PREMIER WELCOMES BUNNINGS EXPANSION

PREMIER Anna Bligh has welcomed Bunnings’ decision to expand with 12 new warehouse stores in Queensland as she officially reopened two stores affected by recent flooding today.

Bunnings Warehouse Oxley and Bunnings Warehouse Rocklea were reopened to the public today after both were shut down by the January floods.

The company also announced a committed investment of more than $385 million in twelve new stores and two new trade centres in metro and regional Queensland over the next three years.

“This expansion will create more than 1,870 new permanent jobs and over 2,260 additional jobs during the construction phase,” said Premier Bligh.

“What better symbol of Queensland getting back on its feet than the re-opening of these two stores?

“Even better, the decision to back Queensland with 12 new stores is a huge vote of confidence in a bright future for our state.

“Bunnings is all about DIY and that means having a go and pitching in. That’s exactly what we are seeing right across Queensland as people rebuild their lives after these terrible natural disasters.

“I welcome the announcement from Bunnings today. It shows Queensland is getting back on its feet and back in business.”

The investment includes twelve new warehouse sites which have been secured in locations including Noosaville, Mackay North, Mackay South, Harbourtown, Manly West, West Ipswich and Oxenford.

“Of these sites, construction is already underway on the Noosaville store. Additionally, two new trade centres are under construction at Gaven and Rockhampton.

Today’s announcement follows the recent openings of stores in Fairfield Waters and Airlie Beach and trade centres in Maroochydore and Mackay and the investment is in addition to ongoing reinvestment programs in existing Queensland stores.

Bunnings Managing Director, John Gillam said they were delighted to be able to reopen the Rocklea and Oxley Warehouses today thanks to the tremendous efforts of the local teams.

“We have been closely involved in the flood recovery and rebuild effort in many parts of the state and our Queensland team continue to provide ongoing support in their local communities,” he said.

“We are particularly pleased to be able to confirm our long term commitment to Queensland with over $385m of investment which will see twelve new Bunnings Warehouses open and over 1,870 permanent jobs created across the state over the next three years.”

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