Statement from Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey

I was advised late yesterday that the Department of Transport and Main Roads has instructed the contractor delivering the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing to suspend work at Piers 2 and 3 of the Viaduct section of the project.

This action follows two serious incidents at the project late last week which are under investigation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

There is a well-documented history of health and safety incidents on this project, so these recent reports are extremely concerning and we are taking them very seriously.

These works are to remain suspended until:

-     a period of 7 days from the date of receipt of the Notice; or

-     an earlier time agreed with the State in writing, upon the State being satisfied that risk to health and safety is being managed in accordance with Best Industry Practices.

I am not satisfied with the operations on this site – the safety of workers is paramount.

That is why I instructed my Director General to appoint an independent audit of the site earlier this year.

That process has been underway. It was due to Government by the end of April, and I expect to receive a copy of the report later today.

It’s also why Minister Grace and I took the unprecedented step of meeting with the principal contractor Nexus on site on 23 February 2018 to directly express the Government’s concerns.

We made it clear that given there have been so many plant rollovers and serious concerns raised by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ), we need to see a significant improvement.

It may be unusual for us to have taken this step but these are unusual circumstances and should underscore the gravity with which the Palaszczuk Government views this matter and our commitment to safety at work.

ENDS

Media contact: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565