A $33.5 million strategic housing development program in Aurukun has been announced and the Queensland Government is calling on Far North Queensland businesses to tender for its construction.
According to Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni, the project will enhance the safety, quality as well as amenity of the homes for locals and workers. The project will also provide a major boost to the local economy with the two-year construction phase.
“This project will build 27 houses and units for our frontline workers – teachers and police who are dedicated to improving outcomes for our remote communities.
“It will also build 17 social housing properties, including 6 accommodation units for seniors, to support older people to live in their own community as they age,” Mr de Brenni said.
Mr de Brenni also stated that the State Government is determined to maximise employment and training opportunities for locals during the construction of this project. He said that the Government has “carefully packaged a tender for a construction delivery program” for this project.
“The tender arrangements for this work will have a unique, ‘buy local, employ local’ arrangement.
“Building companies who participate in programs that deliver local indigenous employment outcomes will be preferred to win the work.
“Our commitment to service delivery in every corner of this state will create a legacy of better health outcomes, education delivery, community safety and most importantly the dignity of work.
“No one knows better how to build a community that then people who live there. So we have worked with the community to plan this project, to ensure we deliver the outcomes this community needs,” Mr de Brenni said.
Construction is expected to commence in June 2017.
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Source: Queensland Government