NQ businesses respond to stadium challenge

North Queensland businesses have taken up the challenge to bid for work on the $250 million NQ stadium, with 180 putting up their hands already.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament today that the city-changing Stadium project was powering ahead and that North Queensland businesses were lining up enthusiastically to be part of it.

“I want to congratulate North Queensland for stepping up for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.

“As at Monday morning, 180 North Queensland companies had registered their expressions of interest to work on the stadium.

“Northerners now make up 41.6 per cent of the 432 companies registered – a proportion that’s been slowly but steadily creeping up.”

The stadium is forecast to generate 750 jobs during design and construction and more long-term employment and business opportunities once it starts operations in 2020.

State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the message was getting through loud and clear to the North to stand up and be part of the project.

“The three companies shortlisted for this role have the tender documents and their bids are due by the end of March,” he said.

“Everything is on schedule to assess those tenders appoint a managing contractor in April.”

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the project was already impacting locally, with principal consultant Cox Architecture working with seven local Townsville offices on stadium design.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said jobs and business opportunities would start to flow in earnest soon, with early works to start in the second half of this year.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper encouraged locals to subscribe to the Department of State Development stadium e-newsletter to stay in touch with stadium information.

“It’s important to stay in the loop to make the most of this game-changing project,” he said.

The North Queensland Stadium is a joint project of the Queensland Government, Australian Government and Townsville City Council and is supported by the National Rugby League (NRL). The Stadium forms part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.

Media contacts:

Premier’s office Kirby Anderson 0417 263 791

Minister Lynham office Jan Martin 0439 341 314