Page 46 - Tropic Magazine Issue 22

TROPIC • CONSTRUCTION

Foundations laid

POSITIVE OUTLOOK
The Cairns construction
industry is gearing up for its
biggest year in more than a
decade.
Words: Renee Cluff
A much anticipated expansion of
the Cairns Convention Centre will
kick-start a prosperous 12 months
for the local construction sector, with
industry bodies forecasting it could
be the strongest year since before Bell, Manager of industry leader Rider
the global financial crisis. Work on Levett Bucknall’s (RLB) Cairns office.
the $176 million Convention Centre “It’s going to be a good year.”
upgrade is scheduled to begin in April, RLB has been commissioned for the
coinciding with the start of several Quantity Surveying services for the
other major local building and civil Convention Centre expansion. The
road projects worth more than $700 project is expected to attract plenty of
million combined. “Apart from the interest, given the State Government The injection of work is also expected to
major Crystalbrook Collection rollout in is using it to trial new industrial place a squeeze on the local workforce.
standards which will see workers Construction Skills Queensland
receive 5% annual wage increases, 12% estimates that on top of the current
superannuation and weekend overtime staffing levels, an additional 3,000
It’s going to be a rates of 200%. “You’ll probably get sub- tradespeople will be required each year
good year contractors more inclined to bid on that over the next three years to keep pace
job because of higher rates involved,”
with available work. “When you have
Brad Bell, Mr Bell said. “The trickle-on effect is several large projects going to tender
Rider Levett that some might consider those subbie at around the same time you can get a
Bucknall
rates as the new norm but that won’t be pinch point for the availability of skilled
Cairns, things have been in a bit of a lull the reality. It’s very difficult for projects labour,” Mr Bell said. “So you’ll need
and now you’ve got a few key public and to be feasible if you’ve got elevated sub- additional sub-contractors to come to
possible privately funded projects so it contractor costs and some feasibility the local market. “Sub-contractor prices
looks pretty strong for 2020,” said Brad studies wouldn’t stack up.” are likely to get driven higher because

Major projects due to begin in 2020

CAIRNS CONVENTION CAIRNS CENTRAL UPGRADE CAIRNS POLICE STATION AND
CENTRE EXPANSION $60 million WATCH HOUSE REFURBISHMENT
$176 million BOTANICA LIFESTYLE RESORT $12 million
CAIRNS SOUTHERN ACCESS $90 million CAIRNS STATE HIGH SCHOOL
CORRIDOR STAGE 3: EDMONTON CAIRNS SOUTH HEALTH FACILITY MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS CENTRE
TO GORDONVALE $25 million $11 million
$481 million over 4 years
PARAMATTA PARK SOCIAL
CAIRNS MENTAL HEALTH BUILDING HOUSING UNITS,
$70 million $15 million
FIRST TOWER OF NOVA CITY REGIONAL EXPORT HUB
$550 for the overall 7-tower project $10 million

2

46 • Tropic • Issue 22