From a Joint Media Statement, 11 January 2011, by Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; and Terry Mulder, Victorian Minister for Public Transport and Roads.

After an extensive evaluation process, three consortiums interested in building the new passenger rail line between Deer Park and West Werribee have been shortlisted.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the short-listing of potential builders for this section of the $4.3 billion Regional Rail Link is another major milestone in the delivery of what is the country's biggest public transport infrastructure project. The shortlisted consortiums are:

    * Abigroup Thiess JV;
    * Fulton Hogan, John Holland & Coleman Rail JV; and
    * Leighton Baulderstone JV.

"Each of these joint ventures will now be invited to develop and submit fully costed proposals, with the final contract expected to be awarded to one of them in late 2011," said Mr Albanese.