Appointing a contractor to provide spark

TOWNSVILLE will take a big stride towards realising its stadium dream on Monday.

The announcement that Queensland firm Watpac Limited has been awarded the managing contractor is the moment rubber hits the road for this long- awaited project. Until now, without an overarching manager, no meaningful progress was possible. Now the action begins.

Watpac will start putting together its timeline to deliver the stadium for the start of the 2020 NRL season, using the blueprint set out by the arena’s designers, Cox Architecture and local architect 9Point9. They are already fully aware of the specifications required, having framed their tender bid around the Cox design.

There is now no reason why once ink is dried on their winning tender contract that work should not begin at the CBD stadium site.

We will soon see preparatory operations, including underground works.

At the same time, Watpac will map out the contractual work around project planning and sequencing.

They will begin engaging local subcontractors, which will need to be a big part of contract arrangements.

Indeed, this entire undertaking must be approached with Townsville’s interests front of mind. The outcome must be local firms, local work. It is up to Watpac, which has a proud record of significant local projects, to work out how to achieve that outcome. On that note, given a project of this magnitude needs a Tier One firm to be managing contractor, the selection of Watpac gives Townsville its best chance of maximising local benefits.

That is not intended in any way to malign the unsuccessful short- listed candidates. It is merely a recognition that Watpac has already invested locally. It has a fair dinkum local office and has proved it is committed to this city and this region.

That said, Watpac can expect strong scrutiny to ensure it delivers on its local content pledge. And if it does deliver, those benefits will soon start flowing.

The project will employ 750 workers over the construction and planning stage. That’s 750 workers who will buy coffees and sandwiches at local eateries, take their kids and partners to the cinema or The Strand. It means more workers staying in hotels, renting apartments, enrolling children in schools.

Finally, there’s the feel good factor. We’ve seen some tough times. It will be fantastic to see work begin on such an exciting project that truly will transform our cityscape. Let the work begin.