Aboriginal firms to work on airport rail link

Aboriginal businesses, contractors and service providers are being urged to register their interest to provide goods and services for the $2 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link project.

Business owners are invited to register to attend a briefing session at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, October 28 to learn more about the project before bidding for work with the main contractor, to be appointed in mid-2016.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the State Government was keen to see a variety of local Aboriginal companies and service providers engaged by the contractor.

 
"From suppliers of earthworks, landscaping and construction, to providers of engineering equipment, security or environmental services, printing, public art, graphic design, events management and professional services such as accounting and legal, an extensive variety of businesses are required to complete this project," Mr Nalder said.

"As part of the main construction contract, Aboriginal businesses have opportunities to tender for contracts, boosting employment opportunities for indigenous Australians across Western Australia."

The Public Transport Authority has developed a project-specific Aboriginal Engagement Strategy with a key focus on engaging Aboriginal businesses and boosting indigenous employment.

The three bidders for the design and construction contract - Forrestfield Connect (ACCIONA Infrastructure, BAM International and Ferrovial Agroman), JHL JV (John Holland and Leighton Contractors) and SI-NRW JV (Salini Impregilo and NRW) - must show their commitment to hiring Aboriginal staff in their proposals.

"Registering interest before mid-2016 on the Forrestfield-Airport Link website and also being registered on the Aboriginal Business Directory will best position Aboriginal businesses to work on the project," Mr Nalder said.

 
Fact File

• In September 2012, the Aboriginal Affairs Minister launched the Aboriginal Economic Participation Strategy 2012-2016, aimed at halving the gap in employment outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians by 2018-19
• Construction on the Forrestfield-Airport Link starts next year, with completion by 2020
• The link will add an expected 20,000 daily trips to Perth's rail network by 2021
• For more information, visit www.forrestfieldairportlink.wa.gov.au