Builders gather for Oasis
Tess Ikonomou
THREE Town s v i l l e - b a s e d building contractors have reached the final stage of f the tender process to remodel and revamp the Oonoonba site that will become The Oasis Townsville.
A Gabrielli Constructions, Paynters, and Woollam Constructions are the three companies that have been shortlisted as Select Tenderers for the project.
Minister for Communities Coralee O’rourke visited the site with representatives from The Oasis Townsville and the three successful construction companies.
“It’s important for The Oasis Townsville to be built by local contractors to ensure it generates as many local jobs as possible,” Mrs O’rourke said.
“Around 26 full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of this project, and we know many more ongoing jobs will be created once the centre is operating and delivering services.
“Local contractors can also deliver a facility that will respond to the specific needs of veterans in Townsville’s defence community.
Around 15,000 ex-defence force personnel live in Townsville, with a further 500 locally based services personnel expected to discharge each y year. Ms O’ROu urke said she was delighted to see t the project g get closer to completion.
“I know it will be of enormous benefit to Townsville’s current and former ADF personnel,” she said.
The State Government is providing up to $4.3 million towards the first phase of this project, which includes the refurbishment of the existing building at the corner of Darter and Colvin Streets, Oonoonba.
Ms O’rourke said her government was committed to creating a service that best meets the needs of veterans.
“This hub will be a onestop-shop providing welfare support and employment transition services to ex-defence force personnel and their families,” she said.
“We will be working handin-hand with the local defence force community to ensure the hub meets the unique needs of service personnel transitioning into community life in this region.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its election commitment to establish this defence hub in Townsville and I am proud of the progress we have made so far.”