Rocky contractors to win big from infrastructure boom

The $1 billion Rockhampton Ring Road will create extensive opportunities for local contractors, after many benefited from the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, which is nearing completion.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the two massive projects are key to boosting the Central Queensland economy and transforming the road network.

“Over the next four years the Palaszczuk Government is delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan which is creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland economic recovery from COVID-19," Mr Bailey said.

“This includes delivering $17.5 billion worth of project across regional Queensland.

"A key part of this record investment is working with local contractors and suppliers to build a strong and diverse economy.

"Today we held a meeting to assist potential suppliers to understand what they need to do to get work on the job.

"The Rockhampton Ring Road is the biggest infrastructure project to ever be delivered in Central Queensland and will support an average of 783 direct jobs.

“While the $194 million Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, which is almost finished, supported 261 direct jobs.

"The best way the Palaszczuk Government can deliver these major infrastructure projects is through collaborating with industry and highlighting opportunities for local businesses to participate."

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the Rockhampton Ring Road project would boost local businesses in the city.

"With construction kicking off next year, we’ll need materials, workers, traffic management, drilling and piling services, fencing, cleaning and security services, accommodation, fuel and vehicle maintenance,” Mr O’Rourke said.

"We want contractors and suppliers in Central Queensland to reap the economic rewards when the Palaszczuk Government delivers the Rockhampton Ring Road project.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Palaszczuk Government is delivering for Central Queensland by creating jobs and delivering key infrastructure.

“We’re delivering a $1.475 billion investment in transport and roads infrastructure for the Fitzroy District over the next four year, estimated to support an average of 1,340 direct jobs,” Ms Lauga said.

“This include the Rockhampton Ring Road which is the missing link to complete the overall Bruce Highway infrastructure upgrades to improve access in and around the city.

"The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to deliver major infrastructure upgrades that were identified in the Fitzroy River Floodplain and Road Planning Study (2011) supporting future growth in the Rockhampton region.”

Since the study was completed, $524 million has been directly injected into upgrading Rockhampton's road network.

This includes:

• The $50 million Yeppen North project, and $148 million Yeppen South project, with both completed. Yeppen South alone supported an average of 350 direct jobs over the life of the project.
• Improving access to Rockhampton from the south and providing a high-level of flood immunity for the Bruce Highway through the southern Fitzroy River floodplain into Rockhampton.
• Last month saw the completion of the $75 million Capricorn Highway – Rockhampton to Gracemere Duplication, which supported an average of 187 direct jobs over the life of the project. The duplication has improved the connection between these communities and increased the safety of this key urban connector road.
• The $158 million Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade (RNAU) and $36 million Bruce Highway Safety Package project at Terranova Drive are in the final construction stages and when complete will reduce congestion and improve access in the northern suburbs of Rockhampton. An average of 260 direct jobs are being supported over the life of the RNAU project and an average of 165 direct jobs by the Terranova Drive intersection project.

Ms Lauga said delivering the key recommendations of the floodplain study provided significant benefits for the local community.

"Where available, all material, plant hire and labour were sourced locally supporting local business' ability to continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

"The Palaszczuk Government will continue to focus on the inclusion of training programs, ensuring First Nations participation and working to support women in the workforce.

"We are committed to working with industry to sustain local workforces, grow capacity through training, boost supply chains and support local businesses."

For more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/districts/fitzroy.

ENDS

Media contact: Joe Ogilvie – 0423 184 412