Local companies called to tender for construction works and fire hydrant upgrades

The Palaszczuk Government is calling on eligible local businesses to tender for the construction of a new social housing complex, and fire hydrant system upgrades at four local schools under the Queensland Government’s new procurement strategy.

Member for Kallangur Shane King said the Buy Queensland policy, whichcame into effect on 1 September 2017, was fantastic news for local businesses looking to tender for the works.

“When I talk with local business owners, I hear the same thing over and over – if they know that they can win government contracts, that gives them the confidence to hire new staff or buy new equipment,” Mr King said.

“So I really encourage any local businesses who have the capacity to do the work to put their hand up and get a bid in.

"For one tender, we're looking for local businesses who can upgrade fire hydrant systems at Kurwongbah State School, Kallangur State School, and Dakabin State High School, along with another hydrant upgrade at Indooroopilly State School in Brisbane.

 “The scope of works will vary across each school, but may include installing new fire water connections, fire pumps, pump houses, fire boosters, dedicated fire hydrants mains and fire water storage tanks.”

Mr King said the second tender opening this week was for a new housing project at Kallangur, which is being delivered as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $1.8 billion Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for a local builder to construct 10 one-bedroom units, including three units built to the Platinum Level of Livable Housing Design Guidelines to accommodate residents with mobility impairment,” Mr King said.

“Two of these units will be built to the Platinum Level of Livable Housing Design Guidelines, which means they will be fully wheelchair accessible.

“These Platinum Level apartments include features like wider doorways and halls, as well as lever taps and hobless showers.

“As well as increasing housing availability in the region, the project is part of a pipeline of work that will help support the residential construction industry in the Moreton Bay region and support jobs for local tradies.

“Through the strategy’s Housing Construction Jobs Program, we’re investing $97 million to build 330 social housing dwellings in the Moreton Bay region over the first five years.

“This investment will see work for small, medium and large construction businesses, supporting the equivalent of 55 full time local jobs each year over the five years.”

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said Buy Queensland will make a real difference to the lives of every Queenslander.

“But that is only a part of the picture. The Buy Queensland strategy will directly benefit the local community because it ensures that ‘local’ actually means local,” he said.

“When the Queensland Government spends taxpayers’ money on a government contract, we want that money to stay in the local community, helping local businesses to grow and supporting employment for local workers and apprentices.

"By harnessing this investment in local business and local communities, we are providing people with the confidence to invest in new equipment and hire more staff.”

For further information on how to become registered for Queensland Government building and construction work, phone 3008 3392 or visit www.qld.gov.au/gov/building-services

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Media contacts: Cat Milton 0410 644 113