Local jobs a priority in arts centre tender

Employment of local contractors was one of the key selection criteria when Baw Baw Shire considered tenders for the West Gippsland Arts Centre redevelopment, according to interim chief executive officer Phil Cantillon.

Council recently awarded a $10.9 million tender to Melbourne based Building Engineering Pty Ltd.

Total cost of the project is $13.4 million which includes $4 million state government funds and the recent announcement of a $4 million federal commitment.

The federal funds will be drawn from the federal government’s $20 million allocation to Gippsland to boost local projects and job opportunities following the imminent closure of Hazelwood Power Station.

The announcement attracted some concern that local employment would not be boosted through the arts centre redevelopment.

But, Mr Cantillon said council’s tender process took into account opportunities for local job opportunities.

“Employment of local contractors is one of the key selection criteria when council assesses any tender submission,” he said.

Mr Cantillon said as a standard policy, all tenders are released by council had a mandatory evaluation weighting criteria of a minimum of 10 per cent for local content.

He said tenderers for the arts centre redevelopment were asked to provide a detailed summary of the local suppliers, contractors and goods to be purchased within the region and also any plans for local employment, particularly in addition to their current staff, should they be successful in winning the project.

“Building Engineering Pty Ltd who was awarded the tender, indicated an extensive list of locally based contractors that will be engaged throughout various stages of construction from numerous locations around Gippsland.

“Given the impending closure of Hazelwood Power Station and the impacts on the Latrobe Valley community, it’s particularly important that the local supplier contributions to the project are a key consideration to ensure the flow on effect of employment benefits from a construction of this size and complexity.

“Beyond the construction phase, there will be ongoing employment benefits to the region driven by the increased patronage and seating capacity, as well as the need for more allied industries in the greater Gippsland region to support a larger arts facility,” Mr Cantillon said.

The redevelopment will increase the art centre’s seating capacity from 510 to 760 patrons.

Auditorium and theatre upgrades as well as additional back of house facilities and an expanded foyer and café area.

The arts centre has closed for the redevelopment and works are expected to be completed by July next year.