Request for Registrations of Interest in the Cowra Lines - TfNSW 2013/035

The Cowra Lines are part of the Country Regional Network (CRN) which is owned by Transport for NSW (TfNSW). The Cowra Lines are currently non-operational having been gradually suspended from operation between 2007 and 2009. The Cowra Lines include 175km of Class three lines between Blayney and Demondrille and an additional 25km of Class five lines between Koorawatha and Greenethorpe.

The successful bidder for the Cowra Lines will be granted rights to restore, operate and maintain the Cowra Lines under a licence for a fixed term.

It is expected that the successful bidder will fully fund restoration and recurrent capital works for the Cowra Lines. The existing operations and maintenance contractor for the CRN, John Holland Pty Ltd, will have the Cowra Lines removed from the scope of its contract with TfNSW.

The purpose of this RoI is to allow TfNSW to:

•           identify and establish interaction with suitable respondents;

•           encourage the development of a competitive field for a future Expressions of Interest (EoI) process, if required; and

•           to identify a minimum level of commercial interest in the project to support an EoI process.

Following this RoI TfNSW may:

•           not continue the Cowra Lines Project if there is insufficient market interest;

•           enter direct negotiations with a respondent over a licence to restore, operate and maintain the Cowra Lines for a fixed term; or

•           where two or more suitable respondents are identified, progress towards an EoI.

Refer to Additional Details / Instructions

Location:  The Shires of Blayney, Cowra, Harden, Young and Weddin.