Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Mark Bailey addressed an industry briefing with local contractors this morning to discuss upcoming road projects as part of the Queensland Government’s Accelerated Works Program (AWP). The briefing highlighted 11 road construction projects that have been identified to bring forward and provide job opportunities for locals.
“I’m pleased to announce a total of $77.6 million of road projects are being accelerated for delivery in the Townsville region to support the local economy and create and sustain jobs,” Mr Bailey said.
“These 11 projects will create an estimated 243 jobs, which means more employment opportunities for locals at a time when Townsville is feeling the pinch.
“The sooner we can get these projects started, the sooner we can get people back into work.
“For every million dollars we spend on improving our road network, we provide more jobs that will support locals, their families and the community.”
“I encourage anyone who is interested in employment opportunities on these projects to register their interest through the Worker Transition Scheme by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68),” he said.
Mr Bailey said the department was working to finalise the planning and pre-construction so work could start as soon as possible.
Tenders and Local Participation
“The department is also reviewing the current training and local participation requirements for contractors so there will be more opportunities for locals to secure work,’’ Mr Bailey confirmed.
“We will call tenders for the first project, the Arnot Creek Bridge replacement, in February, with three more tenders to be called in April.”
IMAGE SOURCE: Explore Townsville
Projects
Some of the 11 projects identified for accelerated delivery are:
- Construction of overtaking lanes at five locations on the Bruce Highway between Ingham and north of Ayr, providing 130 estimated jobs
- Replacement of the Arnot Creek Bridge on the Bruce Highway south of Ingham, providing 31 estimated jobs
- Intersection safety improvements, wide centre-line treatments and road widening on the Bruce Highway north of Townsville, providing 58 estimated jobs.
- Widening and strengthening sections of Hervey’s Range Road and installation of wide centre-line treatments, providing 19 estimated jobs
- Construction of a heavy vehicle decoupling facility on the Townsville Port Access Road, providing five estimated jobs.
Construction is expected to start on the first of the projects in July.
In addition to the roads projects, other projects in Minister Bailey’s portfolio identified for delivery under the AWP include:
- Port of Townsville Berth 4 Upgrade. A $55 million project supporting 100 jobs.
- Ergon Energy Townsville (Garbutt) depot upgrade Stage 2. A $42.5 million project supporting 60 jobs.
The AWP is one part of the five-point plan to stimulate jobs in North Queensland announced by Premier Palaszczuk yesterday, which include funding for the Townsville Stadium, working with major project proponents to fast-track a range of existing proposed capital works projects and more.
The fast-tracked projectgs announced this morning represent exciting opportunities for both contractors and suppliers in the Townsville region. If you're tendering for works that include a local industry participation policy, it's important to know how to better market your bid with local suppliers. Take a look at this free eBook we've created from a QLD tendering workshop and strengthen your tender today!
This article first appeared as a media statement for Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply The Honourable Mark Bailey.
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