Queensland Government (Australia) has published a Request for Expressions of Interest for Toowoomba's Second Range Crossing (TSRC) though a PPP project.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Australian and Queensland governments are inviting the private sector to partner with them to deliver a world-class Public Private Partnership asset.

Mr Truss said:

"After more than two decades of talking, planning and scoping, Toowoomba and surrounding district residents will be glad to see our government progress to the EOI phase in the construction for this vital infrastructure."

Minister for Industry and Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane said the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing was the largest Australian Government commitment to a single regional road project in Queensland history: He said:

"The recent Federal Budget has confirmed the availability of up to $1.285 billion in funding, cementing the 80:20 funding arrangement between the Commonwealth and the Queensland Government."

"This major funding and the progress to the EOI phase of the procurement process is testament to our commitment to this project."

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls said the Queensland Government had allocated $321.25 million to the project in today's 2014-15 Budget, further securing one of the State's highest infrastructure priorities.

Interest in the project is strong, with more than 60 consortia and individual companies participating in the Registration of Interest phase earlier in the year.

Proponents shortlisted at the end of the EOI phase will be invited to submit a detailed proposal during the next phase of the procurement process, the Request for Proposals

An industry briefing is scheduled for 12 June 2014 in Toowoomba. The period for EOI responses will close on 9 July 2014.

The TSRC is a bypass route to the north of Toowoomba, approximately 41km in length, running from the Warrego Highway at Helidon in the east to the Gore Highway at Athol in the west via Charlton.

Toowoomba is a city in South-East Queensland, Australia. It is located 127 km (79 mi) west of Queensland's capital city, Brisbane. Toowoomba plays a role in Queensland's transport network by acting as a hub for the Darling Downs and a gateway to the developing energy sector in the Surat Basin.

The project will provide an alternative range crossing for the increasing traffic volumes that are putting pressure on the highway network that passes through Toowoomba and over the Toowoomba Range.

The project is the largest Commonwealth Government commitment to a single regional road project in Queensland history.

Further information about the project is available at www.qld.gov.au/tsrc