The first sod has been turned, signalling the beginning of construction on the $250 million North Queensland Stadium in Townsville.

“Breaking ground is an exciting time for the Townsville community as it will unlock hundreds of jobs and flow on benefits to the region during construction and beyond.

“The Managing Contractor Watpac has worked hard to reach this significant milestone to ensure the project remains on track to deliver the Stadium on time for the 2020 NRL season,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The new stadium is going to be built by the people of Townsville, with five trade packages already awarded to local companies, including:

• Temporary fencing awarded to TFH Hire Services
• Shade cloth provision awarded to Advantage Signs
• Project surveying awarded to Brazier Motti
• Dilapidation surveying also awarded to Brazier Motti
• Demolition awarded to Markwell Demolitions

The civil earthworks and roadworks trade package – one of the biggest early works packages for the project – has also been awarded to local Townsville company Mendi Constructions, further boosting local jobs for the region.

“One of my government’s key objectives has been to ensure this project delivers real benefits to local businesses and creates local jobs.

“Supporting our objectives is Watpac’s plan to ensure at least 80 per cent of the hours spent in building the stadium will be done by locals, at least 80 per cent of the projects value being spent on local subcontractors and suppliers,” the Premier said.

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Source: Queensland Government