Those seeking construction apprenticeships in Mackay will soon have the opportunity to contribute to Mackay’s $18.6 million city centre upgrade.
Major refurbishment works are expected to take place this year in order to improve aesthetics, efficiency and durability along Victoria and Wood Streets.
Tenders are currently being accepted from contractors in the area to undertake the project. This includes the opportunity to lead improvements to the old Pioneer Shire Council building in Wood Street.
“The key aim of this projects is to reactivate the precinct by providing functional spaces for people to use the asset to its full potential,” Tourism and Economic Development portfolio councillor Greg Martin said in a January 20 media release.
Mr Martin estimates the improvements to the city centre will return more than $110 million in economic benefits to the region.
“The revamped precinct will be pedestrian and bicycle friendly, promote economic sustainability and enhance city living,” he said.
“This will involve new footpaths, street lights, outdoor seating areas and trees for shade.”
These plans involve major construction and civil works projects to be undertaken over the next 12 months, which is encouraging for those considering employment, training and apprenticeships in these sectors.
Those enrolled or hoping to enrol in apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland will benefit from this major project thanks to the newly announced Queensland Government Building and Construction Training Policy, which ensures apprentices and Indigenous Australians have priority employment in council projects.
“On government building projects worth $500,000 or more, and civil construction projects worth at least $3 million, a minimum of 10 per cent of labour hours must be undertaken by new apprentices or trainees,” Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said about the new program in a January 16 media release.
There is also a requirement for contractors hoping to work on government and council projects to support Indigenous employment in the region.
“Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander apprentices, trainees and workers will be prioritised for work on projects in their local communities, or on Indigenous projects anywhere in the state that are designated by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs,” he said.
The Mackay CBD redevelopment is jointly funded by the Mackay Regional Council and the Federal Government through the Regional Development Australia Fund.
This means contractors working on this project should be required to support the employment and training opportunities outlined in the Queensland Government Building and Construction Training Policy.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
