Palaszczuk Government helps put local contractors first in flood recovery

More than 700 qualified local contractors have now formally registered to assist with the North Queensland flood recovery effort.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the North Queensland Flood Register was a single point of truth for people wishing to engage local contractors for the mammoth task ahead.

“North Queensland has been through a lot in the past few weeks and if anyone should get the job of helping the community back to its feet, it’s licensed local tradespeople,” said Mr de Brenni in Townsville today.

“The rebuilding effort will obviously tally in the hundreds of millions of dollars and the bulk of that money should stay in the North Queensland economy,” he said.

“The register is a list of appropriately qualified contractors including tradespeople licensed to perform work in Queensland, as well as asbestos removalists, electricians and gas contractors.

“Every registered contractor on the North Queensland Flood Register has been vetted to ensure they hold appropriate qualifications for the work they are listed to perform.

“This will be valuable for everyone, including homeowners and insurers, to ensure repairs are done to the highest standard by locally based small businesses.”

Mr de Brenni said unlicensed tradespeople reported to be going door-to-door in flood-affected suburbs should be avoided wherever possible.

“It’s important that home and business owners obtain three quotes to ensure the repairs are competitive, and also check the Flood Register so you can have confidence in the quality of work being carried out,” he said.

“Licensed contractors offer protection to home owners as they repair and rebuild their properties.

“And, through the use of QBCC-approved contracts, home owners will receive security and protection through the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.”

News about the North Queensland Flood Register and other rebuilding tips are now being widely circulated through social media and Community Recovery Hubs, and local advertising for the register also starts today.

Mr de Brenni said there was even more information on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website, including handy fact sheets.

“Importantly, the Palaszczuk Government is leading by example in ensuring local contractors have the opportunity to take on recovery work,” he said.

“The latest advice I have is that of the 154 contractors engaged by Building and Asset Services division to complete 2127 flood rectification tasks … 99% are local contractors,” he said.

“That means local jobs where they matter most, right here in North Queensland.”

Townsville residents can visit Community Recovery Hubs from 9am-5pm daily at:

• State Government Centre, Stanley Street, Townsville
• Murray Sporting Complex, Murray Lyons Drive, Annandale
• Townsville Brothers Football Club, Bayswater Drive, Mt Louisa
• 1300 Smiles Stadium, Golf Links Drive, Kirwan
• Bluewater Community Centre, Forestry Road, Bluewater.

ENDS

Media contact: Shane Watson – 0400 859 356