LOCAL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS TO CAPITALISE ON GAMES

THE Gold Coast’s construction industry is set to receive a boost, after Hansen Yuncken was awarded two major contracts for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Victorian commercial building firm has secured the $40 million Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre and $114 million Carrara Sports Precinct.

The projects are expected to create more than 500 jobs in the region.

Hansen Yuncken state manager Greg Baumann says the team is committed to working with local companies in the design and construction stages.

“We have a proven track record of supporting local industry here in Queensland,” Baumann says.

“A good example is our recent work in Cairns, where 90 per cent of subcontract agreements let for our projects have been within the region.

“Our company is committed to supporting local industries and creating opportunities in the tendering for goods and services, as well as training opportunities for subcontractors.”

Hansen Yuncken will source suppliers based on the state government’s Charter for Local Content and Queensland specialist, Industry Capability Network (ICN).

ICN helped arrange the firms behind the $41 million Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, with 90 per cent based in south east Queensland.

The Carrara Precinct includes development of the $100 million Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre and upgrades to the stadium.

Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey says it’s a significant legacy project that will host the opening and closing ceremonies.

“The redeveloped precinct will provide a mix of new elite and community facilities for all of south east Queensland and encourage greater grassroots participation in sport on the Gold Coast,” Stuckey says.

“The new Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre, which comprises of two multi-use indoor sports halls and a shared public plaza, will be the first project within the Carrara Precinct.

“In the longer term it will be a fantastic indoor facility suited to a range of sports including netball, basketball, gymnastics and futsal.”

Early site works for the Carrara project are expected to commence later this year, while construction on the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre will start in early 2015.