The Queensland government has held its first of two industry briefings spruiking its new four-year infrastructure investment plan in Brisbane.
State transport minister Mark Bailey said the briefing was being held to provide infrastructure contractors and consultants across the state a better understanding of the government’s Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP).
“It is vitally important to hold these briefings to provide industry with an overview of the QTRIP funding allocation and showcase the upcoming works expected to be released for tender during the coming year,” Bailey said.
“This gives local businesses the chance to be ready to capitalise when our projects go out to tender, and provides them with a greater understanding of upcoming programs and projects, method of procurement, likely budgets available and the timing of the work entering the market.”
The QTRIP outlines $21.7 billion in investment in transport infrastructure between 2018 and 2022. It includes $300 million in station accessibility upgrades across the rail network, $88.6 million to provide extra car spaces at Geebung, Virginia, Lindum, Lawnton, Darra, Springfield Central and Salisbury rail stations and the $5 million allocated for the business case for Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads.
This first briefing in Brisbane outlined upcoming projects in the Metropolitan, North Coast and Wide Bay/Burnett, South Coast and Downs South West regions. A second briefing in Mackay – to be held on 14 August – will provide an overview of QTRIP projects for Mackay/Whitsunday, Central Queensland, North Queensland and Far North Queensland.
Bailey said the government’s “Buy Queensland” procurement policy introduced last year – which sees local suppliers receive a 30% weighting on any tender lodged for a significant procurement – meant that Queensland businesses now had more opportunities to successfully tender for projects.
“We are providing local businesses more opportunities to tender with the government, driving genuine local jobs and improving social outcomes for Queenslanders,” he said.
“Locals know their community transport needs best, as do local transport companies, so these briefings ensure we give every opportunity for these businesses to involved.”