Statement: Sleeper renewal contract to support jobs

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Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Sleeper renewal contract to support jobs

Queensland's western railway line that connects the south east region to Charleville and towns in the state's south west is set for an upgrade with the roll out of a new sleeper renewal project.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad today announced Queensland Rail will seek tenders for the multi-million dollar sleeper replacement project along the western railway line which will support more than 120 direct and indirect jobs.

"Queensland Rail will replace approximately 100,000 timber sleepers and lay over 400 kilometres of track along the western line," Ms Trad said.

"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting local industries and creating jobs for Queenslanders and today's announcement is a major boost for local timber suppliers.

"The sleeper renewal project will support more than 120 local jobs in the state's western region."

Ms Trad said the replacement of timber sleepers would ensure the reliability of the western line is maintained.

"More than 6,500 trains travel on the western line each year, including both passenger and freight services, supporting local tourism and our agriculture and resource sectors," Ms Trad said.

"The replacement of timber sleepers across the West Moreton and Toowoomba West regions will ensure that we continue to support these industries with a reliable rail network for years to come."

The configuration of the track on the western rail network still requires the use of timber sleepers, which are smaller in depth than other models.

Tenders will open today through the Queensland Government QTender site and close on 19 June 2015.

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