Mernda Rail
July to September 2018
Mernda Rail is a $450m project to extend the rail line from South Morang to Mernda and includes 8km of dual train line, 3 significant train stations, the Plenty Road underpass (rail under road). Managed by the Level Crossing Removal Authority and constructed by John Holland Group the project is a significant piece of infrastructure for Melbourne fast growing northern corridor.
In January 2018 Yarra View & Bushland Flora was awarded the contract produce and supply over 150,000 plants and trees for the project with a value of over $550,000 – one of the largest ever single supply contracts for a social enterprise in Victoria. With very tight timeframes and a very broad plant list from a very particular landscape design, the challenge was significant and with John Holland working 7 days and around the clock to meet the target open date there was very little room for error.
With such a large project Yarra View & Bushland Flora was again able to engage other social enterprise nurseries with both Brite Industries and Billabong Nursery given opportunity to contract grow certain lines.
In August 2018 the train line opened to significant fanfare.
The amazing partnership of the nursery group and John Holland were awarded the 2018 Deal of the Year trophy at the annual Social Traders Awards night.
The project changed lives, creating 10 new jobs at Yarra View & Bushland Flora along with providing over 6,000 hours of paid employment for people with disabilities.
