Australian Rail Track Corp moves into new CBD office

INCREASING staff numbers have forced Australian Rail Track Corporation to seek out a new office space in Margaret St in the Toowoomba CBD.

Inland Rail director of engagement, environment and property Rebecca Pickering said the move would take place in the first half of the new year.

The current office will not accommodate the number of staff expected to join the Toowoomba project team in coming months.

“We started with two people based in Toowoomba and that number has increased to eight full-time staff,” Mrs Pickering said.

“The office is also serving as the home base for project teams operating on the Darling Downs and we are simply running out of room.

“We worked with a number of local real estate agents to find us a central location with access to a mix of free and paid parking for visitors before settling on the new location at 145 Margaret Street.

“The office is now about to undergo a fit-out and we hope to be in by March.”

Mrs Pickering said expanding ARTC’s presence in Toowoomba was essential as the Inland Rail project ramped up.

“Currently we have people out in the field working on hydrology, flora and fauna, geotechnical studies and community engagement and these numbers will continue to grow as we move towards construction,” she said.

“What we are seeing now in terms of jobs and local spending is only the beginning with around 60% of the construction expenditure for Inland Rail forecast for Queensland including more than 7000 jobs.

“We are working with the community to make sure as much as possible is spent with local companies.”

The new office will have space for more than 40 staff.