The Queensland Government has signed the contracts to deliver the Tunnel, Stations and Development PPP package for Brisbane’s Cross River Rail Project.
The State of Queensland has reached contractual close with the Pulse consortium, which is comprised of CIMIC Group companies, Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors, and UGL with international partners DIF, BAM, and Ghella Investments & Partnerships.
The Pulse consortium will deliver 5.9km twin tunnels, four new underground stations, and ongoing maintenance services for Cross River Rail, South East Queensland’s largest infrastructure project. The State Government is providing a $5.4 billion capital contribution for construction.
Revenue to the CIMIC Group is approximately $2.73 billion. Contractual close occurred on 30 June 2019. With the TSD contract locked in, the Pulse Consortium can now mobilise workforces, establish a site presence and major construction will commence later in 2019, as scheduled.
This will also ensure the Project’s delivery remains on track for construction completion by 2024, after which a detailed commissioning and testing program will begin.
Woollongabba Station concept. Source: Queensland Government
By 2036, the south-east corner alone will be home to nearly five million people which makes the need for safe, efficient, frequent public transport essential.
The SEQ public transport network is nearing capacity, constrained by a single rail river crossing with all lines running through the same four city centre stations.
Cross River Rail will unlock this bottleneck allowing more trains to run more often and integrating with new roads and bus services to enable a turn-up-and-go transport system for the whole of South East Queensland.
In April 2019, preferred bidders chosen to deliver Cross River Rail’s major works packages were announced as well as a commitment to achieving contract finalisation for these contracts by mid-2019.
Concept for Albert Street Station. Source: Queensland Government
CIMIC Group has led the development of the project’s proposal, with lead sponsor Pacific Partnerships providing 49 per cent of the equity finance, with the remaining 51 per cent to be provided by DIF, BAM PPP PGGM and Ghella Investments & Partnerships.
CPB Contractors will deliver the design and construction in a joint venture with Ghella, BAM International and UGL. UGL will also provide maintenance services for the project over 24 years.
CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer, Michael Wright, said, “CIMIC Group’s integrated approach to PPP projects is based on our end-to-end capabilities across a project’s lifecycle.
“As Australia’s premier rail infrastructure and services provider, we will finance, design, construct and maintain the new tunnels and rail stations, in partnership with the State Government, to deliver world class rail assets and services for South East Queensland.”
Pacific Partnerships Managing Director, Martin D’Uva, said, “Pacific Partnerships and the wider CIMIC Group companies are focused on providing certainty of delivery and operational performance for the Cross River Rail project and ensuring customers benefit from a safe, efficient rail service.”
UGL Managing Director, Jason Spears, said, “As Australia’s leading provider of mechanical and electrical works and rail maintenance services, we’re committed to working with the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority as a long-term partner and providing ongoing employment and business opportunities for the local community.”
CPB Contractors Managing Director, Juan Santamaria, said, “CPB Contractors’ experience delivering high-quality rail construction across Australia equips our team to safely deliver this important project for South East Queensland, meeting operational requirements, delivering value and achieving the project’s objectives.”
CIMIC Group companies CPB Contractors and UGL have also been chosen by the Queensland Government as preferred contractors in an Alliance partnership to deliver the Rail, Integration and Systems (RIS) package of the Cross River Rail project.
A map of the Cross River Rail route. Source: Queensland Government
