Locals big winners in stadium project

THE North Queensland Stadium is taking shape with nearly $ 90 million already invested in the local economy.

The concrete decks that will form part of the concourse are being poured for the western and southern stands and the lift and stair precast panels are nearing completion on the western stand and have started on the southern stand.

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said more than 113,700 construction hours had been clocked up on the project by workers, and nearly all of those hours have been completed by local contractors – almost 98 per cent.

“This far exceeds Watpac’s target of 80 per cent of hours being completed by local contractors, so Townsville residents, by and large, are the people who are building this stadium,” he said.

“The North Queensland Stadium is a catalyst for urban regeneration that is already benefiting North Queenslanders through the high levels of local industry participation being achieved through its design and construction.”

Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said $ 87 million had been invested in local industry through trade packages.

“As the project moves towards peak construction later this year the investment in local industry will only increase,” she said.

A Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning spokeswoman said offsite production of seating platforms was ongoing poured.

“Concrete columns continue to be poured on the southern stand with more than 75 completed and eastern stand column formwork under way,” she said.

Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said more than 328 with 800 now local businesses have been engaged in the extended supply chain.

“We also expect jobs growth to continue beyond the construction phase with tourism, retail, commercial and hospitality industries benefiting once the stadium is operational,” he said. “The project is on track for delivery by the start of the 2020 NRL season.”

The North Queensland Stadium is a joint project of the Queensland Government ( which contributed $ 140 million), the Federal Government ($ 100 million) and Townsville City Council, and is supported by both the National Rugby League and the North Queensland Cowboys ($ 10 million).