UPDATE – 24 Feb 2016: CPB Contractors (formerly Leightons), John Holland KBR JV and Lendlease Coleman Rail JV have been shortlisted to deliver the first stage of works for the $10.9 billion Melbourne Metro rail project, for which an updated business case has just been released.
The project includes two nine-kilometre rail tunnels and five underground stations. The Victorian government said it is believed to be one of Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure projects.
The shortlist follows formal registrations of interest for design and construction of the tunnels and stations, as well as financing, operating and maintaining the infrastructure.
“The market interest we’re seeing from internationally renowned and respected construction companies both here and abroad is a huge vote of confidence in the Melbourne Metro project, and investment in Victorian infrastructure,” Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said.
The government has just released an updated business case for the Metro project, which found it is likely to deliver a direct benefit of $1.10 for every dollar invested, and $1.50 per dollar when wider economic benefits are factored in.
It will allow the train network to carry 39,000 extra passengers in the peak periods and create an estimated 4700 jobs during peak construction.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has now written to the federal government asking it to match the Victorian government’s $4.5 billion funding commitment.
In addition to federal funding, the government said it was “exploring innovative value capture opportunities with the private sector”.
Mr Andrews said that under the Turnbull Government, Victoria currently receives just nine per cent of Commonwealth infrastructure funding, despite having 25 per cent of the county’s population.
“The business case for Melbourne Metro stacks up and we’re getting on with building the transport projects that Victoria needs,” Mr Andrews said.
“Victorian tax dollars should be paying for Victorian projects. There are no more excuses – it’s time for the Prime Minister to show his commitment to public transport, and to Victoria.”