Inland Rail and construction partner John Holland organised the events to build trusted partnerships between local suppliers and the visionary freight rail project.
Inland Rail has already spent close to $100m with local Victorian suppliers since the project began.
This economic boost is expected to grow significantly when construction begins in 2025, benefiting communities including Benalla, Euroa, the Hume Fwy - Tallarook, Seymour, Wandong and Broadford.
Inland Rail Delivery Director B2A Ed Walker said it was great to see so many local and First Nations businesses expressing their interest in supplying the project.
“We want to see more local and First Nations businesses win contracts on the Inland Rail project and maximise the economic benefit along the alignment,” he said.
The project's extensive scope includes three main areas, replacing road bridges, lowering rail tracks, and upgrading railway stations. These changes will allow double-stacked freight trains to operate between Brisbane and Melbourne.
John Holland representatives presented a comprehensive list of required services, encompassing labour, quarry materials, industrial supplies, machinery, specialised digging techniques, road maintenance, CCTV inspections, and waste management solutions.
Industry capability network representatives were on hand to assist local businesses and encourage them to throw their hats in the ring for preferred work packages.
Inland Rail is set to transform Australia's goods transportation network, beginning with the Beveridge to Parkes (NSW) link by 2027. Future plans include extending the connection from Narromine (NSW) to Kagaru (Queensland), creating a nationwide freight corridor.
