Minister for State Development Kate Jones has today visited Redcliffe Peninsula business Avopiling at Clontarf, one of a growing number of Queensland businesses benefitting through the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in Cross River Rail.
Avopiling has been awarded two Cross River Rail subcontracts worth close to $6 million.
State Development Minister Kate Jones said the Clontarf business was a great example of the role the Palaszczuk Government is playing in supporting Queensland businesses through the COVID recovery.
“Major State Government-funded infrastructure projects are crucial to Queensland’s economic recovery,” she said.
“Right now, Cross River Rail is already supporting more than 2,000 jobs. At the height of construction, that number will be more like 3,000.
“But it’s the flow-on effects to local businesses like Avopiling that will help to stimulate our economy when we need it most.
“Avopiling supports 38 workers – people who have had job security during this pandemic thanks to Queensland’s largest infrastructure project.
“This is one of more than 400 local businesses who have already benefited from our $5.4 billion Cross River Rail investment.
“More than 90 per cent of contracts have gone to Queensland-based businesses.”
Ms Jones said at Woolloongabba, more than 300 piles have been driven into the earth to support a brand new underground station. At Albert Street, piling is still under way with almost 100 piles already used.
“Local contracts mean local jobs – that’s what this project is all about,” Ms Jones said.
“Avopiling has been operating out of their Clontarf facility for more than 15 years. And they’ve been working on Cross River Rail since November last year.
“They had two piling rigs and 11 workers putting in over 300 piles at Woolloongabba and now have one rig with eight workers at the Albert Street station.
“The Premier has made it very clear – she wants to see Cross River Rail delivering as many local benefits for Queensland companies as possible.
“As work ramps up, we’ll continue to prioritise local companies, to help Queenslanders doing it tough.”
Attorney General and Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said Cross River Rail was vital for many construction subcontractors struggling due to COVID-19.
“Avopiling is a great local company that’s benefitting from Queensland’s largest-ever infrastructure project,” she said.
“This is exactly why our government is investing in major infrastructure projects – to create opportunities for local companies.
“We’ll continue to back projects that keep people employed and support great companies like this one in my community.”
While visiting the Clontarf workshop, the Minister and local Member also met with young female Graduate Engineer Thenuja Srikanthan.
“It was great to meet Thenuja who’s following in her father’s footsteps in the construction and working on the Cross River Rail Woolloongabba work site while she completes her Geotechnical Engineering degree,” Ms Jones said.
Ms Srikanthan said the experience working on this megaproject was a great step forward for her career.
“My dad used to work at Avopiling, and when I had the chance to enter the construction industry and work with them on Cross River Rail I jumped at it,” she said.
“I’ve had the opportunity get practical on the job experience and learn a lot while working at Cross River Rail’s Woolloongabba site.”
Ms Jones said the increased work for the Clontarf business not only meant more jobs at the worksite but also meant more investment in equipment and maintenance.
“We’re seeing local subbies, hiring local workers and investing in new machinery,” Ms Jones said.
“This is putting Queensland companies in a better position to win even more contracts in the future.”
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