Jobs bonanza—tenders for components for 100+ bridges awarded
28 March 2017
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Contracts have been awarded to begin works on more than 100 bridges between Woolgoolga and Ballina
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Work will deliver jobs boom for Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions
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Around 1,700 workers already employed on upgrade, with more jobs to come as work ramps up
Australian Government: The Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions are set for a jobs boom, with large contracts awarded today to build components for more than 100 bridges to be built along the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the Pacific Highway upgrade.
Contracts have been secured by:
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Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd—to supply more than 2700 headstocks, planks and abutments to the project
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CPB Contractors Pty Ltd—to provide about 800 Super T girders
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Boral Resources Pty Ltd—to provide about 60,000 cubic metres of concrete to the project
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said more than 1,700 people were already working on the Woolgoolga to Ballina section of the upgrade.
“This is Australia’s largest regional infrastructure project, delivering thousands of jobs and real economic benefits for businesses throughout the local area, the wider region and the entire state,” Mr Chester said.
“As well as injecting millions into local economies throughout New South Wales, the duplication of the Pacific Highway has also contributed to a halving of fatalities on the highway since the upgrade began.
“The project is also a regional jobs boon, with up to 4,000 workers expected to be directly employed across the Pacific Highway when works ramp up later in 2017.”
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said today’s tender awards related to precast concrete bridge components.
“Using precast components means most bridges will be able to be built about five to 15 per cent faster than traditional building methods. This more efficient construction method will ensure the upgrades remain on track to open to traffic by 2020,” Mrs Pavey said.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said manufacturing of the bridge components would start almost immediately, ensuring ongoing employment for workers at existing facilities in Macksville and Coffs Harbour.
“We will see more than 100 bridges built between Woolgoolga and Ballina, including major bridges crossing the Clarence and Richmond rivers,” Mr Hogan said.
“A significant proportion of contracts for works on the Pacific Highway are being awarded to north coast businesses, providing sub-contracting and supply opportunities for locals and flow through benefits to the local accommodation and hospitality industry.”
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis welcomed the ongoing public investment in infrastructure.
“It will create an enormous economic boost to those communities along the route and help create much needed local jobs,” Mr Gulaptis said.
The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade on an 80:20 basis. For more information on the project and tender awards please visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/W2B.
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Source: Federal Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
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