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Campbellfield level crossing removal boost for local jobseekers

LOCAL disadvantaged jobseekers and businesses will reap the rewards from Campbellfield’s Camp Rd level crossing removal.

The Camp Rd level crossing in Campbellfield. Picture: Tony Gough
The Camp Rd level crossing in Campbellfield. Picture: Tony Gough

JOBSEEKERS and businesses in Hume will benefit from the $74 million removal of the dangerous Camp Rd level crossing in Campbellfield, according to the project director.

A pop-up employment and business shop will open near the site to help jobseekers and firms.

The lowering of the Upfield rail line into a trench under Camp Rd will create more than 300 jobs, said Level Crossing Removal Authority project director Michael Caink.

The project was fast-tracked under the recent State Budget. It will start later this year and be completed by the end of 2018, a year earlier than originally planned.

RELATED: Huge trench under Camp Rd for train line

Mr Caink said 10 per cent of jobs would be set aside for apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets under the State Government’s Major Project Skills Guarantee.

The pop-up “employment and business centre” will open near the site.

“At the centre, jobseekers from disadvantaged backgrounds ... will be able to learn about our network of employment service providers who help people to become job-ready and then connect them with any suitable roles,” Mr Caink said.

He said the project team would work with local social, training and employment providers to identify opportunities for disadvantaged jobseekers including those with disabilities, the long-term unemployed and former Ford workers.

“They will also be able to have face-to-face meetings or assistance with paperwork at the centre ... (while) jobseekers who are already job-ready for construction projects can apply online for roles,” he said.

“This project will not only reduce congestion and make Campbellfield safer, it will create jobs, skills and opportunities.”

Mr Caink said the project team would work under a “social procurement plan”, which aimed to stimulate the local economy.

The jobs and business facility would share a space with a community information centre, Mr Caink said.

The authority signed a contract with the John Holland Group and KBR group consortium last week.

CLICK HERE for more on the level crossing removals.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north-west/campbellfield-level-crossing-removal-boost-for-local-jobseekers/news-story/5d0ad46b87bfe19b62ea92ff1fff2486