Future Tasmania: Construction industry leader points to a bright future

The sectors leading business growth in Tasmania are predicted to boost for construction jobs for years, an industry leader says.

RENEWABLE energy projects, irrigation development and major infrastructure that addresses growing pains are tipped to keep civil construction buoyant for years to come, says industry leader Geoffrey Hazell.

The Hazell Bros managing director said he saw abundant knock-on opportunities in the coming decade for the construction industry from these and other sectors.

“In the energy space, if the Marinus Link [second Bass Strait interconnector] is built and pumped hydro is developed, it would invigorate the Hydro of the old days to a new era of clean and green, and Tasmania as the Battery of the Nation.

“Tasmanian power is already [mostly] renewable. What we can now offer in putting Australia well ahead in the space of renewables is fantastic.

“And a project of that scale would bring a lot of work to people in construction and infrastructure in Tasmania.”

Reece Dam on the West Coast of Tasmania. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

A local firm such as Hazell Bros could benefit from associated civil and electrical commissions for wind farm infrastructure such as the one it has just completed for Goldwind’s Cattle Hill Wind Farm on the Central Plateau.

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Extending irrigation infrastructure will provide another boost to the construction industry.

Growing Tasmania’s potential as a food bowl by furthering the reach of irrigation systems would also prove a boon for construction and infrastructure industries.

With appropriately located dams and more irrigation pipes in the ground, a broader network could also help more of the state to manage in dry periods.

“We are on an island and so much water flows out to the sea that we are not getting the most out of.

“If we want to be a consistent provider of food out of the state, we need to be able to provide that water for our animals and our crops.”

Brothers Geoffrey, left, and Robert Hazell on the back of one of the company’s first trucks as the company celebrates its 75th anniversary. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Mr Hazell’s broad projection of growth for the construction industry reflects data analysis commissioned by the Mercury for our Future Tasmania series. It found that year-on-year business growth in Hobart is following national trends, with transport, postal and warehousing leading the charge.

Construction comes in second, followed by professional, scientific and technical services third, then health care and social assistance.

The same analysis, conducted by The Demographics Group, shows that construction is a major job creator.

It joins health care and social assistance as labour market star performers, followed by professional, scientific and technical services, then accommodation and food services – the latter clearly reflecting growth in the state’s tourism and hospitality sector over the past decade.

Mr Hazell was in a reflective state of mind as the family business founded by his father and uncle celebrated 75 years this month. He said he was very optimistic about Tasmania’s future.

“We are in a good position and some of the opportunities coming the state’s way are good legacy things that will set us apart.”