Local business awarded contract for Mackay Ring Road works

Vassallo Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to undertake works to relocate water mains for the Bruce Highway – Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 project.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester welcomed a local business being awarded the contract and said the project formed part of the Australian Government’s $50 billion infrastructure investment programme.

“We need to invest in our regions and the people who live there and the Mackay Ring Road upgrade will do just that. While it will help address capacity restrictions and road safety issues, it will also support local jobs and businesses – great news for the region,” Mr Chester said.

“It is going to be a central part of creating the transport networks the region needs to compete in a global market by creating better connections to the rest of Australia and beyond.”

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the awarding of the contact is an example of the Queensland Government providing local businesses and workers with opportunities on one of the largest projects the region has ever seen.

“Local company Vassallo Constructions has been awarded the $1.9 million contract to relocate water mains, which is a critical part of the Ring Road project and one of the initial steps in getting the project underway,” Mr Bailey said.

“Once it is complete, the Ring Road will bypass 10 sets of traffic lights, improving safety by taking heavy vehicles out of the city centre and saving time and money for local businesses and freight operators using the Bruce Highway.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the Mackay Ring Road project was a major investment in the region’s road network and jobs pipeline.

“This is one of the largest infrastructure jobs the region has ever seen and this contract means more local companies can keep employing local workers. It will support an average of 600 jobs over its life which is a great outcome for the local community,” Mr Christensen said.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Queensland and Australian governments were getting on with delivering this project and delivering jobs for the region.

“The awarding of this contract means more local companies are employing local workers and are reaping the rewards of our commitment to local content and supporting job creation,” Ms Gilbert said.

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said it was great to see local businesses already benefitting from this significant project.

“Local sub-contractors and workers have been undertaking other service relocation works for the project since September, and materials for these works have been purchased through local suppliers,” Mr Pearce said.

Construction is expected to commence mid-2017 and scheduled for completion by mid-2020, weather permitting.

The Bruce Highway – Mackay Ring Road – Stage 1 project is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing up to $397.9 million and the Queensland Government committing $99.4 million.

ENDS

Media Contacts

For Mr Bailey:      Zoe Russell -0428 079 640

For Ms Gilbert:    07 4960 7100

For Mr Pearce:    07 4806 0700