Three Serious Players In The Running To Operate Queenslands First Ever Light Rail System
Source: Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/
24 May 2010
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government
Premier Anna Bligh today revealed the final shortlist of contenders to
build the Gold Coast's light rail system.
Ms Bligh said the project had attracted three serious players and their
interest was a major vote of confidence in the Gold Coast Rapid Transit
project.
"Some of the biggest companies from Australia and around the world have
been vying to build this $949 million project - the first of its kind in
any regional Australian city," she said.
"The calibre of companies bidding should signal to everyone on the Gold
Coast that the project is entering the next exciting stage of
development.
"The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project will generate thousands of jobs,
provide transit oriented development in key activity areas, connect the
city and support huge population growth on the Coast."
Ms Bligh said out of the original six, the three consortia going through
to the next round are:
GC Connect -
which is composed of MTR Corporation, John Holland Pty Ltd, ITOCHU
Corporation and RBS Group (Australia) Pty.
GoldlinQ -
which is composed of Keolis SA, Downer EDI Ltd, Bombardier
Transportation Australia Pty Ltd, McConnell Dowell Constructors Pty Ltd
and Plenary Group Pty Ltd.
Move GC -
which is composed of Veolia, Leighton Contractors, Alstom and Macquarie.
"We are now another step closer to delivering a light rail network that
will help meet the needs of population growth on the Gold Coast and
provide more services and options for commuters.
"The three short-listed consortia represent the best and brightest in
the design, build and operation of light rail systems across the world
and we look forward to seeing how that experience will be translated to
deliver Queensland's first light rail system here on the Gold Coast.
"Between now and the end of the year, they will participate in a Request
for Proposal process.
"This process will provide the project team with the necessary
information to make a well informed decision on the final contract
winner," Ms Bligh said.
Earlier this month the Premier and Federal Infrastructure Minister
Anthony Albanese announced the bidding process is now open for $110
million worth of roadwork contracts.
"This is the largest package of early works contracts released so far
and will provide a shot in the arm for the local construction industry,"
Ms Bligh said.
The works support stage one of the project, a 13 kilometre light rail
corridor connecting Griffith University and the new 750 bed Gold Coast
University Hospital to Broadbeach, passing through the key centres of
Southport and Surfers Paradise.
Mr Albanese said the light rail project is the biggest transport
infrastructure project ever undertaken on the Gold Coast.
"We are fortunate to be choosing from among the world's best and I am
confident all three will provide competitive and innovative bids that
will deliver a first-class light rail system for the Gold Coast.
"One of the three consortia made up of vehicle builders, public
transport operators, construction and finance companies will lay the
track, build the stations, supply the rolling stock and then run the
light rail system for many years into the future.
Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke said the successful bidder awarded the right
to run the system will become a vital part of the growing Gold Coast
community.
"The need for staff to operate and maintain the system will create jobs
long after the construction is completed," he said.
Ms Bligh said the government will ensure this light rail project
contributes more to Australia's sixth largest city than just a
world-class transport system.
"Stage One of the project is a 13 km light rail corridor linking the
Griffith University at Southport to Broadbeach and is scheduled to begin
operations in 2014."
For more information visit the project website
www.goldcoastrapidtransit.qld.gov.au
GC Connect
- MTR Corporation, John Holland Pty Ltd, ITOCHU Corporation and RBS
Group (Australia) Pty.
MTR Corporation operates the London Overground (LOEOL), part of the UK
national rail network. John Holland Pty Ltd has been operating Qld since
1959. Projects include the Northern Busway and Southbank Institute of
Technology (PPP). ITOCHU Corporation has been active in the Australian
market for over 50 years and has been involved in the supply of the
'Tilt train' to QR as well as the development of Tarong, Stanwell and
Callide B power stations in Qld. RBS Group (Australia) Pty, RBS as
financial advisor/debt arranger closed Australia's most recent PPP, RBS
is one of the world's largest financiers.
GoldlinQ
- Keolis SA, Downer EDI Ltd, Bombardier Transportation Australia Pty
Ltd, McConnell Dowell Constructors Pty Ltd and Plenary Group Pty Ltd.
Keolis SA, is the world's largest private-sector operator of light rail
vehicles. Based in France the company has a global presence and operates
in 11 countries. Downer EDI Ltd, provides comprehensive design
engineering, infrastructure and asset management services to the
transport, energy and resources sectors. Bombardier Transportation
Australia Pty Ltd, is the Australian subsidiary of Bombardier Inc, a
world leader in the design, build, operations and maintenance of
sustainable rail transport systems. Bombardier Inc operates in more than
60 countries. McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd, is an
established engineering and construction organisation servicing the
transport, utilities and social infrastructure industries with design,
civil and building capabilities. Operates in over 26 countries.
Move GC - Veolia, Leighton Contractors, Alstom and Macquarie.
Veolia operates in 28 countries, the company has been involved in a
number of rail passenger public private partnership (PPP) procurements
eg Rouen (France), Barcelona (Spain), Leslys (France), Denver (USA) and
La Reunion. Alstom and Veolia Transport won Rouen and Barcelona
delivering high quality light rail systems. Alstom is the world's
leading integrated transport system provider and has completed several
successful light rail public private partnership (PPP) procurement
processes around the world. Some recent examples are in Barcelona, the
Florence and Reims light rail systems. LCPL, Leighton Contractors and
Leighton Holdings is one of Australia's largest contracting and project
delivery companies. Over the past 60 years they have delivered major
infrastructure projects including 60 rail projects. Macquarie, operates
in 28 countries and is a global provider of banking, financial,
advisory, investment and funds management services.