Civil contractors seek widespread works measures

The Civil Contractors Federation of Queensland is calling for a works program similar to a flood recovery program to be rolled out state-wide in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This would be in addition to the acceleration of QTrip (Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program) spending under the proposal being advocated by the peak industry body, chief executive officer Damian Long said. "This stimulus will leave a lasting positive legacy by addressing the lagging infrastructure in regional Queensland," he said. CCF Qld CEO Damian Long. "The projects proposed would be many and of a lower dollar value, giving great opportunity for regional contractors to provide jobs and support their businesses." When it came to boosting infrastructure commitments for economic stimulus in the face of COVID-19, Mr Long stressed that accelerated infrastructure spending could not be solely aimed at mega projects and discrete areas. "It should be spread through all levels of the industry across the whole state," he said. "Infrastructure spending results in job creation, it supports jobs through the whole supply and support chain, as well as providing a positive economic legacy for Queensland." Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey recently confirmed that the government was actively considering options including fast-tracking projects, increasing investment, and focusing on projects with a higher jobs-to-dollar ratio. Mr Long said CCF Qld had been engaging with the Department of Transport and Main Roads in order to ensure that the industry was supported to continue and that contractors were not financially disadvantaged during this crisis. Priorities included ensuring proposed projects were brought forward and that procurement and awarded timeframes are shortened, he said. Councils urged to continue operations Mr Long said CCF Qld had also advocated to every council in the state - urging them to remain open so that capital and maintenance works could continue and approvals and inspections continue. He said it had also been lobbying State and Federal Governments to support local government. "We have been communicating with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minster in his role of Federal Infrastructure Minister, the offices of the Premier, Minister Bailey, Minister Dick as well as every council in Queensland," Mr Long said. "As information comes to hand we will adjust as necessary any response to the appropriate department. "In addition we have been providing information to our members around the controls in place and management practices." https://www.i-q.net.au/main/engineered-response-to-covid-19 https://www.i-q.net.au/main/road-works-strategies-to-keep-jobs-rolling

Civil contractors seek widespread works measures

Industry Queensland

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