The world is coming to build the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project |
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| Posted by editor (editor) on Mar 19 2010 |
| 2010 >> |
Six consortiums from Australia and overseas are vying to build the first stage of the Gold Coast’s $943 billion light rail system, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said today. The Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project Team are busily sifting through thousands of pages of documents from bidders after submissions for the project closed last week. “The submissions are from a range of international light-rail operators, Australian and international financiers, vehicle builders and construction companies,” Ms Nolan said.
“Historically major Queensland projects calling for Expressions of Interest attract between two and four submissions.
“The fact six consortia want to work with the Queensland Government highlights the significance of this project.”
Bidders include a number of respected international companies from Canada, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Scotland, Singapore and Spain along with a strong contingent of Australian based companies from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
“The Queensland Government is seeking a long term partner with the right mix of experience, vision and innovation to operate, maintain and construct a modern high capacity light rail public transport system for Australia’s sixth largest city,” Ms Nolan said.
Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said the successful bidder for the Operator Franchise will need staff to run and maintain the system, bringing a new long term employer to the city.
“The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project will become a vital part of the city’s public transport network well into the future and will be seen as an iconic feature of one of Australia’s most loved cities,“ Mayor Clarke said.
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor, Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said the level of interest from these multi national companies wanting to build and run Queensland’s first light rail system shows significant confidence in the Gold Coast as an investment hub. “This important public transport project is one of national significance and will deliver on the government’s promise to generate thousands of jobs and add hundreds of millions of dollars to the Gold Coast economy,” the MPs said. The Expressions of Interest will be evaluated by the project in the coming months before Government announces a shortlist of companies who will progress to the detailed bid phase.
Stage One of the 13 kilometre light rail corridor linking the Gold Coast University Hospital at Southport to Broadbeach is scheduled to begin operations in 2014. Gold Coast Rapid Transit bidders:
Ansaldo STS - Italy
SMRT - Singapore
Mitsui - Japan
MTR Corporation - Hong Kong
ITOCHU - Japan
Veolia – a conglomerate of Australian, French, Canadian, Spanish and Japanese companiesLast changed: Mar 19 2010 at 11:22 AM
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