Published Thursday, 29 May, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Local firms should apply for $4B worth of State Government projects: Boyle
More than $4 billion worth of projects have been proposed for Far North Queensland over the next 12 months, and local firms are being encouraged to apply to carry out the work, Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said today.
Ms Boyle said there were many local firms capable of winning the government contracts and encouraged them to apply.
“Our local firms are talented and capable. Over the last 12 months, I’m pleased to say the lion’s share of $9.6 million worth of contracts for the redevelopment of the Weipa Hospital have been awarded to North Queensland firms,” Ms Boyle said.
“We know that when given the opportunity, our local firms can indeed match it with the best.
“And so it’s great news to hear there are many exciting projects on the cards, including the development of the Cairns Hospital, Mareeba Courthouse and the new Far North Queensland Youth Detention Centre.
“I understand that the application process for government contracts can be a daunting and sometimes confusing process and that’s why our department provides assistance to those companies interested in applying.
“Just recently my department held a workshop about how to apply for government tenders – it was so well attended they had to hold an extra one.
“I know of many local companies that would be suitable candidates for the upcoming projects – I encourage them to get in contact with our department to find out how to apply.
“The State Government is spending $1.6 million every hour of every day to build and rebuild the state’s infrastructure.
“This is about building tomorrow’s Queensland, today.”
Ms Boyle said interested firms should visit the Industry Capability Network’s website, www.icnqld.org.au, as well as keep a close eye on the Queensland Government’s Building Projects Industry Guide at www.build.qld.gov.au and the Queensland Government Market Place website at www.qgm.qld.gov.au.
“Or alternatively, contact my office to obtain information about how to apply for the upcoming contracts,” Ms Boyle said.
Committed projects:
Cairns Hospital $440 million
New office buildings for Cairns $80 million
- construction of William McCormack Place stage two, Sheridan Street Cairns
Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE (Cairns Campus) $26 million
- new purpose-built horticulture facility, new trade training centre and
new entrance point to the campus
Mulgrave Road, Cairns $16 million
- various projects include upgrading intersections, improving route lighting and road signage, road widening and improved pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of Stockland shopping centre.
Barron Gorge capital works $8 million
- various maintenance projects
Mareeba Courthouse $5 million
- part of a new police station, watch house and courthouse
Ms Boyle said the State Government had developed and implemented the Local Industry Policy to ensure project proponents developed specific plans that would open the tender process up to competitive Queensland firms.
“Since the policy was introduced in 2000, Queensland firms have won $2.89 billion of the $3.80 billion worth of projects awarded to Australian firms,” Ms Boyle said.
“This is an outstanding result and is proof that Queensland really is ahead of the game.
“This year alone, almost $59 million worth of infrastructure contracts have been won by Queensland firms, which equates to winning 98 per cent of eligible work.”
29 May 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Marcus Taylor (3225 1005 / 0419 025 326) or Kirstie Maier (3224 2007 / 0448 135 195)
Ms Boyle said there were many local firms capable of winning the government contracts and encouraged them to apply.
“Our local firms are talented and capable. Over the last 12 months, I’m pleased to say the lion’s share of $9.6 million worth of contracts for the redevelopment of the Weipa Hospital have been awarded to North Queensland firms,” Ms Boyle said.
“We know that when given the opportunity, our local firms can indeed match it with the best.
“And so it’s great news to hear there are many exciting projects on the cards, including the development of the Cairns Hospital, Mareeba Courthouse and the new Far North Queensland Youth Detention Centre.
“I understand that the application process for government contracts can be a daunting and sometimes confusing process and that’s why our department provides assistance to those companies interested in applying.
“Just recently my department held a workshop about how to apply for government tenders – it was so well attended they had to hold an extra one.
“I know of many local companies that would be suitable candidates for the upcoming projects – I encourage them to get in contact with our department to find out how to apply.
“The State Government is spending $1.6 million every hour of every day to build and rebuild the state’s infrastructure.
“This is about building tomorrow’s Queensland, today.”
Ms Boyle said interested firms should visit the Industry Capability Network’s website, www.icnqld.org.au, as well as keep a close eye on the Queensland Government’s Building Projects Industry Guide at www.build.qld.gov.au and the Queensland Government Market Place website at www.qgm.qld.gov.au.
“Or alternatively, contact my office to obtain information about how to apply for the upcoming contracts,” Ms Boyle said.
Committed projects:
Cairns Hospital $440 million
New office buildings for Cairns $80 million
- construction of William McCormack Place stage two, Sheridan Street Cairns
Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE (Cairns Campus) $26 million
- new purpose-built horticulture facility, new trade training centre and
new entrance point to the campus
Mulgrave Road, Cairns $16 million
- various projects include upgrading intersections, improving route lighting and road signage, road widening and improved pedestrian facilities in the vicinity of Stockland shopping centre.
Barron Gorge capital works $8 million
- various maintenance projects
Mareeba Courthouse $5 million
- part of a new police station, watch house and courthouse
Ms Boyle said the State Government had developed and implemented the Local Industry Policy to ensure project proponents developed specific plans that would open the tender process up to competitive Queensland firms.
“Since the policy was introduced in 2000, Queensland firms have won $2.89 billion of the $3.80 billion worth of projects awarded to Australian firms,” Ms Boyle said.
“This is an outstanding result and is proof that Queensland really is ahead of the game.
“This year alone, almost $59 million worth of infrastructure contracts have been won by Queensland firms, which equates to winning 98 per cent of eligible work.”
29 May 2008
MEDIA CONTACT: Marcus Taylor (3225 1005 / 0419 025 326) or Kirstie Maier (3224 2007 / 0448 135 195)