The ACT Government has received four expressions of interest for Canberra’s light rail project
The ACT Government will be able to choose from four consortia for the delivery of the first stage of Canberra’s light rail network, Minister for Capital Metro Simon Corbell has announced.
“Four private sector consortia, consisting of local, national and international companies, have submitted an expression of interest for the first stage of Canberra’s light rail network,” he says.
“This is a great result for Canberra. It demonstrates the private sector’s high level of interest in the project and confidence in conducting business with the ACT Government.
“It is pleasing to see so many nationally and internationally respected companies are interested in becoming involved in this important project for the national capital.
“It is also expected that many companies from our local region will be associated with the four consortia.”
Expressions of interest for the Capital Metro project were received from Canberra Metro, ACTIVATE, Connecting Canberra and CANGO.
The Capital Metro project provides an opportunity for the private sector to partner with the ACT Government in shaping the future of the nation’s capital and delivery of the first stage of light rail within the ACT.
“By delivering this project through a public private partnership model, we can ensure we capitalise on the skills and knowledge of the private sector to deliver a world-class light rail system befitting one of the world’s most liveable cities,” says Corbell.
The expression of interest process opened on October 31, 2014 and closed on December 19, 2014.
A shortlist will now be selected to progress to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage before a single private sector partner is engaged to finance, design, construct and operate the light rail service from the city to Gungahlin.
Shortlisting for the request for proposal stage is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2015, with the successful consortium engaged and work commencing in 2016.
“Canberrans and visitors to the capital are now one step closer to achieving a modern, frequent and accessible light rail system. I look forward to the next stages of procurement and delivery for this important city shaping project for Canberra,” says Corbell.