Nexus says 75% of bypass jobs will go to locals

NEXUS says 75% of jobs on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will be local as it officially signed a contract on the project.

NEXUS says 75% of jobs on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will be local as it officially signed a contract on the project.

The State Government, the Nexus consortium and the Federal Government put pen to paper to sign a contract on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing yesterday.

The contract means Nexus has a contractual obligation to deliver the A$1.6 billion bypass.

The signing was an example of political bipartisanship, with the Labor State Government signing a deal with the Liberal Federal Government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss, Queensland Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Nexus chairman John Witheriff signed the documents at Rotary Park at the top of the Range, officially sealing the deal on the bypass.

Speeches given during the signing were inaudible because of noise from passing trucks, an irony that wasn't lost on those present.

Mr Witheriff said the consortium's successful bid included a commitment to support local employment and the local supply chain.

He said 75% of workers employed on the project would be locals.

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Toowoomba Second Range Crossing Mort St - Hermitage Rd. Picture: Contributed

Queensland Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey said works would begin before Christmas.

Nexus says construction will be complete in late 2018.

The consortium will then operate and maintain the road for 25 years.

Mr Bailey said the toll price for the road would be announced closer to the opening of the project.

He said the project would include a separated connection to Mort St.

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The State Government is yet to negotiate a deal for the resumption or purchase of land from affected landholders.

"There is a clear process and that is under way but we don't expect there to be a problem with that," Mr Bailey said.

Mr Bailey said the crossing would give freight a 40 minute improvement in travel times by allowing it to bypass Toowoomba.

"The productivity and jobs gains are fantastic.

"At a time when employment is a real issue in this area - as the gas boom comes off and people are looking for work - this will give people a new income."

He said safety would also be vastly improved by the bypass.

Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

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The contract will become publicly available once it is tabled in Queensland Parliament.

Mr Witheriff said Nexus would be holding a number of information sessions and displays through the community.

"We feel privileged to be given the responsibility to build such an iconic project that will make such a difference to Toowoomba and the region.

"With that comes a real responsibility and we're committing to bringing the best people in and trying to find jobs for as many locals as we can find."

CLICK HERE FOR A HISTORY OF THE TOOWOOMBA BYPASS

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise chief executive officer Shane Charles said: "What a great day for Toowoomba. Nexus have got a real serious commitment to local content.

"We've seen that, TSBE have actually gone ahead and had a look at what they have done previously at the Gold Coast.

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"They have a great track record of employing local people, and to hear today as part of the contract that they are going to engage at least 75% local content for the project, with the aim to do better, is a fantastic win for the region.

"You are only as good as your word, and to date Nexus have been excellent.

"Nexus came and pitched to the TSBE board, and we assisted in holding an information session in Toowoomba that enabled them to pitch to over 220 businesses about how to get involved.

Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Mort St - Hermitage Rd. Picture: Contributed

"So their commitment has already been shown, and we're going to hold them to account and I know Toowoomba Regional Council is going to hold them to account to make sure we get as many local people employed, and as many local business involved, to make sure this project leaves a great legacy for our region."

Mr Truss said there had been many doubters that the crossing would ever happen, but that construction was about to begin.

"The project is better than any of the previous designs and will be delivered at a lower price that was previously anticipated.

DONE DEAL: Minister for Industry and Science and Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane (left) with Queensland Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey at the signing of Second Range Crossing contract. Picture: Nev Madsen

Originally published as Nexus says 75% of bypass jobs will go to locals