freight rail network, and making our roads safer for all.”
For information on Inland Rail tenders and market opportunities or to register your interest on the ICN Gateway, visit inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/suppliers
IMAGE: Sleeper inspection at Austrak. with Murray Adams, Managing Director, Rebecca Pickering Interim CE ARTC Inland Rail, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Michelle Landry MP, Colin Boyce and Senator Matt Canavan at the Rockhampton site
