A new Women's Centre is another step closer for Townsville, with three local building contractors shortlisted as Select Tenderers for construction of the new centre.
The three Townsville-based building companies shortlisted as Select Tenderers to construct the centre are: Woollam Constructions; Hutchinson Builders; and Paynters Pty Ltd.
Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke today (12 September) visited the site at the corner of Charles and Nathan Street, Aitkenvale with representatives from the North Queensland Combined Women's Service and the three construction companies.
"Delivering the new Townsville Women's Centre has been a key commitment of mine, and from the outset I've said how important it is for it to be built by local contractors to ensure it generates as many local jobs as possible," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"Around eleven full-time equivalent jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase of this project, which is great news for local construction workers.
"Construction is due to start on site by the end of the year, and the service should be operating out of the new building by the middle of next year."
Mrs O'Rourke said the North Queensland Combined Women's Service receives Palaszczuk Government funding totalling more than $1.7 million each year to run the Townsville Women's Centre and provide services.
"The Townsville Women's Centre offers a range of vital services for local women including sexual assault support services, counselling and domestic and family violence and homelessness support services," she said.
The Palaszczuk Government is providing $3.19 million in funding for the design and construction of the new centre in 2019-20, in addition to $330,000 provided last financial year.
Mrs O'Rourke said the delivery of a new Townsville Women's Centre was another example of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to creating thriving communities.
"I've seen first-hand how valuable this service is to the women of Townsville and I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering a new women's centre for our North Queensland community," she said.
"We want all Queenslanders, regardless of their personal circumstances to be able to participate and be included in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing.
