Construction industry boost

The road construction industry will receive details this week about plans for an injection up to $450 million from asset management contracts.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the boost for the sector was a result of the on-going reforms to RoadTek announced in June 2012.

“The department will this week launch the procurement process for long-term contracts for major roads in south east Queensland,” Mr Emerson said.

“Firms will register their interest in three, five-year contracts to be called in coming months.

“Previously work on major arterials in south east Queensland was delivered under three separate streams – routine, programmed and rehabilitation.

“By combining this work and delivering it in an integrated fashion we expect to see better outcomes for Queensland roads and motorists across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast regions.”

The Newman Government announced in June last year, an end to the taxpayer-funded RoadTek competing with the private sector for work in contested markets – such as south east Queensland.

According to the ABS, the cost to deliver road and transport infrastructure since 1999 has grown at a much faster rate in Queensland than the national average – 79 per cent compared to 69 per cent.

RoadTek will still play an important role in regional and remote areas where its expertise and responsiveness delivers, when private firms are unable to do so.

“We are looking for the private sector to provide more innovation and value for money,” Mr Emerson said.

“The department met with RoadTek staff last Thursday to discuss the transition arrangement for roadwork later this year, as well as our preference to relocate affected workers to areas where there are currently vacant positions within RoadTek and the department.”

[ENDS] 18 March 2013