Townsville water solution would boost local jobs under Buy Queensland policy

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke will work with the Council to ensure any infrastructure for the water supply solution for Townsville delivered under the Palaszczuk Government’s $225 million funding commitment is done under Buy Queensland policy.

Mrs O’Rourke said she welcomed the Council’s Townsville Water and Waste Committee meeting tomorrow (Thursday, 14 September) would discuss recommendations for a new Haughton pipeline, with the Palaszczuk Government’s investment for long-term water security for Townsville.

“I welcome the Townsville City Council’s progress on developing recommendations for the new pipeline,” she said.

“The Premier and I have reaffirmed our commitment to the Council to deliver our $225 million investment and secure the water supplies for the residents and businesses of the Townsville region.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the application of the Buy Queensland policy, which provides a 30% weighting for local suppliers, to the new pipeline would offer additional job opportunities for the region.

“Along with the North Queensland Stadium, the Port expansion and key road and other infrastructure projects around the region, we are creating the jobs and opportunities for local residents and businesses,” she said.

“I welcome the Council’s commitment to hold an industry forum to provide local businesses with assistance and information in how to be part of this project.”

"I will work with the Council to ensure we apply the Buy Queensland policy to this critical project funded by the State Government."

Since 1 September, under the Buy Queensland policy, a “local supplier” is defined as a business that maintains a workforce within a 125km radius of where the goods or workers are needed.

Local suppliers will receive a local weighting of up to 30% on any tender lodged for a significant procurement.

The policy will also sets out the following:

• Require at least one local or regional supplier, and one other Queensland based business, to be invited to quote or tender for every procurement opportunity offered;

• For significant infrastructure projects $100 million and above, require the use of local sub-contractors and manufacturers where the local capability and capacity exists;

• Significant projects will be required, where possible, to expend 15% on apprenticeships – up from the current 10%;

• Deliver a more visible pipeline of opportunities for every Queensland business;

• Reduce complexity to assist Queensland industry prepare for government tenders, and provide resources to help them tender;

• Exempt business from the pre-qualification system for building contracts and Information and Communication Technologies projects under $1 million;

• Businesses tendering for government procurement contracts will need to have a permanent workforce in Queensland.  They will need to offer fair wages, conditions and superannuation, and have good workplace health and safety records. 

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389