More benefits for local business with award of second water relocation contract

• Second contract to relocate water mains as part of Mackay Ring Road project awarded to Roebuck Civil
• The Australian Government is contributing up to $397.9 million and the Queensland Government $99.4 million towards the project
• Project will support 534 jobs

A second contract to relocate water mains on the construction site of the new Mackay Ring Road has been awarded to local company, Roebuck Civil.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said this was the second local business awarded a water relocation contract on the Ring Road Project, after Vassallo Construction won a contract in May.

“This announcement is evidence we are committed to investing in North Queensland and the people who live there - supporting 534 jobs,” Mr Chester said.

“The Australian government is contributing $397.9 million to the Mackay Ring Road Upgrade, which will help address capacity restrictions and road safety issues.”

Queensland Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the contract was another example of local companies and workers benefitting from the largest road project ever undertaken by the Queensland Government in the region.

“The awarding of this contract will see more locals benefitting from our commitment to support job creation and to maximise local content on government projects,” Mr Bailey said.

“The project will support an average of 534 direct jobs over its life to support the regional economy.”

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project was a major investment in the region’s road network.

“The Mackay Ring Road project was identified as a priority project under the Australian Government commitment to improving the Bruce Highway, and we want local businesses to benefit from that commitment,” Mr Christensen said.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said tenders for the main construction contract for the project were currently being assessed and it was expected to be awarded in July this year.

“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.

“A number of other local sub-contractors and suppliers have already benefitted from the project through early works that have been undertaken since September last year,” Mr Pearce said.

Construction of the Mackay Ring Road is expected to be completed in mid-2020.

For further information regarding the Mackay Ring Road project visit: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Featured-projects/Mackay-Ring-Road.aspx

The Mackay Ring Road Stage 1 project is being funded with the Australian Government contributing up to $397.9 million and the Queensland Government $99.4 million.

ENDS

Media Contact: Zoe Russell - 0428 079 640