The State Government has called for Expressions of Interest for a managing contractor to oversee work on the $200 million expansion of the Capricornia Correction Centre near Rockhampton.

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said that applicants to the EOI process would need to demonstrate a commitment to employing local workers on the project.

“It’s great to see meaningful infrastructure being built in this region, and it’s even better knowing that this is going to mean jobs for locals,” Mr Pearce said.

“As part of the Expression of Interest process, tenderers will have to show their track record of employing locals on projects, and how they will engage local workers on this project.”

The project will add 164 high-security cells and also includes expanding the prison car park, and upgrades to the prison’s waste water, mechanical services and electronic security systems.

Once the EOIs have been assessed, a shortlist of companies will be invited to submit formal tenders for construction, with work starting before the end of the year.

Expressions of Interest were expected to close on April 27.

Firms wishing to qualify for Government building and construction work and to identify open tenders, are encouraged to log on to www.qld.gov.au/gov/building-services or speak with Building and Asset Services on 3008 3392.