The private sector has embraced the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project with the industry briefing attracting an amazing 700 industry representatives from 400 companies.
Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan opened the industry briefing at the Gold Coast Convention Centre today, to an audience eager to understand the project’s progress from the planning phase to tendering process.
“The briefing attracted overwhelming interest from local, national and international organisations with the expertise and innovation to deliver a first-class project for the people of the Gold Coast on behalf of the Bligh Government,” Ms Nolan said.
“I’m very pleased to report that more than 75 per cent of the people attending the briefing are from Queensland-registered companies and businesses.
“The project is also generating a lot of interest with local businesses and trades people and this will all assist the Gold Coast as a region in terms of creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.”
The Gold Coast Rapid Transit project has secured funding commitments totalling $949 million from all levels of government.
“This historic partnership reflects the common objective of the three levels of government to build and deliver first-class infrastructure while providing local jobs and a stimulus to the Gold Coast economy,” Ms Nolan said.
During the briefing, business representatives were told the Queensland Government was seeking long-term partners as the project may generate further benefits through extra works, such as potential transport oriented developments (TODs).
“The successful bidders will be encouraged both to work with local companies and, most importantly, to employ local workers - this project is expected to generate 6300 direct and indirect jobs for the local community,” Ms Nolan said.
As a result of extensive community consultation, the Rapid Transit project has received remarkable support from Gold Coast residents.
“The Queensland Government has a clear vision for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project, one of the most exciting projects ever undertaken in this city,” Ms Nolan said.
“In less than 10 years, the rapid transit system will take 75,000 cars off the coastal strip every day while reducing local green house gas emissions by 114,000 tonnes.”
Early works such as surveying will start this August, with construction commencing in 2010.
Media contact: Adam Nicholson
07 3237 1111
0437 430 558
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