Call to use local suppliers for infrastructure

THE need for major infrastructure projects in the Geelong region to find local suppliers was underlined at a Regional Opportunities Showcase last week.

Victoria’s Local Jobs First Commissioner Don Matthews told an Industry Capability Network forum that small to medium enterprises were going to play a large role in the state’s economic recovery from coronavirus. “Therefore, the more local content we can get into projects at the expense of imports from overseas is going to benefit the Victoria economy in both the short and medium term,” Mr Matthews said.

“My plea to all the contractors is, use local businesses whenever possible on these projects.”

He said the $114m GeelongWarrnambool rail line upgrade was one of 62 projects around the state on which he had oversight, and he recently met with civil construction company Downer, which has the contract to design and build key components of the upgrade for Rail Projects Victoria,

The project includes an extension to Waurn Ponds railway station and creation of a new train stabling facility in Mt Duneed, as well as signalling and other upgrades along the line.

“We will continue to meet with them (Downer) to discuss any emerging issues which might apply to meeting their local content and job obligations,” Mr Matthews said.

Downer’s project director Rob Harrison and project procurement manager Jay Miranda said the company was committed to providing opportunity to local businesses and workers.

Mr Harrison said there was about $40m of work that Downer would deliver though supply chain opportunities. “I am really keen in the first instance to find out the capability and capacity of the supply chain that is out there,” Mr Harrison said.

“As part of our delivery, we have also undertaken to use and maximise local industry.”

Representatives from John Holland also presented on two major projects: the Chisholm Road Prison Project at Lara and Cherry Creek Youth Justice Project at Werribee.