All NT Government construction contracts tendered in August go to locals

ALL 33 NT Government construction contracts tendered in August were awarded to local businesses

ALL 33 Territory government construction contracts tendered in August were awarded to local businesses, injecting $32.7m into the local economy, Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler has announced.

Ms Lawler said the projects, including upgrades to the Tanami Road in Central Australia and the Corroboree Billabong access road, also supported 170 local jobs.

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Other works were upgrades to several schools throughout the Territory, including at Maningrida.

Ms Lawler said there were a further 27 procurements out to tender in September — valued at $55.4m — which would support further local employment.

She said the government’s investment in infrastructure and a steady pipeline of projects would continue to support industry and economic growth.

Minister for Environment and Natural Resources; Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics; Minister for Climate Change Hon Eva Lawler inspects Stage 2 of the Zuccoli Primary School build. Picture: Che Chorley

“We’re investing in infrastructure for the Territory because it’s good for local businesses and it’s good for local jobs,” she said.

“Our Buy Local rules put local jobs and local businesses first. We are continuing to roll out our 10-year infrastructure plan which provides certainty, grows the economy and ­creates more jobs for Territorians.”

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It comes after work began on upgrading the Territory’s mango industry roads last month, which Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said would see 15km of second-rate roads sealed, in a boon for mango farms and regional packing sheds in the area.

“We are investing in our ­future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come, and this project is a perfect ­example of that,” he said.