With Laing O'Rourke recently appointed as managing contractor for the planning phase of the $500m Larrakeyah Base redevelopment in Darwin, the Northern Territory Government has promised local involvement on the project.
Local industry participation
Chief Minister Adam Giles said the NT Government had worked with Defence and the NT Master Builders Association to maximise local business opportunities on the project.
“This is part of our plan to assist with transition after the Ichthys LNG Project is completed,” Mr Giles said.
“Laing O’Rourke expects to transfer personnel from Ichthys to the Defence projects as the other winds down.
Commenting on Laing O'Rourke's membership with the Northern Territory Master Builders Association (NT-MBA), Mr Giles also reiterated “Having a local managing contractor appointed for a project of this size is a vote of confidence in the NT’s industry capacity,” Mr Giles said.
“This is a positive example that local business can compete and win Defence work if they are competitive and prepared.”
Image courtesy of navy.gov.au
Laing O'Rourke's scope of works
The Larrakeyah Base works will involve upgrades to current Defence service infrastructure including accommodation, a wharf facility and fuel infrastructure to enhance northern operations.
Speaking with the NT News, a Defence spokesmen said “During the planning phase, Laing O’Rourke Australia will be responsible for undertaking design activities in order to support the development of a detailed business case, which in turn will be used by Defence to seek subsequent Government and parliamentary approvals prior to the delivery phase."
Local businesses could soon have a hand in works for the planning phase, which began on July 13 when the contract was awarded to Laing O’Rourke.
“Laing O’Rourke have begun the initial stages of the planning and will need support from local Darwin subcontractors,” confirmed Minister for Defence Industries Peter Styles.
“This includes a range of services including survey, electrical sub-contractor for cable tracing, plumbing subcontractor and Information Communications Technology (ICT) communications.”
Winning the planning phase positions the company well for the delivery phase of the project.
Industry briefings will take place during planning to enable maximum potential for local businesses and employees to be engaged during the delivery of the works.
“After the delivery phase contract is awarded, it’s expected there will be great opportunities for Darwin businesses and indigenous enterprises capable of delivering elements of the work,” Mr Styles said.
Planning is expected to continue until early 2018, with the delivery expected to occur between 2018 and mid-2020.
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