- Published:
- Monday 23 November 2015
In a boost for local jobs, Ballarat’s largest civil construction company, Pipecon, has won the tender to deliver internal roads and services as part of the first stage of works at the Ballarat West Employment Zone.
Announcing the contract at a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of formal works today, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, said she was thrilled a local company had secured the contract after a competitive tendering process.
The contract will see 10 new full time workers and up to 20 local contractors employed to deliver the civil works.
The civil works will include the installation of power, water, and telecommunications services as well as landscaping and roads including the main entry road, Ballarat West Employment Zone Boulevard.
The start of works follows the recent announcement of the first sale of land at the Employment Zone to Broadbent Grains to build a $24 million export grain handling facility, which is expected to create an additional 35 local jobs.
A $30 million joint initiative between the Andrews Labor Government and the City of Ballarat, the Ballarat West Employment Zone is a long term project to unlock land for industry to attract large-scale businesses to Ballarat and support the region’s economic growth over the next 20 years.
It has been designed to enhance business productivity, with a freight hub, access for high productivity freight vehicles and top quality infrastructure. The precinct has the potential to deliver thousands of jobs for the local community and drive significant economic growth into the future.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“Today is an important milestone in the delivery of this exciting project.”
“The Ballarat West Employment Zone has the potential to deliver thousands of jobs for our community and serve as Ballarat’s engine room for growth over the next 20 years.”
“That’s why we’re getting on with delivering this important project as soon as possible.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
“It’s fantastic to see a local construction company secure the contract to deliver this first stage of works.”
“This means more jobs and economic growth for our city and our region.”