Ongoing construction and infrastructure development is common theme across much of Australia. In Queensland in particular, a number of major construction projects are continuing to provide apprenticeship opportunities in their thousands as demand continues to grow.
As the country’s population grows older, aged care facilities are going to become an increasingly important part of the infrastructure. With more than 250,000 facilities of different types across the country, according to the department of social services, there’s plenty of demand for what they can offer.
Now, a new development in Queensland is revealing the scale these projects can reach, with a billion-dollar facility now underway.
A $1 billion investment in aged care services
The Aveo Group’s major aged-care facility is now officially under construction after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk turned the first sod at the Springfield construction site. The facility is set to be one of the state’s largest, with current plans predicting 2,500 retirement villas that will also be supported by health services.
The project will be built within the wider Health City development, one that represents more than $2.5 billion in facilities to support Queenslanders. The ongoing construction is expected to last around 20 years, resulting in more than two decades of construction employment opportunities for people in the state.
“In 20 years’ time, around 105,000 Queenslanders will call Springfield home, and based on statewide predictions, 20% of them will be over 65 years of age,” The Premier explained.
“It will incorporate independent living, supported living and aged care. Residents can stay in the one place throughout their senior years, no matter how they fare health wise.”
Along with making life easier for aging Queenslanders, the project will provide the base for the future generation of builders and other tradespeople throughout the state as well. The current estimate is that the services of almost 5,500 people will be required throughout construction. Once the facility is complete. over 500 will be required to keep it running.
While residential construction has long been the shining star in the industry throughout Queensland, the fact that major projects such as this are underway reinforces the idea the sector as a whole can still continue to grow.
To find out more about apprentice opportunities in Queensland, get in touch with BUSY at Work today.
By Leanne Macnamara
