Mick commits to local trades
Minister visits Cairns Convention Centre site as managing contractor confirms more than 90 per cent of tradies will be sourced from region
PUBLIC Works Minister Mick de Brenni (right) has been given a tour of the $176 million upgrade of the Cairns Convention Centre for the first time and has made a commitment that 91 per cent of the workforce on site, totalling 570, will be from the Far North. But the project means the Taipans won’t be able to play at their usual home until February 4.
CAIRNS tradies are now expected to make up more than 90 per cent of the $176 million Cairns Convention Centre expansion workforce after new details around the major project were revealed.
Up to 570 tradesman are expected to work at the site between now and the centre’s proposed February 4, 2021 reopening date, meaning around 520 should be from Cairns.
Concerns were raised in May by local companies worried major contracts were being awarded to southern-based firms despite the project’s managing contractor Lendlease contractually obligated to an 85 per cent local workforce.
Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni made his first visit to the Wharf St site on Wednesday alongside Lendlease representatives who confirmed they were forecasting 91 per cent locals.
Brisbane-based Stowe Australia was awarded the electrical contract in May, although he confirmed they had a Cairns-based project manager and would be hiring local workers.
“I think the best impact this project can have (is local jobs),” Mr de Brenni said.
“(Those winning contracts) will be required to demonstrate how much of their workforce is local, living in Cairns and we will check that with our compliance.
“My visit is really firing the starter’s gun on construction.”
Poor weather has played havoc with tradie numbers on site doing initial inspection works this week, with only about 35 there on Wednesday, but Mr de Brenni said there were currently 85 people specifically on the project – 84 of which were based in Cairns.
The next contracts to be announced in the coming weeks are expected to be the structural steel, tiling and carpet and vinyl.
COVID-related delays forced the finish date of the project back 65 days with three major parts coming from overseas, including the chillers, which left Belgium by boat on Wednesday morning.
The operable walls – which will allow the centre to potentially host two conferences and an arena event simultaneously – are on route from the US, while the state-of-the-art retractable seating, identical to that used in Arsenal’s home ground Emirates Stadium, is coming from the UK.
“It’s going to be the best experience,” Mr de Brenni said.
All three parts are expected to be shipped this month.
Part of the centre’s striking roof will be demolished as part of the works, allowing for a rooftop terrace.
A tower crane is expected to be erected in September, with the major works beginning just before Christmas.
Mr de Brenni said the new completion date included contingencies, which may be crucial, given the bulk of the major works will now be done during the Far North wet season.