Tender process
John Holland was selected to design and construct the Botany Rail Duplication, following an intensive tender and evaluation process:
- Expressions of Interest to design and construct the Botany Rail Duplication were invited in 2019
- Three construction contractors were shortlisted in January 2020: CPB Contractors, Laing O’Rourke and John Holland
- Tenders from the three shortlisted bidders were submitted in December 2020.
Planning approval process
In 2018, ARTC lodged a State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) application which was accompanied by a Preliminary Environmental Assessment to the former NSW Department of Planning and Environment (now the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – DPIE) for the Botany Rail Duplication.
In late 2018, the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements were received.
In 2018, we lodged a State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) application which was accompanied by a Preliminary Environmental Assessment to the former NSW Department of Planning and Environment (now the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – DPIE) for the Cabramatta Loop Project. In late 2018, we received the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). After receiving the SEARs, ARTC:
- Completed specialist studies focused on areas such as noise and vibration, traffic and transport, heritage, etc.
- Engaged with local residents, community members and stakeholders, hosting project information sessions, door knocking, and pop-up information sessions in the local community to better understand local needs and concerns.
- Carried out a series of investigations on site to inform the project design, including geotechnical surveys, utility identification surveys and land surveys.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was placed on public exhibition by DPIE between 17 October and 13 November 2019. The EIS incorporated community and stakeholder feedback, captured throughout early engagement in June 2019, and a range of technical environmental studies. The EIS documents can still be viewed on the DPIE Major Projects website.
A total of 32 submissions were received during the EIS exhibition period of the project – 13 public submissions, 9 from organisations, and 10 from public authorities. A Submissions Report that addresses the issues raised, was submitted to DPIE in March 2020. This report, and all submissions received, is available to view on the DPIE Major Projects website.
The NSW Government announced SSI approval for the project to proceed, subject to conditions of approval on 12 August 2020. The SSI Approval Modification 1 was determined on 14/09/2023 and SSI Approval Modification 2 was determined on 20/12/2023. The Consolidated SSI Approval Conditions of Consent as modified can be viewed at the Major Projects Website.
The below graphic illustrates the project timeline, following commissioning of the project in January 2024.
