Townsville road industry briefing on accelerated projects

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).

Mr Bailey said the briefing today discussed 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.”

Mr Bailey said key projects to be delivered under the program include five overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway between Ingham and Ayr, and widening and strengthening sections of Hervey’s Range Road.

“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.

Further information on the Worker Transition Scheme is also available on the Department of State Development’s website at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au.

Mr Bailey said the department was working to finalise the planning and pre-construction so work could start as soon as possible.

“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,’’ he said.

“We will call tenders for the first project, the Arnot Creek Bridge replacement, in February, with three more tenders to be called in April.”

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 includes:

- Accelerated Work Program: A suite of public works advanced to provide immediate employment opportunities in the north.

- Expanding retraining and skills initiatives: Additional projects from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program will be identified and brought forward.

- Attracting increased Commonwealth funding: The Queensland Government will continue to drive the Federal Government to deliver for the north, including matching funding for the Townsville Stadium

- Increasing tourism attraction: The Government will use its $10 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund and its four-year $400 million commitment to Tourism and Events Queensland, both statewide funding initiatives, to attract more visitors and events to the Townsville region.

- Facilitating key private sector projects:  The Government will work with major project proponents in the region to fast-track a range of existing proposed capital works projects.

ENDS

Media Contacts:     Minister Bailey          Tim Shipstone          3719 7321

                                                             Amy Hunter             3719 7324