Saffioti has faith BORR builder right choice

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has defended the State Government’s decision to appoint the Spanish builder behind the troubled Sydney light rail project to the $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road contract. The contract to construct the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken in the South West was awarded last week to South West Gateway Alliance, comprising NRW Contracting, Acciona, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon. Acciona has been a constant presence in the headlines in NSW over recent years because of its involvement in a Sydney light rail project that suffered repeated delays and cost blowouts, with the final total almost double the original estimated price. Ms Saffioti said she was confident in the contractors. “There’s always issues in the past, but this is not a light rail through the middle of George Street — this is a project and they have been operating in Western Australia,” she said. “It is a good consortium and there’s a local of local participation with existing companies.” In her recent visit to Capel, Ms Saffioti addressed concerns previously raised by Friends of the Gelorup Corridor in regards to long-term opportunities of the BORR. Group member Terri Sharp had questioned the long-term employment benefits of the project. “It will generate short-term jobs in the construction and industry areas ... but what does it offer in the long term for tourism or jobs in other industries?” she said. Ms Saffioti said construction was a long-term career for tens of thousands of West Australians. “The construction industry is a massive industry and whether it’s truck driving or civil construction work there’s thousands of jobs,” she said. Ms Saffioti said her office had recently met with the group and understood their concerns. “Large construction projects always have challenges, but this is a project that people have been talking about for decades and will also help to support the future growth of Bunbury,” she said. The Environmental Protection Authority has opened the eight-week public comment period for the southern section proposal. The public and industry representatives can have their say about the potential impacts that may not be outlined in the proposal. Submissions can be made at https://consultation.epa.wa.gov.au before the closing date of December 14.