Laing O'Rourke & KBR join forces

Forming a new organisation to deliver this important work - 'Transport for Tomorrow' - Laing O’Rourke & KBR will upgrade the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line and the South Coast Line as part of the first package of works.

Laing O’Rourke’s General Manager (Rail) David Robotham, who will take on the leadership role for the newly created Transport for Tomorrow, welcomed the decision and said he is looking forward to the challenge.

"The team we've put together is highly experienced in a brownfield rail environment which suits the scope of works enormously well,” Mr Robotham said.

“We're excited to get started and make a real difference to the people who travel to and from the South Coast and Sydney.

"We are committed to ensuring this program leaves a lasting legacy in the communities where we are working, providing local job opportunities and building long term capacity and capability in the industry.

“It's important, now more than ever, to ensure that we're leaving a positive self-sustaining footprint across the industry by helping local workforces to upskill,” Mr Robotham added.

The initial South Works Package will provide a number of jobs in areas along the South Coast, offering people who would otherwise need to travel long distances to utilise their skills, an opportunity to work closer to home.

Creating economic stimulus, especially in regional areas is vital following the catastrophic bushfires experienced at the beginning of the year and the ongoing downturn associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Transport for Tomorrow is committed to an Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program to provide local workers and suppliers with the opportunity to gain experience on large projects.

Wayne Nolan, Vice President, Infrastructure Services Australia at KBR said he was looking forward to working with Laing O’Rourke to support Transport for NSW as it upgrades Sydney’s heavy rail network.

“We are fully committed to the successful delivery of MTMS Stage 2. We will bring together our local expertise, digital solutions, and best practice experience from similar programs of works elsewhere in Australia to deliver these services. The team is dedicated to delivering solutions and services that enhance our society," Mr. Nolan said.

The initial project worth $250 million is set to take around two years to deliver.