Safety concerns raised on over Melbourne Metro Project after imported metal beams fail safety tests

METAL support beams imported for the $11 billion Melbourne Metro Project have been hit with major safety warnings and are being urgently mended at workshops in Victoria.

METAL support beams imported for the $11 billion Melbourne Metro Project have been hit with major safety warnings and are being urgently mended at workshops in Victoria.

Welders in Melbourne and Geelong have been working around the clock to fix the infrastructure beams after they failed to pass quality tests last month.

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The metal props were destined for major underground works at the northern end of the CBD at Franklin and A’Beckett St to stop access shafts — which are up to 30m underground — from collapsing on workers during construction.

The beams were brought in from Singapore but project engineers quickly raised concerns, prompting them to be sent for rewelding.

The Metro Tunnel project opening in Franklin Street, Melbourne. Picture Stuart McEvoy.

The Melbourne Metro Authority confirmed the issue but said safety was a top priority on the project.

However the metal workers union is now questioning why all steel for the project is not sourced locally given the well-known issues plaguing the industry overseas.

AMWU Assistant State Secretary Craig Kelly said the latest issue showed why commitments to local content should be increased.

“I am aware the steel that came in from Singapore was impacted and had to be brought up to Australian standard. We would like to see 100 per cent local content,’’ he said.

“The project is just starting and there has been some good wins for local manufacturers and we would like to see it continue.

An artist’s impression of what Melbourne Metro station CBD South would look like.

Melbourne Metro Rail Authority spokesman Reid Sexton said safety was a priority.

“Any steel used to build the Metro Tunnel Project is certified to Australian Standards,’’ he said. “The safety of our people and the community is the number one priority of the Metro Tunnel Project.

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“As part of its major Tunnels and Stations contract, Cross Yarra Partnership is required to source 93 per cent of its construction materials locally to support Australian jobs.”

Government spokeswoman Hayley Bester backed current local content targets on state government projects saying they create “tens-of-thousands of jobs and boost the economy by supporting local industry”.

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