I’ve mentioned previously the lobbying campaign undertaken primarily by Master Builders NT aimed at achieving a greater share of regional work emanating from Defence projects. Obviously, this is a Northern Territory centric consideration for Master Builders NT, but all regional centres across Australia hosting Defence facilities are in a similar situation.
The Defence Minister, Senator Linda Reynolds, travelled to the Territory this month to review Defence activity, speak to Government and industry, and to turn the first sod for Lendlease’s $1.1b expansion project at Tindal Airforce Base. Senator Reynolds was pleased with the implementation of breaking down packages at the outset, thus enabling regional companies to compete and employ a local supply chain. And she should be pleased, as the outcomes are there for all to see through ICN Gateway.
Laing O’Rourke’s Larrakeyah and Coonawarra Base upgrades are well underway, and the Senator acknowledges an 80% local industry participation rate on this project. The Gateway page lbrandfsnon.icn.org.au not only has evidence of the awards, but promotes the transparent manner that Laing O’Rourke is running its EOI and RFT processes through ICN.
Lendlease is also starting to announce its early works awards for the Tindal project TDLRedevKC30AFacilities.icn.org.au using a similar process. The contract awards for these packages reflect positive local engagement.
Sitzler is engaging Gateway for their Defence projects in the same light, so we hope for similar outcomes. A great outcome for the Territory!
Kevin Peters
Chief Executive Officer
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