Trackstar Alliance: non-stop for Queensland
- The Alliance structure delivered the project up to 15% faster than traditional methods
- TrackStar’s groundbreaking self-verification design system incorporated innovative design solutions without the traditional formal review and sign-off of all documentation by the client. This provides faster delivery of design and reduces demand on Queensland Rail resources
- The Springfield Rail Project will save taxpayers $171 million, with TrackStar Alliance’s winning design avoiding additional highway reconstructions, with completion expected in 2013 – two years ahead of schedule
TrackStar Alliance was created in June 2006 in response to the Queensland Government’s challenge to deliver rail infrastructure more efficiently in a tight resources market. The Alliance comprises companies such as Thiess, United Group Infrastructure, Aurecon and AECOM and has extensive experience with rail infrastructure upgrades in South East Queensland.
Since inception, it has delivered a program of complex rail infrastructure valued at more than $1 billion, safely, on time and under budget across multiple South East and Central Queensland locations. The project has built rail industry capability and enhanced client Queensland Rail’s reputation.
TrackStar, which comprised a total of eight projects, has also completed a number of power strengthening works on Queensland Rail’s Brisbane metro rail system and for CoalRaiL in Central Queensland.
From the start, TrackStar’s team cohesion was driven by a new approach for the alliancing industry. A Peak Performance Plan provided a framework to ensure consistency through all phases across all projects. It was the key to meeting the challenge of sustaining performance while planning for transformation as projects were completed and personnel redeployed.
Innovative solutions were required when working within an electrified live rail environment and in highly urbanised areas. For example, blasting and tunnel construction operations on the Robina to Varsity Lakes Project took place within 30 metres of an aged care centre, a commercial precinct and a residential area.
TrackStar’s innovative tunnel methodology provided significant time and cost savings. These innovations ensured minimal disruption to Queensland Rail’s business with each challenge addressed at the design stage of every project. The team also achieved 12 per cent savings for Queensland Rail worth $120 million on the combined project values prior to the Target Cost Estimate (TCE) submissions. The team designed and submitted $1 billion of TCEs in less than two years. Savings provided cost certainty to Queensland Rail, and delivered lower cost assets, which reduced borrowings and the return required from the operation of assets.
TrackStar’s demonstration of full service delivery capability has also led to additional projects being awarded by Queensland Rail, including the $475 million Richlands to Springfield section of the Springfield Rail Project.
