Local businesses wins rail project contract

LOCAL company Maas Civil has won the first major contract for works on the new multibillion-dollar Regional Rail Maintenance Facility.

CEO Wes Maas said he was thrilled the Dubbo-based business had been awarded the tender where they are responsible for bulk earthworks ahead of major construction later in the year.

“It’s a great project, being the size it is and being local, there’s not many projects this size in our local region,” Mr Maas told Dubbo Photo News.

Mr Maas expects the first stage of the project, which is already underway, to take three to four months and provide jobs for 30 to 40 staff.

Announced earlier this week by Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole, Mr Saunders said keeping the work local would help create regional jobs and stimulate the economy.

“The Regional Rail Maintenance Facility will be a real boost for the Dubbo economy, and I look forward to other local businesses getting involved,” Mr Saunders said.

“One of the major advantages of having projects like this in our electorate is the ability to keep our workers in work, especially in the wake of prolonged drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to Mr Toole, the project is expected to generate 200 jobs during the construction phases and approximately 50 ongoing roles once it opens, including apprenticeships and traineeships.

“The $2.8 billion Regional Rail Project will create new opportunities for regional NSW businesses and suppliers such as MAAS Civil,” he said.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH Keeping work on the Regional Rail Project local will help stimulate the economy and create jobs, according to the NSW State Government. Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders, Dominic Wilson (MAAS) and roads minister Paul Toole are pictured at the construction site.