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Monday, 24th May 2010

Three Players Bidding To Run Queensland's First Light Rail System


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 http://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.


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Electorate Office

334a Marrickville Rd
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Phone: 02 9564 3588

Parliament House Office

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Phone: 02 6277 7700

Phone: (02) 9564 3588
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