Inland Rail step closer

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation has confirmed the businesses that will help build a key part of the Inland Rail, bringing the massive infrastructure project another step closer.

Brisbane-based joint venture BHQ is in charge of civil works for more than 160km of rail line from Yelarbon at the NSW/Queensland border to Gowrie Junction near Toowoomba.

ARTC Inland Rail interim chief executive Rebecca Pickering said an estimated 950 workers would be required at the height of construction.

“Major construction will not start until statutory approvals have been received from the Queensland and Australian governments, but with the appointment of a preferred proponent now tells local businesses to get Inland Rail ready,” she said.

“BHQ will initially be working with ARTC to review reference design and develop construction plans and methodologies ahead of the development of a fully costed proposal for the first of the works packages next year.”

The joint venture in charge of the works is made up of Bielby Holdings Pty Ltd, JF Hull Holdings Pty Ltd and QH&M Birt Pty Ltd.

Bielby Holdings managing director Adam Edwards said the agreement allowed the joint venture to start engaging with a range of local businesses.

“As three proudly Queensland owned businesses, we have a 40-year history of working together on a collaborative basis to deliver exceptional outcomes for both our clients and the communities in which we operate,” he said.

“We are excited by the opportunity to continue this tradition, and we look forward to working with both ARTC and the various stakeholders in the region on this nation building project.”

The announcement comes just days after business leaders expressed concerns about the progress of the $15 billion freight line in the Darling Downs.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said earlier this week the freight route was “absolutely set” despite a Labor-led Senate committee calling for the business case to be reviewed and issues on the Condamine flood plain to be addressed.

Groom MP Garth Hamilton said the announcement was “a great win for Toowoomba”.

“Despite conjecture about the route, we saw the project’s potential and gave it the last nudge to get it over the line,” Mr Hamilton said.

“It’s right the remaining challenges are dealt with in the detailed design phase.”