The grant enables the Western Australian government and the federal government to share 50:50 of the cost of common-user infrastructure including breakwater, channel and turning circles estimated at $700 million, with private investment providing the railway, mine development, stockpiles and conveyors.Construction of the project is expected to commence at the end of 2010EACH Tuesday and Friday, CIN brings you the latest updates on major infrastructure projects – current and planned – across the nation. By tracking these updates, you can build your own database of substantial infrastructure projects about to commence or on the drawing boards.NEW SOUTH WALESROADSHunter Expressway (Proposed)Principal: Infrastructure, Transport, Roads & Traffic AuthorityScope: New 40km dual carriageway between F3 and New England Highway near BranxtonStatus: Federal government allocation of funding in May 2009 budget; construction commencing 2010; completion 2013Purpose: Cut travel times between Newcastle and the Hunter by 28 minutes; relieve congestion between Newcastle and the towns of Thornton, Maitland and Rutherford, and meet growing freight needs of regionContractors: NAValue: $1.65 billion (federal funding $1.45 billion, state $200 million)(New project: Federal government announcement of funding in May 2009 budget)NEW SOUTH WALESBUILDINGIKEA, SydneyPrincipal: PlanningScope: Showroom, warehouse, car parking for 1775 vehicles, public domain improvements, upgrade Bellevue Street, pedestrian crossing, shared pedestrian-cycle paths along site’s Princes Highway frontage, landscapingStatus: Planning and Assessment Commission approval granted, May 2009Purpose: Accommodate IKEA’s Australian headquarters as well as Australia’s biggest IKEA store on former Tempe Tip site; heritage-listed ATECO building and clock tower to be retained as IKEA’s headquarters, create jobsContractors: NAValue: $120 million(New project: State government announcement of project approval, May 2009)NEW SOUTH WALESROADSHoxton Park Road Upgrade (Current)Principal: Roads and Traffic AuthorityScope: Widen Hoxton Park Road to four lanes over 2km distance from Cowpasture Road to Banks Road, new central median, includes twin bridges with pedestrian pathway over south side of Hinchinbrook Creek; new traffic lights at intersection of Glen Innes Road; upgrades to existing traffic lights at intersections of First Avenue and Whitford and Illaroo roads; new road between First Avenue and Dorrigo Avenue; new bus stop bays at Glen Innes Road, Dorrigo Avenue and First Avenue, shared pedestrian and cyclist path on northern side of Hoxton Park RoadStatus: Major construction commencing May 2009; preliminary construction commenced March 2009; completion early 2011Purpose: Increase road safety and reduce congestionContractors: NAValue: $71 million(Update: State government announcement of commencement of major construction, May 2009)NEW SOUTH WALESBUILDINGMulti-Story Commuter Car Park, Penrith (Proposed)Principal: Transport, Penrith City Council, Landcom, DefenceScope: 1000 space multi-story car parkStatus: State government announcement of federal-state funding, May 2009; Landcom negotiating with Department of Defence and Penrith City Council over sale of north Penrith army land and construction of the car park, May 2009Purpose: Provide huge boost to local economy and create many jobs in western SydneyContractors: NAValue: $10 million(New project: State government announcement of project, May 2009)QUEENSLANDENERGYFisherman’s Landing LNG Project, Gladstone (Proposed)Principal: Gladstone LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd) 40%; Golar LNG (40%)Scope: Stage 1, 1.5Mtpa natural gas liquefication plant, infrastructure and facilities, wharf loading facilities upgrade; Stage 2, expansion to 3MtpaStatus: Agreement reached with Gladstone Ports Corporation for strategic placement of dredge material on proposed location of first LNG train at Fisherman’s Landing, representing initial stage of foundation preparation for project, May 2009; first LNG export late 2012Purpose: Mid-scale LNG plant with expected life of 25 years utilising gas supply from Arrow EnergyContractors: WorleyParsons and Arup (engineering design), SK Engineering and Construction (engineering and construction services); Laing O’Rourke Australia (proposed EPC contractor under JV)Value: $US400 million (Update: Gladstone LNG announcement of site preparation, May 2009)VICTORIARAILRegional Rail Link (Proposed)Principal: RoadsScope: Major new line running from West Werribee to Sunshine and then through to Southern Cross Station includes 50km new rail track – allowing regional services to run express into Melbourne and not be caught up with suburban services; two new platforms at Southern Cross