Local jobs are top of the agenda for the $673 million new Tweed Valley Hospital project, with three construction contracts awarded to local businesses.
Since securing the main works contract, Lendlease has awarded subcontracts to local Tweed businesses for concrete supply, vegetation management and electrical supply.
In addition to this, three other businesses located within the region have been selected to deliver formwork, reinforcement supply and site office facilities for the project.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said this is great news for the local community.
“These large infrastructure projects present significant opportunities for local businesses, not just for the people working on site, but also for our local suppliers,” Mr Provest said.
“Opportunities don’t stop when construction on the Tweed Valley Hospital project is complete—experience and training adds up to improved career prospects for our next generation of tradies.
“That’s why we’ll continue to inform the local community where these opportunities are through events like the Industry Briefing for local businesses, and the ‘Get Work Ready Expo’ that were run throughout early works.”
Aboriginal employment is also the top of the priority list, with Mr Provest commending Lendlease on its engagement efforts.
“Lendlease has just welcomed two new Aboriginal apprentices on-site and is exceeding NSW Government targets for Aboriginal employment during the main works,”Mr Provest said.
“This builds on Lendlease’s achievements during early works, where on average 12 per cent of the total workforce identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.”
“During the early works phase of the project, our team inducted more than 200 local workers to site,” General Manager Lendlease Building Brad Protheroe said.
“This was primarily thanks to the commitment of our subcontractor network and partnerships with local service providers.”
Lendlease will continue to award subcontractor packages throughout the next two years as the main works progress. The hospital is on track to open to patients in 2023.
For more information about the Tweed Valley Hospital project, please visit the website at www.tweedvalleyhospital.health.nsw.gov.au