WSP Australia appointed for preliminary works on Inland Rail in Southern NSW
Engineering firm WSP Australia has been appointed to deliver the reference design and accompanying primary approvals documentation for the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes projects of Inland Rail.
October 23, 2020
Project Director Melvyn Maylin said WSP Australia will bring substantial experience in major infrastructure investigation and design to Inland Rail.
“This is an important step in progressing these two enhancement projects in Southern New South Wales,” said Mr Maylin.
“A range of investigations will be delivered under the new contract, including ecological and geotechnical surveying, as well as scrutiny of impacts to cultural heritage, noise, air quality and utilities.
“The benefits of combining the two Inland Rail projects into the same service provider package is that both sections are enhancement projects in existing rail corridors, rather than new construction.
“By nature, they are similar types of work and this approach will lead to cost effective and efficient project delivery.
“The Albury to Illabo section has been classified State Significant Infrastructure by the NSW Government, and is currently in the process of an Environmental Impact Statement approvals pathway.
“As for the Stockinbingal to Parkes project, the environmental assessment will be through four Review of Environmental Factors (REFs).”
Mr Maylin said a recent EY report reinforces how Inland Rail will better link the regions around the Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes projects to national and global markets and generate new opportunities for producers and industry.
“The EY report predicts the Southern New South Wales Region will benefit from a boost of an additional $3-3.8 billion in Gross Regional Product throughout Inland Rail’s first 50 years of operation,” he said.
“The report also shows an expected increase in supply chain efficiencies and additional investment opportunities in specific industries including food and fibre manufacturing, distribution and logistics hubs and expanded airports.
“This is especially good news for city centres like Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga, which will act as hubs for surrounding regional industry when Inland Rail is operational, through their strategic locations between Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.”
Procurement of construction contractors will follow completion of reference design and planning approvals. We expect to tender for first packages of work for the Stockinbingal to Parkes project in late 2021.
For information about the Inland Rail in Southern New South Wales, visit the Inland Rail projects website.
ENDS
Media contact: Nicholas Adermann | Mobile 0407 808 016
October 23, 2020
