Joint statement – Two consortia shortlisted to build Bunbury Outer Ring Road

Two consortia have been shortlisted and will be invited to submit detailed proposals to design and construct the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, bringing the project another step closer to construction.

The two consortia are made up of the following companies:

  • The Forrest Alliance (comprising CPB Contractors, Carey MC, Densford Civil, GHD and BG&E)
  • Southwest Connex (comprising Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon) 

It is anticipated an alliance contract will be awarded before the end of the year with construction of the project to begin in 2021, subject to environmental and heritage approvals.

Main Roads will also be calling for early tenders soon for the supply of an initial quantity of crushed rock road base. This will give local suppliers time to identify potential material sources, plant and personnel requirements for the early stages of the project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Regional Development Michael McCormack said that well-planned infrastructure projects are vital for the Bunbury area.

“The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project has been planned for a number of years, recognising the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South-West of Western Australia,” Mr McCormack said.

“Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide relief for local residents by removing freight and regional traffic from local roads while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations.

“Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre.”

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project will deliver huge benefits for the economy both during its construction and once in operation.

“The Outer Ring Road is the biggest transport infrastructure project ever planned for the South-West and will generate significant economic and employment opportunities,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Maximising local business procurement is a key objective for the project. The procurement process includes set criteria to ensure potential contractors incorporate initiatives to maximise local content.

“We have also opened a Local Capability Fund to support small and medium South-West firms to tender for work on Bunbury Outer Ring Road.

“Significant mandatory targets for Aboriginal employment and Aboriginal business involvement will need to be met by the alliance contractors during the delivery of the project.

“During construction, Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide up to 5,680 direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefiting the State and local community.”

Federal Member for Forrest, the Hon Nola Marino MP, said she had been working with her colleagues to highlight the capability of businesses in the South-West to deliver local projects.

“I strongly believe local procurement is vital for projects in the South-West to boost local jobs and the economy,” Ms Marino said.

“It’s important that money spent on our region, is spent in our region.”

The $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is fully funded, with the Australian Government contributing 80 per cent of funding ($681.6 million) and the State Government contributing 20 per cent ($170.4 million).

/Public Release. View in full here.