Newsletter- Queensland Flood Recovery and Other Work Update
This has been a slow process of finding out information as the pipeline of work is subject to the release of funds by the various levels of government. What I can tell you is that I am starting to see advertisements coming through for Tenders and EOI’s. These all basically have the close date as the end of March. This is indicating that works will begin not too long after. As these are only just starting to come through the exact location of works and work type is still vague, but road works are the most obvious.
Queensland is also in the process of starting to commence major projects. These are going to be based out at Dalby/Chinchilla and run through to Gladstone in terms of pipes etc. But these will be all through the Darling Downs and along the eastern seaboard. This does not include mining projects. Early indications are that these are beginning later this year.
The amount of work to occur in Queensland is going to attract a lot of interest from interstate subcontractors. Where you locate yourself is going to be very important to the work you will be doing, the ability to secure work and the rate that can be charged. As a Subcontractor Management Service, our preference is to source subcontractors local to the region where the work is taking place.
The South East Queensland area is very attractive for its location in and around Brisbane. While there will be works in and around Brisbane, there is higher competition for this work. As you understand, pre existing relationships and other factors will decide who will get these jobs. Keep in mind locations such as Toowoomba is between Dalby and Ipswich. Dalby has gas projects and the Toowoomba and Ipswich areas have been heavily affected by floods. You may also have opportunities for having acreage for parking of equipment.
Housing and Location
As previously indicated in the Flood Recovery Work, those coming from interstate, as I previously advised, I suggest you start preparing yourself to come to Queensland to start identifying where you will want to base yourself. I foresee that there is going to be an influx from interstate which will make rental accommodation difficult to source. You also need to take into consideration that you may need to park your equipment up between projects.
Please also be aware that Queensland has rules around rental inspections which requires you to actually inspect the premises before you can apply, so make enquiries with real estate agencies about these rules.
Subcontracting to Foley’s Earthmoving
As previously discussed with you, as a subcontractor management service, we cannot guarantee you work. Likewise, we cannot put your business down as a supplier for projects until we know you are based in Queensland. This is why I have suggested you come and do a visit to Queensland before locating here. Upon your residency in Queensland please advise this so I can then start to identify work for your business.
Secondly, please ensure you have provided ALL the necessary information as requested on our website. This is just the basic information I need before I can even begin considering your business to subcontract. Be aware that I may ask for more information as the projects require. If you are unsure about the information you have sent, review our Subcontractors page on our website. I have made updates to assist subcontractors with information so please review and send me the required information. Also note that your Certificates of Currency for insurance must be current. Please do not send out of date certificates of currency. Please contact your Insurance provider and request a Certificate of Currency to be emailed to you to ensure it is the most current one.
National Code of Practice Compliance- This is a document that is very relevant to government projects. I suggest you attain this to give yourself the best chance of work. It has now been updated for 2009 and identifies a particular project. I suggest for now you put Queensland Flood Recovery as the project.
Employment Opportunities
I have been asked about employment opportunities in the area. Again, be aware that there is going to be a large influx of workers to Queensland. We will also start to see a large influx of overseas labour. I am expecting Ireland to be a large supplier of labour and competition in this area due to their poor economy and the 457 Visa rules introduced by the Australian Government. Be aware that Queensland has requirements around the operation of equipment where tickets are required for the operation of machinery. For these please check our website
Can you please provide some feedback on this newsletter. If you require other general information that is relevant to subcontractors please let me know so I can issue more frequent newsletters to keep you informed.