by Khrysti Balanay
Local LNP politicians have called for Australian steel to be used for the Rockhampton ring road project to support the nation’s manufacturing industry.
Senators Matthew Canavan and Paul Scarr and MPs Michelle Landry and Colin Boyce made the push at North Rockhampton steel business Manuplex on Monday.
“With high energy prices and global insecurity, now is the time to start ensuring that the government can do what they can to keep critical manufacturing here in Australia,” Mr Canavan said.
“It can easily be achieved by putting Australian manufacturing first in government projects.
“When the third bridge is built across the Fitzroy River, it would need 460 tonnes of steel, and we want to ensure the steel comes from Australia.”
Ms Landry congratulated businesses like Manuplex, which is currently working on a Shoalwater Bay Training area and has supported local industry and employed people across Central Queensland.
“As the shadow minister for manufacturing, I believe it is important that Australian steel is used as much as possible in local construction projects, especially when government funding helps the project come to fruition.
“As we know, we have a billion-dollar ring road project starting at the end of this year, and we are pushing for the Queensland Government to get as many locals and local produce on board to complete the project.
“Local businesses often compete on the world stage with overseas businesses, and they deserve more recognition from governments of all levels to support their efforts.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said Labor was committed to maximising opportunities for local suppliers and services to gain work on the project.
“We consistently support contractors to engage local workforces, apprentices and trainees and utilise Queensland, Australian-made materials as part of the build,” he said.
“No construction contracts have been awarded yet for the Rockhampton ring road.
“The two shortlisted contractors are developing tendering submissions, and to do this, they engage with suppliers locally and across Queensland.
“All submitted offers will be subject to the local benefits test as part of the evaluation criteria.”
The Department of Transport and Main Roads announced in November 2021 that the project would be split into two packages, expected to be awarded in mid to late 2022.
The project was first announced in November 2018, with the Federal Government contributing $852 million and the Queensland Government adding an extra $213 million.
The $1.065 billion project will link the Bruce Highway through Rockhampton, extending from the Capricorn Highway (Nelson Street) to the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road/Bruce Highway intersection, and will include a new crossing of the Fitzroy River at Pink Lily.
Think local for ring road - Central Queensland Today - CQ Today
Read More
No comments:
Post a Comment