State investment fund puts hand up for Cross River Rail job

THE Government’s own state investment fund has emerged as one of the shortlisted companies bidding for a $5.4 billion contract to build the Cross River Rail.

THE Government’s own state investment fund has emerged as one of the shortlisted companies to build the Cross River Rail.

The Government fund manager, QIC (formerly Queensland Investment Corporation), is part of a five-company consortium, which also includes Lendlease and Capella Capital, bidding to construct the 5.9km tunnel and four underground stations.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad inspects the Go Print demolition site, which will be used as the Cross River Rail Woolloongabba station. Picture: Liam Kidston

Acting Premier Jackie Trad played down their inclusion, saying: “This will be a completely competitive process, there will be probity process implemented in relation to the whole tender process, it will be at complete arm’s length to government.”

It would take 12 months to award the $5.4 billion contract, with work due to begin midway through next year and trains expected to be operational by 2024.

The QIC’s major clients include the defined benefit superannuation scheme for Queensland public servants along with substantial stakes in Brisbane Airport and Port of Brisbane.

The LNP criticised the project, saying it was a year behind schedule already, but Ms Trad accused the Opposition of trying to block it in the last hung parliament.

“If the LNP Opposition didn’t oppose every single piece of major infrastructure that the Palaszczuk Government wanted to put forward then it would be a different conversation we are having,” she said.

Ms Trad said the project would generate 7700 construction jobs and stimulate decades of economic development opportunities.

Infrastructure industry leaders welcomed the consortia shortlist as proof the long-awaited project “is happening” — and a stimulus for more development.

“What industry most wants is certainty. This provides it,” Infrastructure Association of Queensland CEO Steve Abson said.

SHORTLISTED CONSORTIA

PULSE

Leader: CIMIC Group (CPB Contractors, Pacific Partnerships, Leighton Asia, UGL)

Partners: BAM, Ghella and DIF

QONNECT

Leader: QIC

Partners: Capella Capital, Lendlease, John Holland and Bouygues

CENTRIQ PARTNERSHIPS

Leader: Plenary Group

Partners: ACCIONA, GS Engineering & Construction, Salini Impregilo and Spotless Group

RIVER CITY ALLIANCE

Leader : Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Limited

Partners: GHD Pty Ltd, Aurecon
Australasia Pty Ltd, SYSTRA Scott
Lister Australia Pty Ltd

UNITY ALLIANCE

Leader: CPB Contractors Pty Ltd

Partners: UGL Engineering Pty
Limited, Jacobs Group (Australia)
Pty Ltd, AECOM Australia Pty Ltd