Construction group takes up residency

Toowoomba construction company, Newlands, are the new tenants of a camp facility at Storm King Dam.

MOVING IN: Newlands Group employees have taken up residence at the Red Rogers Camp. Picture: Matthew Purcell

TOOWOOMBA construction company, Newlands, are the new tenants of a camp facility at Storm King Dam.

On Tuesday it was reported that Southern Downs Regional Council had found temporary lessees.

SDRC said Newlands first approached them to garner an agreement.

A council spokesperson said a Stanthorpe realtor had approached them back in February on behalf of Newlands, with the company seeking a temporary home for the duration of the Storm King Dam pipeline project.

"Council's first priority was ensuring that leasing the camp to the Newlands Group would not detract business from local accommodation providers," an SDRC spokesperson said.

According to council, they were advised that "due to an accommodation shortage, no local accommodation provider could meet the specific requirements of the Newlands crew working on the Storm King Dam pipeline".

One local motelier, who wished to remain anonymous, said the agreement had taken months of business away from accommodation providers.

A Newlands spokesperson said it was company practice to provide a "home-like environment" for their employees.

"While local motels are used for short-term accommodation, it is standard company policy across all projects to source residential rental accommodation once a project commences," the spokesperson said.

"This is part of our commitment to providing a home-like environment for employees while also delivering value to our clients."

Newlands intends to remain at the facility for a five-six month duration.

"Council will continue to seek a suitable tenant interested in entering into a long-term lease after the short-term lease with Newlands Group ends in September 2019," the spokesperson said.