MAJURA PARKWAY: CONSTRUCTION TENDER CALLED

From 26 May construction companies interested in building the new Majura Parkway – the Territory’s largest ever road project – will have two months in which to submit their best bids under the tender process to be conducted by the ACT Government.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said following many months of community consultations and detailed design work it was now time to begin building this long-awaited piece of infrastructure.

“Assessed and recommended by Infrastructure Australia, this new road is expected to generate long term economic, social and environmental benefits worth almost $1 billion,” said Mr Albanese.

“All up, Federal Labor has increased annual infrastructure spending from $72 to $114 for every man, woman and child living in the nation’s capital.  Over the next 12 months we will not only begin work on the Parkway but also complete the duplication of the Monaro Highway between Canberra Avenue and Newcastle Street.”

The Majura Parkway will be an 11.5 kilometre long dual carriageway, with its construction being jointly funded by the Gillard ($144 million) and Gallagher ($144 million) Labor governments.

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, said the packages of work associated with the northern and southern sections of the project will be tendered together under a single contract.

“Qualified and experienced construction companies will have until Tuesday 31 July 2012 to submit their best bids,” the Chief Minister said.

“We are making an investment in Canberra’s future and once completed in 2016, the Majura Parkway will make it easier for Canberrans to get around the city.

“The Parkway’s final Forward Design took into account the feedback received from the public information sessions and stakeholder meetings conducted over recent months.

“A Development Application has now been submitted to the ACT’s Planning and Land Authority and approval by the National Capital Authority has been sought.  Both processes are expected to be finalised in coming months.”

Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fraser, welcomed the co-operative efforts of the Gillard and Gallagher Labor governments. “Once constructed, the Majura Parkway will provide an important north-south transport link, directly connecting the Federal and Monaro Highways.”

“This will play a significant role in improving the main national and regional freight route, and the ACT will also benefit from additional capacity in its road network,” Mr Leigh said.

An industry briefing session will be held at 11 am on 5 June 2012 at Dame Pattie Menzies House in Dickson to further inform interested parties.  For more information about the project, go to www.majuraparkway.act.gov.au.

Statement Ends                       18 May 2012

Media Contacts

Mr Albanese:                                       Jeff Singleton                                    0410 476 890

Ms Gallagher:                          Scott Howard                                    0478 474 071

Mr Leigh:                                              Claire Daly                                         0422 197 654