The signing of the $300 million contract for construction of the Parkes to Narromine section of the 1700-kilometre Inland Rail has federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton promoting “regional jobs and opportunities”.
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A joint-venture between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan, trading as INLink, has secured the contract for the Parkes to Narromine section, the first section of the “once-in-a-generation” Inland Rail.
Mr Coulton, Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, said the government understood the importance of creating jobs and opportunities in the regions.
“Around the Parkes electorate we are committed to helping create local jobs and opportunities through Inland Rail,” Mr Coulton said.
“This means local communities, small businesses and farmers can take advantage of the employment and economic opportunities of the project.
“We’re working with the ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) to maximise Inland Rail’s local and Indigenous employment and procurement outcomes.”
Mr Coulton said a federal government project facilitator was working with the ARTC and INLink to help businesses, communities and job-seekers benefit from the opportunities created by the project.
“Right here in the Parkes electorate there will be local opportunities for concrete supply services, transportation, fencing, earthmoving, drainage, electrical works, concrete works, security and water bore drilling,” he said.
After the signing of the contract, Minister for Finance and the Public Service Mathias Cormann said the start of construction was the next step in the federal government addressing Australia’s long-term freight challenges and boosting metropolitan and regional economies.
“In NSW alone, Inland Rail will boost the gross state product by $2.6 billion and create around 5000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and into operation,” he said.
“We are already seeing jobs for regional communities in NSW as well as complementary investment in towns along the route, such as the $50 million Parkes National Logistics Hub.”