Companies on the fast track for rail

BUSINESSES from Spain, Singapore and South Korea are vying to build or lend assistance to the state and federal governments to deliver the $4bn Geelong fast rail project.

Fast rail will cut travel time between Geelong and Melbourne to 50 minutes with the project expected to start in 2023 subject to planning and approvals.

The project will return Geelong trains to the Werribee corridor with an express section of track between Werribee and Laverton to allow services to run up to 160km/h.

Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said more than 70 international, national and local organisations had flagged interest in “building or financing” stage one.

“This early market sounding is really important for projects of this scale, providing a level of confidence when the time comes to competitively procure contractors and seek out suppliers for potential partnerships,” Ms Allan said.

“More than 2800 jobs are expected to be supported through the first stage of Geelong fast rail, which will help to give Victoria’s fastest-growing regional city the better rail service it deserves.”

Organisations that have registered in the market sounding process include those in construction, engineering, rail systems, architecture and finance. Companies include those based Geelong, Melbourne, interstate, and in Spain, Singapore and South Korea.

The project is expected to be put to market next year. When complete it is proposed six trains an hour would run between Geelong and Melbourne with three to run express on the Werribee corridor and three on the existing Wyndham Vale corridor.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said the “muchneeded” project would involve significant infrastructure upgrades.

“Our government is committing $2bn to help kickstart this muchneeded project, which will deliver more frequent and faster rail services,” Mr Fletcher said.

The state government has also allocated $2bn to the project.

Soil testing and drilling is expected to start this year. Rail Projects Victoria is to consult on scope, timing and cost.