Palaszczuk Government backs South Burnett jobs

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its pledge to back jobs in South Burnett, with upgrades to government employee homes set to support the jobs of 21 local workers.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said two Kingaroy companies and a Nanango-based business have secured the work under the Palaszczuk Government’s Buy Queensland initiative.

"Buy Queensland gives regional businesses a leg up when competing for government contracts against larger firms,” said Mr de Brenni.

“The value of a dollar spent is greatly increased when it is spent where it's earned — right here in South Burnett.”

Mr de Brenni said it was time for Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington to back Nanango locals by supporting Buy Queensland, and dumping the LNP’s sham procurement policy which would open the door for overseas suppliers to undercut local businesses.

“The LNP’s policy for procurement remains a race to the bottom – a second-chance draw local businesses could only win if they cut their margins to the bone,” he said.

“Their policy was about the lowest price at any costs – not about jobs for Nanango locals.

“The homes we are upgrading in South Burnett accommodate qualified professionals such as teachers, ambulance officers, police and nurses.

“These are just some of the 152,400 jobs created in Queensland – including the 14,000 frontline public service jobs we have restored – since the Palaszczuk Government was formed in January 2015.”

Mr de Brenni said Andersens Carpets Kingaroy has been contracted to upgrade flooring in 25 homes in Proston, Wondai, Cherbourg, Murgon, Yarraman, Toogoolawah and Nanango.

Painting contracts have been won by T & C Painters of Kingaroy and P & W Aylward Painting Contractors of Nanango.

“T & C Painters will complete internal and external painting on 19 properties in Cherbourg, Goomeri, Murgon, Proston and Wondai as well as 20 homes in the Kingaroy area while P & W Aylward Painting Contractors will paint 16 residences in Nanango and Yarraman,” said Mr de Brenni.

“As Buy Queensland continues to roll out, I expect South Burnett businesses will be awarded many more contracts - and that’s a real shot in the arm for the region.”

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