Local businesses in Mackay will next month be offered advice on how to secure contracts from projects in the region, including the controversial $21.7 Carmichael mine project.
The regional growth seminar, taking place on July 6 at Mackay’s Harrup Park Country Club, will feature representatives of the Carmichael project and the $498 million Mackay Ring Road project.
Queensland’s development minister Anthony Lynham advised local businesses to make the best of the opportunity.
“These major projects will be an economic shot in the arm for businesses creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region,” the minister said.
“That’s why the premier worked hard to win the commitment from the chairman of Adani to use regional workers and base themselves in regional Queensland.”
Mackay has been confirmed by Adani as the base for its mining services, while its rail maintenance and provisioning yard will be located in the Mackay-Bowen region also.
Lynham said that mining services businesses were an important export earner for the state, and that their innovations had been taken up overseas in agricultural and construction sectors.
“Much of that innovation has come directly from companies based in the Mackay region – companies like Taurus Mining Solutions who feature in our State Budget,” he said.
The Queensland government is funding a Mackay Trade and Investment Action Plan that comes out of $35 million in investment over five years allocated to boost the state’s trade and investment.
Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert said that she expected that local businesses would “see real opportunities” after the Carmichael project goes ahead in the region, and encouraged them to register for the seminar online (at http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/) or by phone on 4898 6800.