Jobs to flow as local contract awarded for Haughton upgrade

The Bruce Highway – Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project is continuing to generate local jobs, as a North Queensland company puts the call out for businesses to help deliver the major project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said it was great to see The Infrastructure Group delivering on its commitment to give opportunities to local industry and to using local labour wherever possible, with Townsville-based Achieve Group Australia being awarded a labour hire contract.

“While infrastructure projects improve safety conditions and reduce travel time for motorists, the flow on effect to the local economy and employment opportunities is just as important,” Mr McCormack said.

State Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said it was great to see local businesses collaborate to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses while delivering the Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project.

"For the Townsville community, the tangible benefits of this upgrade extend beyond the on-road benefits, with 544 direct jobs expected to be supported over the life of the project, which will go a long way to supporting the north Queensland’s workforce capacity and experience ,” Mr Harper said.

"They’re not only talking the talk, but also walking the walk, with this contract awarded to a Townsville firm and more tenders in the pipeline for local businesses to apply for."

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said this project is not only improving reliability along the Bruce Highway for the people of North Queensland and the broader road network, it’s also creating jobs.

“Flooding along the Bruce Highway between Ayr and Townsville causes major issues for many locals because it often lasts more than four days in bad weather,” Mr Christensen said.

“We are committed to getting on and delivering this important project.

“I also welcome The Infrastructure Group’s commitment to supporting local businesses and local jobs.”

The Infrastructure Group’s Project Manager Campbell McCall highlighted the importance of engaging local companies, particularly given the contractors were also locally-based.

"Being a local myself, it’s great to see other local companies given the opportunity to be part of this significant project," Mr McCall said.

"I encourage local businesses to keep an eye out for future opportunities and submit tenders for more upcoming work packages with us.”

Achieve Group Australia's Managing Director Don Byers applauded the contract as a win for locally-owned businesses.

"The Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project is directly supporting hundreds of jobs and our labour hire contract is expected to source around 80 of those positions, sourced from the Townsville and the Burdekin regions over two years” Mr Byers said.

"The opportunities this contract represents to our employees is significant including upskilling, job security and long-term engagements.

“We look forward to working with Transport and Main Roads and The Infrastructure Group on this project.”

The $514.3 million project is being delivered as part of the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.

The Australian Government has committed $411.5 million to the project, along with $102.9 million by the Queensland Government.

The project is expected to be completed in mid-2021, weather and construction conditions permitting.

For more information on the project, visit the Transport and Main Roads website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search 'Haughton'.

ENDS

Media Contacts: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078