Pre-qualified contractors are invited to tender on the much-anticipated, $1.065 billion, Rockhampton Ring Road project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the start of the tendering process signalled construction was firmly on the horizon.
"After almost four years of planning and design, the Rockhampton Ring Road is one step closer with construction tendering under way," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Investing in this key infrastructure project will support the region's economy by improving freight efficiency, flood resilience and the capacity of the Bruce Highway, as well as improving road safety.
"This project will also connect to completed local infrastructure projects, including the Yeppen North and Yeppen South projects, Capricorn Highway Rockhampton to Gracemere Duplication and the Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade, as well as supporting jobs and regional communities."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road would boost the Central Queensland economy and transform the regional road network.
"The Palaszczuk Government is delivering big for Central Queensland, through our record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan," Mr Bailey said.
"Of this, nearly $1.8 billion in projects is being delivered in the Fitzroy and Central West districts.
"The Rockhampton Ring Road is the biggest infrastructure project to be delivered in the region, and will support about 783 long-term jobs in the area.
"Today is a major milestone with the construction tendering process starting as well as a targeted industry briefing to inform major construction companies of the scope and delivery strategy.
"Due to its size and complexity, the project will be delivered in two packages.
"Tendering will be a multi-stage process and will see Transport and Main Roads collaborate with potential proponents to ensure the best outcomes for the project and community.
"It is expected the successful contractors will be appointed in mid to late 2022."
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the region needs major projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road to support employment as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The start of the construction tendering process provides local businesses with some certainty around what to expect and when," Ms Landry said.
"A local contractor industry briefing was held in Rockhampton in August to inform local contractors and suppliers about the work opportunities. More than 160 participants attended that briefing, which tells us there is both strong interest and strong levels of local capability."
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said the project's sheer scale was expected to offer up challenges in its delivery.
"This project will deliver 17.4 kilometres of new road, including six kilometres of bridges, to be built through the Fitzroy River floodplain," Mr O'Rourke said.
"Construction contractors will need to manage multiple connections with other highways, local roads and private properties, as well as ensuring connectivity to the city of Rockhampton.
"I'm confident this tendering process will secure construction contractors capable of managing these challenging conditions."
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said it was an exciting time for the Rockhampton construction industry, with the project bringing in job opportunities.
"Our region needs major projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road to keep people employed as our economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic," Ms Lauga said.
"The start of the construction tendering process provides local businesses with some certainty around what to expect and when."
Ms Lauga said a local contractor industry briefing was held in Rockhampton in August to inform local contractors and suppliers about the work opportunities.
"More than 160 participants attended that briefing, which tells us there is both strong interest and strong levels of local capability," she said.
"An industry register has been established in partnership with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to enable local contractors and suppliers to register an expression of interest in providing services.
"This information will be shared with the successful construction contractors appointed to deliver the Rockhampton Ring Road."
The Rockhampton Ring Road project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with the Australian Government contributing $852 million and the Queensland Government contributing $213 million.
