The EOI for the project was released in October 2004, and the preferred bidder was announced in February 2006. Finalisation of funding arrangements ("financial close") for the project was achieved in May 2006. Construction of the facility is currently underway, and is due to be completed in late 2008.
The project was declared under the Project Development and Construction Management (PDCM) Act 1994 in December 2004. This declaration helped MPV to carry out the PPP procurement on behalf of DIIRD and MCET in line with arrangements agreed by the Government under the powers of the PDCM Act.
The procurement was conducted under the Partnerships Victoria policy12, as well as other relevant procurement policy issued by the VGPB.
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