Jewel builder Multiplex confirms they will pay all subcontractors on Gold Coast

AFTER more than a week of leaving hundreds of tradies in limbo, the builder behind the $1b Jewel development has finally written to the State Government addressing the issue. Here’s what they said.

JEWEL builder Multiplex has written to the State Government confirming it intends to meet all its obligations to subcontractors.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mr de Brenni tonight told the Bulletin he had been assured by the builders of the Gold Coast’s biggest construction site that subcontractors would be paid what they were owed.

JEWEL TURMOIL ALL A ‘MISUNDERSTANDING’

Aerial view of Jewel worksite after workers walked off the job. Picture Glenn Hampson

He also confirmed the State’s construction watchdog was taking action after contractors reported they were unsure if they would be paid.

“I have received written confirmation from Multiplex that it is their intent to meet all their obligations to subcontractors,” Mr de Brenni said.

“I have received a written confirmation from Yuhu Group that it will meet its contractual obligations to Multiplex, and further that all non-returnable supplies purchased by suppliers and contractors will be paid for.

Tradies of the Jewel site just stood around the $1.4 billion development after they decided to strike.

“(However) the QBCC Commissioner has today received information directly from contractors working on the Jewel site that they are unsure if they are going to get paid; and the QBCC is taking action.”

SUBBIES SAY THEY NEED LAWYERS TO INTERPRET ‘CONVOLUTED’ JEWEL CONTRACTS

Gold Coast Federal Minister Steven Ciobo urged the developer and major builder of the troubled $1.4 billion Jewel towers not to leave the 900-strong workforce “in limbo”.

Plumbers stood in a huddle with their union representative to talk about what would happen next after they decided to strike.

Mr Ciobo, who lives near the Surfers Paradise beachfront development as the Member for Moncrieff, yesterday called on developer Yuhu Group and major build partner Multiplex to provide “clarity” for workers and contractors.

Mr Ciobo yesterday aimed a verbal rocket at both parties, saying: “It’s clear there is a complete vacuum of any real information between Multiplex and the developer and that in turn is spreading uncertainty and rumours among the workforce.

Aerial view of Jewel worksite after workers walked off the job today. Picture Glenn Hampson

NEVER MISS A MINUTE WITH THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN APP

“What is critically required now is a clarifying statement from the developer and the builder about what is going on in the future. That is going to help alleviate concern, that is going to help to put to bed rumour-mongering and provide those workers — even if it’s bad news — some certainty about what is going on rather than leaving them in limbo.”

Mr Ciobo said while the capital behind the ambitious Jewel triple towers seemed to be Chinese, it didn’t matter where it was coming from: “What matters is workers know what is going on with the job and workers know what they can expect with the pipeline of work.

“I appeal to all the parties to fill that information vacuum with factual information so workers know what’s going on,” Mr Ciobo said.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR $3 A WEEK

“Clarity from the developer, the builder is what is critical to provide that labour force with the certainty that is coming in the days, weeks and months to come … even if the news isn’t great at least they can do the right thing by the labour force of letting them know what is going to happen.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, who has said workers should thank Yuhu Group for taking over project or they would have lost their jobs months ago, declined to mediate between Yuhu and Multiplex yesterday.

“This is a matter between the owner and head contractor. I have every confidence this project will be delivered to the highest standard and will become an iconic signature development for our city.”