- Published:
- Sunday 23 July 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is creating thousands of local jobs and using Victorian businesses to build the biggest public transport project in Victorian history – the Metro Tunnel.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited Spotswood’s Rail Centre to meet with apprentices and workers to announce the jobs and industry figures for the Metro Tunnel Project.
The Metro Tunnel project will create nearly 7000 jobs for Victorians, including 500 apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets working as part of the Tunnels and Stations package.
This will give hundreds of Victorians a start on one of Australia’s biggest ever projects.
The Metro Tunnel project exceeds local content targets – creating jobs across the supply chain in Victoria.
More than 88 per cent of the materials used to build the new tunnels and underground stations will be sourced locally, including 93 per cent local steel.
In a massive win for local businesses, 65 per cent of the project will be delivered by small and medium sized businesses.
A new pre-cast factory will be established in Melbourne’s west, ensuring more Victorians can benefit from the jobs created, including ex-automotive workers from Ballarat and Geelong.
This factory will produce the thousands of pre-cast concrete segments needed to line the project’s twin nine-kilometre tunnels, while fabrication work packages will benefit other regional areas such as the Latrobe Valley.
The Metro Tunnel will relieve pressure on Melbourne’s biggest bottleneck – the City Loop – creating space for more trains, more often to the suburbs.
Early works are well underway, with major construction on the tunnel and stations expected to start next year. The project will be completed by 2026.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“The Metro Tunnel is the biggest ever public transport project ever built in Victoria, and it will need a record number of Victorian workers and businesses to get the job done.”
“This is the project Victoria needs – creating thousands of jobs and more trains, more often right across Melbourne.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson
“The Metro Tunnel will give hundreds of young Victorians and people re-skilling a start in their new career, giving them the skills and experience they need.”
“It’s a massive win for jobs and passengers in Melbourne’s west, and across the state.”