Station; transformation of Sunshine Station with extra platforms; and construction of new rail bridge over Maribyrnong RiverStatus: Federal government announcement of $3.2 billion funding for project in May 2009 budget; planning works commenced and proposed realignment to be released for public comment in near future; May 2009; preliminary works commencing later in 2009; major construction commencing 2010; project completion five yearsPurpose: Deliver capacity for an extra 9000 regional and suburban passengers every hour, double capacity of regional rail commuter network when new carriages are taken into account, allow regional trains from Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo to run express into Melbourne, without being caught behind suburban trains and free up critically needed space for additional suburban services on Werribee, Sunbury and Craigieburn linesContractors: NAValue: $4 billion (part of $38 billion Transport Action Plan)(Update: State government announcement of federal funding, May 2009 budget)VICTORIAENERGYLal Lal Wind Farm, Moorabool Shire (Proposed)Principal: PlanningScope: Lal Lal Wind Farm has two sites with Yendon section located 17km southwest of Ballarat comprising 40 turbines, and Elaine section located 25km southeast of Ballarat comprising 24 turbines, access tracks, underground 33kV power cabling, permanent amenities buildings, electrical substations and permanent meteorological monitoring facilities, temporary construction facilities at each section including concrete batching plants, temporary storage of materials and equipment ,and for parking and wash-down of vehiclesStatus: Planning permits approved May 2009Purpose: Support regional development and renewable energy in the right location to achieve a more sustainable future, provide power to 75,000 homes, create employment and stimulate economyContractors: NAValue: $350 million (New project: State government announcement of planning approval, May 2009)WESTERN AUSTRALIAPORTS/RAILOakajee Deepwater Port and Rail, near Geraldton (Proposed)Principal: Geraldton Port AuthorityScope: Deepwater port to handle Cape size carriers, railway line and 6500ha heavy industrial estate to accommodate mineral processing facilitiesStatus: May 2009 federal budget committed $339 million to project; state government says the development will now go ahead with the commonwealth and state sharing 50:50 cost of common user infrastructure, breakwater, channel, turning circles estimated at $700 million; private investment will provide railway, mine development, stockpiles, conveyors, etc, May 2009; detailed design engineering works currently underway; construction work to commence end 2010; first shipments 2013-14Contractors: Oakajee Port and Rail (50:50 Murchison Metals-Mitsubishi Development)Purpose: Railway and export port 20km north of Geraldton for current and predicted Mid-West region iron ore mines Value: $4 billion(Update: State government announcement of federal funding commitment to project, ensuring the project will go ahead, May 2009)WESTERN AUSTRALIAURBAN DEVELOPMENTThe Link, Perth (Proposed)Principal: Planning, City of PerthScope: Redevelop 13.5ha CBD site includes sinking railway line, relocate bus station below ground; five new pedestrian friendly north-south connections; five urban plazas; new civic space at Horseshoe Bridge called Celebration Place, three new mixed-use precincts including commercial, entertainment and residentialStatus: Federal allocation of $236 million in May 2009 budget has delivered sufficient funding for sinking of railway and relocating bus station below ground; sinking of railway to commence in 2010Purpose: Revitalise the central area of Perth, connect the city to Northbridge, stimulate the economy, create jobs and set a pattern of development for Perth for next 50 years.Contractors: EPRA (lead agency)Purpose: Value: $350 million (approx)(Update: Federal government allocation of funds in May 2009 to enable not only sinking of sinking of rail line, but also relocation of bus station, May 2009)WESTERN AUSTRALIABUILDINGKalgoorlie Hospital Redevelopment (Current)Principal: HealthScope: New emergency department, new palliative care unit with courtyard and creation of hospital entrance.Status: Project and cost managers appointed May 2009; main construction commencing 2010; forward works commenced April 2009; main construction commencing 2010; project completion 2012Purpose: Upgrade vital regional facilityContractors: Robinson Buildtech (forward works); Peter Hunt & Lyons (architects); NS Projects (project manager); Donald Cant Watts Corke (cost manager)Value: $55.8 million ($15.8million from Royalties for Regions program)(Update: State government announcement of award of contracts, May 2009)
