Townsville Women’s Centre project takes another step forward

The tender for the construction of the new Townsville Women’s Centre has opened for three local building contractors, who were shortlisted during the EOI process in August.

The three Townsville-based building companies are Woollam Constructions; Hutchinson Builders; and Paynters Pty Ltd.

Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke today (18 December) said the three shortlisted companies would now have the opportunity to take part in the final tender stage, which closes on January 22.

“This is one of the exciting final steps before construction begins on this welcomed project for Townsville,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Any one of these three companies has the experience and expertise to build this important piece of community infrastructure and we look forward to working with the successful tenderer.

“The Palaszczuk Government is backing local jobs by selecting a local builder, with approximately eleven full-time equivalent jobs set to be created during construction of the centre.

“Once this tender process is complete in the New Year, construction will begin on site at the corner of Charles and Nathan St in Aitkenvale.”

The Palaszczuk Government is providing $3.19 million in funding for the design and construction of the new centre in 2019-20, in addition to $330,000 provided last financial year.

North Queensland Combined Women’s Service receives Queensland Government funding totalling more than $1.7 million each year to run the Townsville Women’s Centre and provide services.

Townsville Women's Centre coordinator Cathy Crawford said she was pleased that the tender for construction of the new centre had been released.

“I look forward to construction beginning in the New Year, so we can deliver much-needed services to local women from a larger, more modern and fit-for-purpose centre,” Ms Crawford said.

“The new building will be warm and comfortable and enable staff to provide a broader range of services to women across North Queensland.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Townsville Women’s Centre provides a valuable service to local women and the new centre will allow it to expand and keep up with demand.

“Services provided out of the new centre, when it opens in mid-2020, will include sexual assault support services, counselling and domestic and family violence and homelessness support services,” she said.

“I am proud of this government’s commitment to delivering this new centre, and to creating thriving communities where Queenslanders can participate and be included in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s Office (07) 3719 7170