Project spotlight: $250m North Queensland Stadium

The $250 million North Queensland Stadium in Townsville has been on the lips of North Queensland builders, with construction of the project set to open hundreds of opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors.

In a previous statement, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said: “This is going to be a massive job creator in Townsville. It’s a game changer that will increase tourism to the region, increase investment, revitalise the city of Townsville and it is a vital part of our Townsville City.”

Project delivery

Watpac Constructions was appointed as the managing contractor in May 2017 and on August of the same year, the first sod was turned to signal the start of construction on the new stadium.

For the delivery of this project, Watpac is targeting to have approximately 80% of hours building the stadium be by locals as well as at least 80% of the project value to be spent on local suppliers and subcontractors.

To date, a number of local suppliers and subcontractors have already been awarded contracts to deliver various works on the project, including:

• GPB Constructions – Substructure works
• Thomas Steel Fabrications – Western stand structural steel
• Otis Elevator Company – Vertical transportation services
• Toxfree – Site waste
• Chubb Secure Cleaning Services – Subcontractor amenities cleaning
• Construc Pty Ltd – Temporary works engineering
• Jackson Semler – Precast concrete plats
• Ausco Modular – Subcontractor amenities (stage 1, huts and sheds)
• Wagstaff Piling – Piling works
• Mark Graham Electrical – Temporary electrical services
• SPD Contracting – Temporary hydraulics
• Australian Indigenous Security Services – Site security
• Mendi Construction Pty Ltd – Civil earthworks and road works
• Markwell Demolitions – Demolition works
• TFH Hire Services – Temporary fencing
• Brazier Motti – Project survey and dilapidation survey
• Advantage Signs – Provision of shade cloth

Watpac is also targeting to have about 6.6% of the workforce to be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Artist impression (source: North Queensland Stadium)

“This project will draw in our expertise while bringing together local businesses to offer various opportunities for North Queensland residents. We’ve got a strong record when it comes to engaging with local trades and suppliers as a priority for our projects and we will look to continue this over the course of the stadium’s construction. We will be working with interested parties early on to create a pathway for local industry participation,” Watpac Northern Region Manager Bryan Glancy said.

The North Queensland Stadium is going to be delivered in two stages and as of January 2018, tenders have been released for Stage 2 of works. Tenders include:

• Subcontractor amenities and walkways
• Temporary electrical
• Temporary hydraulics

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the project’s ICN Gateway page to register.

The delivery of the North Queensland Stadium is expected to support up to 750 jobs throughout the design and construction phases.

Construction is on track to delivering a 25,000 seat, best-practice, multi-purpose regional stadium in time for the 2020 National Rugby League (NRL).

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Source: Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning