Industry briefing on Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

ALMOST 200 contractors, operators and financiers will be in Toowoomba today for an industry briefing on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss joined Minister for Industry and Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson to address industry about this key infrastructure project.

“The recent Federal Budget confirmed a contribution of up to $1.285 billion in funding, cementing the 80:20 funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and the Queensland Governments for this vital project,” Mr Truss said

“We are looking for value for money to deliver a world-class Public Private Partnership asset as part of our strong plan for a brighter future.”

Mr Macfarlane said: “Today’s briefing follows the release of the expression of interest on 4 June, which officially opened the project to the market.

“The industry briefing is an opportunity for bidders to ask questions and receive a presentation on the project’s requirements.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the state was looking to the private sector for innovation on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

“This project was one of the Queensland Government’s key infrastructure promises at the election and we are delivering,” Mr Emerson said.

“We are delighted to be working with the private sector to deliver the second range crossing and it is an added bonus to hold the industry briefing in Toowoomba.

“The industry briefing forms part of the expression of interest (EOI) process, which would result in a selection of shortlisted proponents, to be invited to the next stage of procurement.”

Expressions of Interest will close 9 July, with shortlisted proponents to be notified in August. Further information about the project is available at www.qld.gov.au/tsrc.

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss:                                    Brett Heffernan                     0467 650 020

For Mr Macfarlane:                           James O’Shea                       0439 988 829

For Mr Emerson:                              Stephanie Shield                   0418 186 625