Toowoomba companies unite to build bypass

PRIVATE construction companies are banding together after the much-anticipated call was made for expressions of interest to build the Toowoomba bypass.

PRIVATE construction companies are banding together after the much-anticipated call was made for expressions of interest to build the Toowoomba bypass.

A consortium between FK Gardner and Sons, Wagners and French company Bouygues Construction has been formed to bid for the $1.6 billion project.

"There are a number of other companies involved (in the consortium) but I'm not in a position to disclose their names yet," Wagners chairman John Wagner said.

"I think everyone just wants to get in and start turning the soil, whether it's us or someone else who builds it."

Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls expected many more local and foreign contenders to throw their hats in the ring.

"Interest in the project is strong, with more than 60 consortia and individual companies participating in the registration-of-interest phase earlier in the year," he said.

"Proponents short-listed at the end of the EOI phase will be invited to submit a detailed proposal during the next phase of the procurement process, the request for proposals."

Mr Wagner estimated there would be "six or seven other bidders" but said he was not privy to their identities.

Member for Groom and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the bypass was the largest Australian Government commitment to a single regional road project in Queensland's history.

"The recent Federal Budget has confirmed the availability of up to $1.285billion in funding, cementing the 80:20 funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and the Queensland Government," Mr Macfarlane said.

"This major funding and the progress to the EOI phase of the procurement process is testament to our commitment to this project."

An industry briefing in Toowoomba has been scheduled for June 12.

Originally published as Toowoomba companies unite to build bypass