Fair go at contracts can work
THE decision to split the major steel contracts for the CBD’s state- of- the- art stadium is sensible.
The commitment by managing contractor Watpac demonstrates that with a little bit of thought, maximum benefit can be delivered.
The topic of the stadium’s steel contract has been contentious for months in Townsville.
As the city continues to fight an unemployment rate of 8.9 per cent, with youth unemployment sitting at a staggering 20.8 per cent, job creation has never been more imperative.
Watpac’s welcome decision is particularly pertinent as Townsville is located so far from Brisbane. While we certainly have the manpower locally, many have overlooked the North before because we simply aren’t in the southeast corner.
However despite our distance, we have always maintained a strong sense of accomplishment and confidence that our business industry is equally as capable as any other. We can build the stadium. And even with the rise of multinationals, which threatened that capacity, our blue- collar workers have stood their ground.
This outcome, that will enable locals to have a better crack at the tendering process, has been hard fought by the Bulletin and the community.
However it is now important that the State Government also pushes ahead with the Haughton Pipeline duplication with a particular focus placed on local contractors.
We have already heard from locals that they are willing and able to complete both the pipeline and the stadium.
With these two projects alone, Townsville has the opportunity to strengthen the region’s manufacturing base and establish a significant hub for steel production.
And with the backing of the Townsville City Council, Townsville Enterprise and other community leaders, the opportunities are endless.
Townsville, it’s time for you to step up and take the opportunities as they are presented.
And for the State Government, it’s crucial to keep our local businesses in mind. A transitioning economy needs confidence for it to turn around.
So let’s get to work.