Beaudesert businesses learned more about commercial opportunities available through the construction of Inland Rail at a Business Capability Workshop on 8 November.
The Inland Rail Skills Academy and Industry Capability Network (ICN) hosted the free workshop at The Centre, Beaudesert.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) wants to ensure local and regional suppliers can take advantage of opportunities presented by Inland Rail.
Representatives from ARTC and ICN shared about supply chain opportunities like quarry materials, water cartage and waste management, employment opportunities like labouring, surveying and project management and the importance of being visible, capable and compliant.
Participating businesses learned about the ICN Gateway – the supplier engagement portal used by Inland Rail.
They also gained an understanding of the supplier registration process including how to communicate information about their business and submit a compliant Expression of Interest on the ICN Gateway.
Attendees received access to one-on-one support and practical tips from ICN Queensland and Inland Rail representatives to help them make the most of the portal.
Beaudesert is centrally located to the Public-Private Partnership sections of the Inland Rail.
ARTC Inland Rail Supply Chain Manager Jason Manttan said this presented opportunities for locals to get involved in the project.
“Inland Rail is about delivering real and lasting opportunities for regional communities,” he said.
“While we’re expecting to generate direct and indirect supply and job opportunities during construction, we’re also working to prepare communities for other project opportunities by helping to upskill local and First Nations businesses.
“Our business capability building workshops are just part of Inland Rail’s commitment to communities where Australia’s largest freight project is being built and operated.
“Local and First Nations businesses are crucial to the work we do and to their communities. Supporting them to build their capability will not only help them embark on new endeavours, but it will help drive positive change and boost employment along the alignment. “With Inland Rail already delivering business uplift and jobs confidence in communities along the rail corridor, business capability building workshops such as these will help ensure Inland Rail’s positive impacts go beyond the construction period for the project.”
