Brisbane Metro ‘must be fast-tracked’ to create jobs

Brisbane Metro public transit project needs to be fast-tracked to create desperately needed jobs, a major industry group says.

BRISBANE’S Metro public transit project needs to be fast-tracked to create desperately needed jobs, Queensland’s Major Contractors Association says.

The association’s chief executive Jon Davies said council and State Government disputes had left the firms who wanted the work in limbo.

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He called on Brisbane’s re-elected LNP administration and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to get on with the job.

He urged Cr Schrinner to get on with the Brisbane Metro, the Green Bridge program and Victoria Park redevelopment.

“QMCA asks the Lord Mayor, council and the public service to fast track the appointment of

a contractor to deliver Brisbane Metro to provide certainty to industry and progress for

residents,” Mr Davies said.

“Due to disagreements between the State Government and council, Metro is experiencing

significant delays in procurement, with three consortia awaiting a decision on who will win

the tender to deliver the project.

“The delay is impacting the consortia involved, who have been strung along for over six

months – effectively in limbo – awaiting a decision.

“During this time, they have incurred high costs at a time when the whole industry is under severe financial pressure.

“We would ask that a contractor is appointed as soon as possible so that work can start in

earnest, people can be employed, and a vital piece of infrastructure can be delivered.”

An artist’s impression of the Brisbane Metro

Council’s public and active transport committee chair councillor Krista Adams said council would name a single preferred bidder in coming weeks.

“We have already awarded contracts for early works and the state of the art Metro vehicles, and now we are keen to move forward with the next round of work,” Cr Adams said.

“We will make the decision in the coming weeks to short-list the three bidding construction bidders down to a single preferred bidder.

“This will provide a clear signal to the construction industry that we are moving forward as quickly as possible.

“Unfortunately we lost around 9 months last year due to State Government incompetence and political delays, while they sent us back to the drawing board twice for the major station design.”

Mr Davies said major contractors understood the strain COVID-19 was putting on all governments but that infrastructure offered good jobs that created value in the future.

“QMCA and our members are ready to work collaboratively to expedite major projects

such as the proposed Victoria Park redevelopment and Five Green Bridges Program to

have them shovel ready as soon as possible,” Mr Davies said.

“By expediting projects, infrastructure investment can be a lever to stimulate long-term

economic activity and support small and medium businesses who are an essential part of

the supply chain for any major project.”