Local businesses gear up for Australia’s West Gate Tunnel Project
Victorian businesses, big and small, are being called on to join the team to build the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Construction will start in early 2018 with the project expected to create more than 6,000 jobs.
Information sessions for businesses who will supply materials and services for the project will kick off this week in Melbourne, before moving to regional Victoria.
The West Gate Tunnel Project will slash congestion along the M1 from Pakenham to Geelong, giving drivers a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge.
More than 110,000 tonnes of steel will be used to build the two underground tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure.
Ninety two per cent of it will be Australian steel – putting Victorian businesses and workers first.
Overall the project will use 93% local content, creating thousands of local jobs – from design and construction to logistics, catering, nursery workers and landscapers, as well as suppliers of concrete and steel.
Social enterprises will also supply goods and services where possible, including Aboriginal and local businesses.
The West Gate Tunnel Project is one of 80 public projects with minimum local content requirements as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Local Jobs First – Victorian Industry Participation Policy.
Information sessions for businesses becoming involved in the project will start today and run until late November 2017.
Sessions will be held in the CBD, Williamstown, Dandenong, Geelong and across regional Victoria. Businesses can register their interest at www.wgtp.icn.org.au.
Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan, said: “We want Victorian businesses to benefit from the extra jobs and skills created by the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project.”
“We’re building a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge that will slash congestion along our busiest road corridor – and we’re building it almost entirely from local materials and creating thousands of local jobs.”
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll, said: “Thanks to our procurement policies, local workers and businesses will be the big winners from the West Gate Tunnel Project.”
“This is a massive job-creating project and it’s never been a better time for local businesses to get involved as construction commences.”
