Tradie information session for Cairns Convention Centre works

Local tradies keen to throw their hard hats into the ring for work on the Cairns Convention Centre expansion will be able to learn about work packages and how to apply, at an upcoming industry information session.

Managing Contractor Lendlease Building Pty Ltd will hold the industry briefing at the Convention Centre on Thursday, 23 January from 3.00 - 4.30pm.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy strongly encouraged tradies to sign up for the forum, saying it would provide the information local tradies needed to bring the $176 million project to life.

“This project will create 570 fulltime jobs, and wherever possible we want Cairns-based carpenters, carpet-layers, painters, plumbers and electricians to get this work.

“I said I would make sure that local tradies have all of the tools at their disposal to tender for these works, I’m getting on with my job so they can get on with theirs.

“It’s important local businesses come along to the industry information forum and learn how to tick the right boxes so that they have the best possible chance of securing works packages at the convention centre,” he said.

“It may also help local mum and dad businesses when tendering for work on other government projects.”

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government was making a significant investment in tradie jobs in the Tropical North.

“There is a great local workforce here in Cairns with around 1,600 locally based contractors.

“The Palaszczuk Government wants our local investment to spread as far as it can locally. We’ve costed this project to make sure that local tradies get given a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and that we bring up the next generation by ensuring that local apprentices are also given a go."

Mr de Brenni said the Queensland Government is investing $967 million into infrastructure across the Tropical North in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, supporting 3,300 fulltime jobs.

General Manager Lendlease Queensland and Northern Territory Brad Protheroe called on local businesses and subbies to attend the briefing.

“The Industry Briefing forum will provide an opportunity for locals to get on the front foot and find out more about the upcoming work available on the Cairns Convention Centre expansion project,” he said.

“Together with the Industry Capability Network our project team will cover topics such as project scope, timings, trades required and importantly, how to get involved.

“We encourage local business and subcontractors to come along, and if you can’t make it, keep an eye out for further updates via the ICN Gateway website.”

Mr de Brenni said the project will enable conventions to be staged concurrently, helping the city to attract new events of even greater sizes and complexity.

“The expansion includes 10,500 square metres of new exhibition space, plenary space, meeting rooms and a rooftop banquet room with a ‘sky terrace’ outdoor deck,” he said.

“The flow-on benefits will be far-reaching with additional direct and indirect employment opportunities long into the future through hospitality, logistics, security and maintenance.”

Companies interested in applying for work packages should register with the ICN portal services at cairnsconventioncentre.icn.org.au

Subcontractors keen to learn more about the project can reach out to the Subcontractor EOI contact: CairnsEOI@Lendlease.com

ENDS

Media contact Rosie Gilbert 0466 834 330