EOI issued for Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

IT’S full speed ahead on Toowoomba’s Second Range Crossing with a call for private construction company Expressions of Interest to be formally issued tomorrow.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Australian and Queensland governments are inviting the private sector to partner with them to deliver a world-class Public Private Partnership asset.

“After more than two decades of talking, planning and scoping, Toowoomba and surrounding district residents will be glad to see our government progress to the EOI phase in the construction for this vital infrastructure,” Mr Truss said.

Minister for Industry and Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane said the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing was the largest Australian Government commitment to a single regional road project in Queensland history.

“The recent Federal Budget has confirmed the availability of up to $1.285 billion in funding, cementing the 80:20 funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and the Queensland Government,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“This major funding and the progress to the EOI phase of the procurement process is testament to our commitment to this project.”

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls said the Queensland Government had allocated $321.25 million to the project in today’s 2014-15 Budget, further securing one of the State’s highest infrastructure priorities.

“We look forward to working with the private sector to deliver a safer, faster, more efficient alternative to the existing range crossing,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Interest in the project is strong, with more than 60 consortia and individual companies participating in the Registration of Interest phase earlier in the year.

“Proponents shortlisted at the end of the EOI phase will be invited to submit a detailed proposal during the next phase of the procurement process, the Request for Proposals.”

An industry briefing is scheduled for 12 June 2014 in Toowoomba.

Further information about the project is available at www.qld.gov.au/tsrc, with the EOI document and Industry Briefing details to be published 4 June 2014.

[ENDS] 3 June 2014

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss:                                  Brett Heffernan                   0467 650 020

For Mr Macfarlane:                         James O’Shea                     07 4632 4144

For Mr Nicholls:                              Maree Lacey                        0409 947 957