Dozens of local contractors needed at Reef HQ aquarium
One of Townsville’s largest tourism attractions has released a tender request with dozens of local contractors needed.
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One of Townsville’s largest tourism attractions has released a tender request with dozens of local contractors needed.
Reef HQ has tendered for a number of contractors required for ongoing maintenance and repairs of the plant.
Built in 1987, the ageing facility faces a number of complex considerations including its location in a highly corrosive and hot environment and approximately 4 million litres of sea water housed in large aquarium tanks which significantly increases the degradation of materials.
Published on May 9 on the AusTender website, the notice has outlined 10 required services including crane operators, security, electrical, mechanical and a number of other trades.
Run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), the implementation of standard offer of arrangement panel was an administrative requirement in order to meet the requirements of the Australian Government’s Commonwealth’s Procurement Rules and effectively provides Reef HQ with a list of preselected contractors.
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A spokeswoman from GBRMPA said successful applicants would be sought from within the Townsville region and be required to respond to repairs requests with as little as 30 minutes notice.
“There are specific response time frames that companies need to be able to meet to ensure that the life support systems for the aquatic displays are operating to ensure the facility is safe for visitors,” she said.
Applications can be sent to procurement@gbrmpa.gov.au until May 15.
The latest AusTender request is unrelated to a Reef HQ’s four year upgrade worth $26.9 million, and scheduled to begin from early 2021 before reopening when construction is complete, expected to be November 31, 2021.
The major works will make improvements to its predator tanks, coral reef exhibit, turtle hospital and a number of back of house facilities.
A head contractor was marked to be finalised by June this year, however it’s understood this could be delayed due to COVID-19 with potential to cause delays to construction.
Originally published as Dozens of local contractors needed at Reef HQ aquarium