How Toowoomba can get work on Inland Rail project

DARLING Downs businesses will be given an insight into supply chain opportunities on the up-coming Inland Rail build once the project crosses into Queensland.

DARLING Downs businesses will be given an insight into supply chain opportunities on the Inland Rail build once the project crosses into Queensland.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport said a supply briefing today would explain the tangible opportunities from INLink, the recently announced successful bidder for the Parkes to Narromine section.

"We're going to hear from BMD (Constructions) and Fulton Hogan who have been awarded the first stage," Ms Davenport said.

"They're going to be talking about the project and mainly how local businesses can get involved in that as well.

"I think we'll be able to get in touch with the companies that are actually already going to be involved in it."

The first sod has been turned on the 110km section under INLink's tender, with final discussions and decisions being made on the controversial NSW border to Toowoomba section.

Ms Davenport said the supply briefing would help businesses understand the scope of the project as well as the potential to secure work on the build.

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport. Picture: Nev Madsen

"The project is such a long project, it's hard for us to actually fathom that it is going to happen," she said.

"Down in New South Wales where they're realised that it's happening and the actual location of it is done, that's where the towns are actually getting excited about it.

"I believe Toowoomba is ready.

"We know the benefits, we know we want to be an inland port and this is going to be the final piece of the puzzle.

"We've already got the airport, we've got the Second Range Crossing, now we need that inland rail and with that, we're going to power ahead."

The supply briefing will be held before TSBE's Enterprise Evening tonight at the Burke and Wills Hotel.

See tsbe.com.au for details.

Originally published as How Toowoomba can get work on Inland Rail project