Townsville company Thomas Steel Fabrication has been awarded the first structural steel package in the building of the North Queensland Stadium.
Winning the western stand contract meant continuity of work for his company that will have 45 to 50 workshop and site-based employees dedicated to the project over the next 9 to 10 months said managing director John Lane.
The stadium is the first under the Federal Government’s City Deal program and is being delivered by managing contractor Watpac.
The Department of State Development and Watpac were working closely with local industry to achieve a target where at least 80 per cent of the value of the project was spent on local sub-contractors and suppliers said Minister for State Development Cameron Dick.
They held similar ambitions for local employment Mr Dick said.
“Since early site works started in July 2017, 230 people have been inducted, of which 99 per cent have been North Queensland locals,” he said.
It is estimated more than 158 North Queensland businesses have now been engaged directly and as part of the extended supply chain for the North Queensland Stadium project.
Other large projects by Thomas Steel Fabricators include:
- LAND 121 – Stage 2 Unit Sustainment Facilities, Lavarack Barracks Townsville
- Replacement Chinook Facility – RAAF Base Townsville
- Townsville Hospital Redevelopment
- Lavarack Barracks Stage 4 Redevelopment.
It is anticipated further structural steel packages will be awarded from early 2018.
The North Queensland Stadium is a joint project of the Queensland Government, the Australian Government and the Townsville City Council and is supported by both the National Rugby League (NRL) and the North Queensland Cowboys.
The stadium forms part of the Townsville City Deal signed in December 2016.
