PM sees stadium as city job creator

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the $ 250 million North Queensland Stadium project will be a “gamechanger” for Townsville, creating jobs and investment.

Mr Turnbull was in Townsville yesterday to announce construction group Watpac had been appointed managing contractors.

Speaking at the stadium site, Mr Turnbull said more than 2000 people from the Townsville region would be involved in contracts relating to the building of the stadium.

“This is going to be a massive job creator here in Townsville,” he said.

“It’s a game- changer that will increase tourism to the region, increase investment, revitalise the city of Townsville and it is a vital part of our Townsville City Deal.

“( It will provide) more growth, jobs, investment and more opportunity for the people of Townsville.”

Watpac has committed to more than 80 per cent of the hours spent building the stadium to be by local workers and at least 80 per cent of the value of the project to be spent on local subcontractors and suppliers.

Work is expected to start on the stadium later this year and the project is scheduled to be finished in time for the 2020 NRL season.

The project is expected to have a workforce of about 400 people at any one time during construction.

Watpac Construction northern region manager Bryan Glancy said they were looking forward to working with local business to deliver the stadium.

“This project will draw on our expertise while bringing together local businesses to offer various opportunities for North Queensland residents,” he said. “We’ve got a strong record when it comes to engaging with local trades and suppliers as a priority for our projects and we will look to continue this over the course of the stadium’s construction. We will be working with interested parties early on to create a pathway for local industry participation.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said many local contractors had wanted Watpac to be appointed.

“Watpac have a great reputation in our community, especially in terms of the use of local labour, so when people do come out and have a look at the work site they might see their friends or even their families working here and that’s important to us here in North Queensland.

“This is just the first piece of the puzzle of revitalising and refocusing what Townsville really is.”