THE RIGHT METTLE

HE started work as a boilermaker more than 30 years ago, but after rising through the ranks, local businessman John Lane will oversee one of the biggest contracts for the new Townsville stadium.

Mr Lane runs Garbutt business Thomas Steel Fabrication, which was yesterday awarded the structural steel package for the CBD stadium’s western stand.

The family- owned business, which employs 70 people, is expecting to hire another 30 in the new year.

Mr Lane said he was pleased his company had won the stadium contract.

“It gives us continuity of work for the new year,” he said. “It’s great the project was awarded to a local company.”

Thomas Steel Fabrication general manager Danella Lane said the company would recruit more staff for the project.

She said applicants could drop resumes into the business at 19 Hartley St.

Speaking inside the company’s manufacturing shed in Townsville yesterday, State Development Minister Cameron Dick said managing contractor Watpac had advised that splitting the contracts into three parts would maximise opportunities for local contractors.

“Working with Watpac, we are going to deliver ( the pledge that) at least 80 per cent of the value of this stadium … will be committed locally. And 80 per cent of the hours of construction, at least, will go to local workers.

“That’s a wonderful thing for the Townsville community and we are on track now to deliver the stadium on time and on budget.”

Th The St State t Government estimates more than 150 North Queensland companies have been engaged in direct work or as part of the supply chain for the project.

Contracts for the eastern wing and roof of the stadium will be announced in the coming weeks.

Metalrig, owned by Mr Lane’s son Chris, will erect the steel for the stadium.

The fabrication of steel is e expected to start late next month and the project could last nine months. About 3800 tonnes of structural steel will be used in the $ 250 million project, expected to be complete by the start of the 2020 NRL season.

Federal Assistant Cities Minister Angus Taylor said it was great news to see more local employment opportunities from the stadium build.

“This is a Christmas bonus for employees of Thomas Steel Fabrication and their families,” he said.

Mayor Jenny Hill said she was thrilled another local business had been recruited to help bring the stadium project to life.