Macmahon, BGC in Ord River shortlist

Macmahon Contractors and a joint venture between BGC Contracting and Laing O'Rourke Australia are among four proponents short-listed for work at the $220 million expansion of the Ord River project in the Kimberley.

Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls today revealed the short-list which also includes a JV between Leighton Holdings and Indigenous Business Australia and the Transfield Services Australia Ertech JV.

The Ord River expansion will deliver another 8,000 hectares of irrigated agricultural land at Weaber Plains, north of Kununarra.

Mr Grylls said LandCorp had received 10 submissions.

"The submissions were from a range of companies and joint ventures, and demonstrated the high level of interest in this project," Mr Grylls said.

"The State Government is looking for a highly experienced contractor capable of delivering the project in a very tight time frame while maximising employment, business and training opportunities for local indigenous people."

The four proponents will have until January next year to submit full proposals to LandCorp for the construction, management and delivery of irrigation and road infrastructure to support 8,000 hectares of farmland.