After a thorough and rigorous tender process, Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc. (CMRT) has appointed Fitzgerald Frisby Landscape Architecture (FFLA) in collaboration with a team of specialised subconsultants to lead Stage 2 of the Castlemaine to Maryborough Rail Trail project — the pre-construction phase. FFLA is based in Melbourne.
The decision follows an extensive evaluation process based on a range of criteria, including the capability and capacity of the successful organisation to perform the work and how well the proposal addressed the scope of work. Of course, price was also important.
The tender evaluation team consisted of representatives from CMRT, Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) and Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC). CGSC procurement provided leadership and guidance throughout the process ensuring the rigour and professionalism required.
CMRT President Janice Simpson said,
‘The successful tenderer was selected from a robust field of businesses based throughout Australia. Competence and skill were key in our deliberations. We are very pleased to welcome FFLA on board to take charge of the second stage of our project. It will be good to work with this professional and diligent team of experts again.’
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella said this milestone was an exciting step for tourism in our region.
“We know that developments of this type bring people from far and wide to both our larger and smaller towns. It also opens up new possibilities for their communities to re-develop facilities and infrastructure left behind by the closure of rail services, many of which are historic landmarks.”
It makes sense to turn these neglected paths winding through our beautiful landscape back into wonderful trails of discovery.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure and Development, Michael Annear said the appointment of FFLA is an important step in the project.
“We look forward to working with the team at FFLA to bring this idea of a world class rail trail to fruition”.
Following the successful completion of the Stage 1 Feasibility Study in 2023, FFLA and team will now progress the project by delivering a Reference Design and undertaking the necessary due diligence reports, including a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and an Ecological Assessment. The team will also provide cost estimates for the trail construction and develop an operational model to support the ongoing management of the rail trail.
FFLA will also engage with landowners along the proposed trail alignment and conduct broader community consultation to ensure local perspectives are considered in the design and planning process.
The pre-construction project will be completed by June 2026 and leads directly into the construction of the rail trail between Maryborough and Castlemaine. CMRT will be working hard to establish funding sources for the construction as it would be terrific to begin building in late 2026.