PUBLIC WORKS MANAGING $3.5 BILLION IN PROJECTS FOR QUEENSLAND

The Department of Public Works is playing a vital role in building tomorrow’s Queensland by managing capital building projects worth $3.5 billion on behalf of the Queensland Government, Works Minister Robert Schwarten said today.

Mr Schwarten said the projects, to be delivered during the next five years, followed on from the department’s role in delivering the $291 million Millennium Arts Project at the Queensland Cultural Centre at Southbank in Brisbane.

“The Department of Public Works successfully delivered the new Gallery of Modern Art and refurbished State Library on time and on budget,” Mr Schwarten told State Parliament.

“Public Works is now working on a number of other projects across the State.

“Last month, I announced Laing O’Rourke as the successful tenderer for the $52 million Queensland State Archives expansion project.

“When completed and operational in mid-2008, the project will double the storage capacity of the Queensland State Archives.

“Among other landmark infrastructure projects currently managed by the Department of Public Works are the $160 million Skilled Stadium at Robina, major expansions worth a total of $265 million at the men’s and women’s prisons at Townsville, and the $350 million Preparatory Year of Schooling program.”

Mr Schwarten said the Department was also responsible for delivering the school asbestos roof replacement program throughout the state.

“As at January 22, 685 roofs had been replaced at 233 schools. We are on track to have 85% of the program completed by the 30 June 2007.

“In Brisbane, the Department of Public Works is project managing the $45.5 million Boggo Road Urban Village infrastructure development project -- where demolition and site remediation works have been completed -- and overseeing the $77 million State Tennis Centre project at Tennyson.

“The design phase of a tender process is underway for both the proposed Supreme and District Court project in Brisbane and the $63.3 million Tank Street Bridge project.”

Mr Schwarten said the Tank Street Bridge project would provide a pedestrian and cycle link between the city and the new Queensland Gallery of Modern Art at South Brisbane.

“Together, these projects, and other being managed by the department, are generating thousands of jobs for Queenslanders,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Since the Beattie Government has been in office, more than 950 new apprentice and trainee positions have been created with QBuild.

Late last year, more than 2500 Queenslanders applied for the 100 apprentices and trainee positions available in QBuild’s 2007 intake.

That’s an increase of 61 per cent on the previous year’s applications.”

Media contact: Minister Schwarten Office (07) 3237 1832