Stage 2 of the Gold Coast light rail is one step closer with GoldLinQ announcing a shortlist of three proponents following an Expressions of Interest period which attracted six submissions.

GoldLinQ Chairman John Witheriff said Government has now made a strong commitment to Stage 2 and GoldLinQ is ready to release tender documents to shortlisted bidders.

“The GoldLinQ board met on Wednesday 30 September to finalise the EOI phase and the Request for Tender period will now commence,” he said.

“This is a significant step towards appointing a preferred contractor in early 2016 and delivering the project in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2018.”

The preferred shortlist of respondents is:

• A Joint Venture comprising Downer EDI Works and BMD Constructions (GamesLinQ):
• John Holland Queensland Pty Ltd; and
• Leighton Contractors Pty Limited

All three shortlisted companies are leading construction contractors with extensive experience delivering major infrastructure and rail projects across Australia.

Mr Witheriff said the Request for Tender phase would conclude on 23 December 2015 with the intention of appointing a preferred contractor in early 2016.

“GoldLinQ’s review panel undertook an exhaustive process to ensure those shortlisted will provide a value for money solution for the Queensland Government,” he said.

“All proponents were confident of completing Stage 2 ahead of the Games in 2018 and we look forward to completing the tender phase to ensure construction can commence in April next year,” he said.

“The six Expressions of Interest were of a very high standard and we thank all of the participants.”

The success of Stage 1 shows that investment in effective and efficient public transport can result in significant benefits with a 25 percent increase in public transport travel on the Gold Coast. In July 2015 one year after opening the G:link trams have carried 6.6 million passengers, with an average 18,200 trips per day. In the second year of operations to date the average number of daily trips has increased to 20,281.

The project alignment and reference material about the project is available on the State Government and GoldLinQ web sites; www.tmr.qld.gov.au or www.goldlinq.com.au.