Far North Queensland companies called to tender for school works under Buy Queensland policy

The Palaszczuk Government has called on eligible local building companies to tender for school upgrade works at Pormpurraaw under the Queensland Government’s new Buy Queensland procurement strategy.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the policy, which came into effect on 1 September 2017, was fantastic news for local businesses looking to tender for the works.

“The project will involve fairly extensive works on Pormpuraaw State School’s main teaching block,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Businesses who clearly demonstrate how they will employ local workers and use local suppliers will receive preference for this project.

“I encourage building businesses with an office in Far North Queensland to put in a tender for this project. There’s work on offer for a range of trades including electrical, carpentry, plumbing and painting.”

Ministerial Champion for Pormpuraaw Steven Miles welcomed the upgrades, and said the project would benefit the whole community.

“When I’ve visited Pormpuraaw, I’ve seen just how important the school is to community,” Mr Miles said.

“The school is not just where kids get an education, it’s also an important way for children to stay connected to their community and culture.

“These upgrades will mean larger learning areas and a new office. We’ll also upgrade data and communications for the school, which is critical infrastructure in remote communities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the completed refurbishment – and I think the students are all looking forward to the upgrades too, not least because it means they can have their athletics carnival while the work on their classrooms begins at the end of Term 4.”

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner said the Palaszczuk Government’s new Queensland Indigenous Procurement Policy (QIPP) – a key part of Buy Queensland – would ensure Indigenous businesses had more opportunities to benefit from these types of projects.

 “The Queensland Government spends around $18 billion each year on procurement, capital works and infrastructure, and we want Indigenous businesses to benefit from this investment,” Mr Furner said.

“Our new policy, which launched in September, sets a target to increase procurement with Indigenous businesses to three per cent of the value of State Government spend by 2022.

“We know there are endless opportunities to improve economic participation of Indigenous Queenslanders and through our procurement policy we will help to boost this growing business sector.”

For further information on how to become registered for Queensland Government building and construction work, phone 3008 3392 or visit www.qld.gov.au/gov/building-services

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Media contact: Cat Milton 0410 644 113