Expressions of interest (EOI) has been called for principal consultants to put forward design teams to kick off work on the $250 million North Queensland Stadium.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said the project’s first tender marked an important milestone for the project.
“I want to pay tribute to the people of Townsville and north Queensland for working with my Government to push this project forward,” the Premier said.
“In addition to the $140 million my Government confirmed in the State Budget in June, together we were able to convince the Turnbull Government to match Federal Labor’s commitment of $100 million during the election campaign.”
“The North Queensland Stadium will create hundreds of jobs in the construction phase alone and provide a vital boost to the local economy and community.”
Dr Lynham said as well as the first tender, local contractors would also be able to register their interest online from Monday to work on the project.
“The whistle’s blown and we’re underway on the biggest job-creating project in North Queensland in decades,” he said.
“This project will create 750 construction jobs and the over-riding theme is local – local jobs, local businesses, local alliances.
“From the initial EOIs we’ll select a shortlist of consortia to submit a concept design for the new stadium as part of a design tender.
“We want consortia that use local businesses, form local alliances and identify opportunities for local industry innovation.
“That means opportunity for local consultants to team up with leading sports designers to be part of this exciting project —- and a concept design for the people of North Queensland before Christmas.”
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and stadium champion Coralee O’Rourke welcomed the call for tenders, which follows key discussion in Townsville last week on the Federal Government’s City Deal.
“The Townsville Stadium is an absolute game changer for the entire North Queensland region and for the past 18 months, we have been working incredibly hard to make it a reality,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“I know Townsville needs jobs and as part of our tender process, bidders will need to detail opportunities for local industry and business, to keep jobs local and help bring confidence back to our region.
“This crucial piece of infrastructure is a priority in my Advancing North Queensland strategy to grow and diversify the northern economy, and I am pleased we are now one step closer.
“This will mean important work for North Queensland’s building and construction industry, but in the longer term it’s also about diversifying our economy.
“In the future, footy fans will come to a North Queensland Cowboys game and stay for a holiday and the North will be able to attract a variety of events that will attract new visitors and investment to the region.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart urged local suppliers to get online now and register their interest in being part of the project.
“Townsville needs these jobs and local businesses need these opportunities to supply their products and services,” he said.
“My message to local contractors is to be the early bird and register now to be part of a very exciting time for Townsville.
“I’d also encourage people to get along to the Department of State Development’s next quarterly industry breakfast on September 6 to find out more.”
The EOI opens Monday, 29 August at hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/ and is open until 19 September. Following an assessment of the EOIs, tenders will be invited from shortlisted consortia, with the consultancy design consortia and concept design confirmed by the end of the year.
The project is on schedule for construction early works to start on site in mid- 2017 and the project will be completed in time for the 2020 NRL season.