Published Wednesday, 04 July, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
DAM PLANS A BOOST FOR COMPANIES GREAT AND SMALL
July 4, 2007
Australia’s top construction firms today lined up for briefings on how to frame their tenders for two proposed dams that form a $2.2billion component of the State Government’s $9billion SEQ Water Grid.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said although the proposed $1.7 billion Traveston Crossing Dam, near Gympie, and $500 million Wyaralong Dam outside Beaudesert were still subject to rigorous environmental assessments, it was vital business was able to start planning.
More than 140 representatives from over 50 companies, including construction giants John Holland, Leighton Contractors, Multiplex, McMahon, Thiess and Abigroup attended the Brisbane briefing by Queensland Water Infrastructure, along with Japan’s Taisei Corp.
“With a roll-out of $82billion in the south-east alone over the next 20 years, Queensland is fast earning the reputation as the infrastructure capital of Australia,” Ms Bligh said.
“We’re growing rapidly and, as importantly, we have the economic base to deliver the nuts and bolts – the schools, roads, power, health and water infrastructure.
“This government’s record investment in our future - $14 billion this financial year – has led to intense domestic and international interest and the result is tightly competitive tendering. In the middle of a hot global market, it means taxpayers are getting the infastructure we need at the right price.”
Ms Bligh said the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal also sparked strong interest across the board, with more than 200 smaller companies from the Sunshine Coast through to Wide Bay registering their interest with QWI, the State Government-owned company established to build the dams.
“Despite Queensland’s robust economy, Cooloola Shire still lags behind and the proposal to inject a $1.7 billion project into the region is the chance to turn it around,” she said.
Latest census data shows median household income in the Cooloola region is $696 a week, compared with the national figure if $1027. A 2007 report by consultants ACIL Tasman highlighted research that showed Cooloola Shire is in the lowest 10% of local government areas on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage-Disadvantage.
QWI expects the proposed dam to create more than 500 jobs and opportunities for over 600 suppliers, more than 40% of them sourced locally.
“This wouldn’t just benefit the big end of town. In the Gympie area, QWI expects to engage over 240 suppliers in fields from supplying stationery, accommodation and hardware through to bulk cement supply, earthmoving, metal fabrication, pumps and pipework,” Ms Bligh said.
“That means jobs - particularly for young people – and the chance to develop skills that will stay with them for life. And it gives local companies a launchpad to keep competing for infrastructure projects long after the proposed construction period for the dam. “
Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong dams are subject to Environmental Impact Statements, expected to be released for public comment by October. As part of the process, QWI is developing strategies such as the local business register in line with the Government’s Local Industry Policy.
A similar register soon will be launched for the Wyaralong Dam, which QWI expects to create about 300 jobs and opportunities for 400 suppliers.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office, 3224 6900
Australia’s top construction firms today lined up for briefings on how to frame their tenders for two proposed dams that form a $2.2billion component of the State Government’s $9billion SEQ Water Grid.
Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said although the proposed $1.7 billion Traveston Crossing Dam, near Gympie, and $500 million Wyaralong Dam outside Beaudesert were still subject to rigorous environmental assessments, it was vital business was able to start planning.
More than 140 representatives from over 50 companies, including construction giants John Holland, Leighton Contractors, Multiplex, McMahon, Thiess and Abigroup attended the Brisbane briefing by Queensland Water Infrastructure, along with Japan’s Taisei Corp.
“With a roll-out of $82billion in the south-east alone over the next 20 years, Queensland is fast earning the reputation as the infrastructure capital of Australia,” Ms Bligh said.
“We’re growing rapidly and, as importantly, we have the economic base to deliver the nuts and bolts – the schools, roads, power, health and water infrastructure.
“This government’s record investment in our future - $14 billion this financial year – has led to intense domestic and international interest and the result is tightly competitive tendering. In the middle of a hot global market, it means taxpayers are getting the infastructure we need at the right price.”
Ms Bligh said the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal also sparked strong interest across the board, with more than 200 smaller companies from the Sunshine Coast through to Wide Bay registering their interest with QWI, the State Government-owned company established to build the dams.
“Despite Queensland’s robust economy, Cooloola Shire still lags behind and the proposal to inject a $1.7 billion project into the region is the chance to turn it around,” she said.
Latest census data shows median household income in the Cooloola region is $696 a week, compared with the national figure if $1027. A 2007 report by consultants ACIL Tasman highlighted research that showed Cooloola Shire is in the lowest 10% of local government areas on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage-Disadvantage.
QWI expects the proposed dam to create more than 500 jobs and opportunities for over 600 suppliers, more than 40% of them sourced locally.
“This wouldn’t just benefit the big end of town. In the Gympie area, QWI expects to engage over 240 suppliers in fields from supplying stationery, accommodation and hardware through to bulk cement supply, earthmoving, metal fabrication, pumps and pipework,” Ms Bligh said.
“That means jobs - particularly for young people – and the chance to develop skills that will stay with them for life. And it gives local companies a launchpad to keep competing for infrastructure projects long after the proposed construction period for the dam. “
Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong dams are subject to Environmental Impact Statements, expected to be released for public comment by October. As part of the process, QWI is developing strategies such as the local business register in line with the Government’s Local Industry Policy.
A similar register soon will be launched for the Wyaralong Dam, which QWI expects to create about 300 jobs and opportunities for 400 suppliers.
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office, 3224 6900