Tradies’ work in progress

OPPORTUNITIES are there to be grabbed in the construction industry as the sector begins to build off the back of the Commonwealth Games bonanza and major projects look set to change the skyline.

From the $2 billion master plan for The Star at Broadbeach to the next stage of light rail and the $1.4 billion Ruby residential project in Surfers Paradise, tradies can reap the rewards.

Master Builders Australia predicts a slight easing on approvals, but just six of the top projects under way are expected to generate 19,000 construction jobs over the next decade.

Alder Constructions general manager Dean Cheffers says local projects mean local workers stay closer to home.

“From what I hear talking to tradies, there is much less traffic heading north (on the M1) at 5am than there was 3-4 years ago,” Mr Cheffers said.

“People ultimately seek more opportunity and will drive for work, but with the projects happening here, less and less are having to head up the M1 on a regular basis.’’

Mr Cheffers, who has worked on a variety of residential and civil projects such as the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, The Star refurbishments and the Gold Coast Turf Club, said the sector was a great career choice for workers willing to put in the hard yards.

“There is definitely an interesting range in work available. For the last couple of years medium to large-scale projects on the Coast have gone ahead, which means you can get experience in anything from civil to residential, to first-tier work,” he said. “If you’re talking employment opportunities, there is a good outlook for the next 12-24 months.”

To secure a job, Mr Cheffers said approach and experience were key.

“Attitude counts for a lot, but whether you have blue or white collar experience there are bridging type subjects which people can do to get into the industry,” he said.

According to Master Builders, the next big builds for the Gold Coast include a mix of residential, tourist and infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure projects include the M1 upgrade from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes. The city is also looking towards the next stage of the light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh, which hinges on a business case being prepared by the State Government and the city council.

Master Builders also listed tourism and residential complexes such as the Jewel towers, the Surfers Paradise Spirit and the Ruby, a four-tower Surfers Paradise complex, as significant projects.

Star Entertainment Group’s $2 billion investment for its Broadbeach island and casino site is expected to create a total of 2000 construction jobs.