UK-headquartered contractor Laing O’Rourke has won the c.A$500m initial and early works contract for a major rail transit project in Melbourne, Australia.
It will prepare sites ahead of twin-tunnel boring for the 26km eastern section of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), set to run from Box Hill south to Cheltenham, linking six new stations.
The government of Victoria State called it a “huge package of works” that included moving and protecting underground services, ground improvement, geotechnical investigations and road modifications.
The state is providing new funding of A$9.3bn to build SRL East, which it aims to open for operations in 2035. Work starts next year and is expected to create 800 jobs.
“We were ambitious in our bid, committing to 14% of the deemed project hours to be worked by apprentices, trainees or cadets – well exceeding the Victorian Government’s 10% target,” Laing O’Rourke said. “We did this because we know how critical it is for industry to upskill workers to meet the unprecedented pipeline of work in Victoria.”
To reach the target, the company plans to team up with She Works, Brotherhood of St. Laurence, CareerSeekers and other agencies to help people facing barriers to employment.
“We will be the first major partner to hit the ground and we know how important it is to build a positive reputation for our client and deliver great social and community outcomes,” the company said.
