Builders’ board in first visit to city
PEAK construction group Master Builders has represented the industry in Queensland for well over a century but for the first time yesterday its board met in Townsville.
Local builder and board member Adrian Gabrielli helped show his colleagues around the city to see projects such as Elliot Springs and the North Queensland Stadium.
The board also met to consider policy issues such as how best to help members cut waste and try to minimise the impact of the state’s new waste levy.
Master Builders Queensland CEO Grant Galvin said they were visiting three regional locations every year.
“It’s really good for the board to get out and about,” Mr Galvin said.
“Our board is made up of people from Cairns to Bris- bane, from the biggest end of town to the smallest house builder. To get out and see what is going on in regional Queensland is really helpful.”
Mr Gabrielli said it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Townsville to the board.
He said that while the economy had been slow, investment in projects like Elliot Springs and the stadium were building momentum.
“I think ( Elliot Springs) is a bright spark in the economy of Townsville,” Mr Gabrielli said.
“If we invest, people will come. Lendlease sees the growth opportunity.”
Lendlease is developing a masterplanned community about 15km south of the city with about 80 people on site developing roads, infrastructure, land and parks.
A display village to be operated by Master Builders in partnership with Lendlease is expected to open in February.