INDIGENOUS businesses and employment training organisations have today been called on to get involved with priority infrastructure projects in Cape York. 

Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the Australian and Queensland governments were looking for local companies to get involved in the $260.5 million Cape York Region Package.

“This is an extraordinary investment into infrastructure in the far north, and we want as much local involvement as possible,” Mr Entsch said. 

“At this stage, we are looking at early works on the Peninsula Developmental Road, and an Expression of Interest has been called to short-list construction contractors for the Mein Deviation, which is the next project to be contracted in the coming months. 

“Bringing local skills sets and knowledge to these projects will be of great benefit to the programme’s success, and I encourage all interested parties to express their interest as soon as possible.” 

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety, Ports, Energy and Water Supply Mark Bailey said the multi-million dollar program would be a significant boost to the local economy.

“Importantly, it will provide jobs for local workers at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever,” Mr Bailey said. 

Mr Bailey said expressions of interest for employment and training and Indigenous businesses opened on 21 February for one month, closing at 2pm on Friday, 20 March 2015. 

“Construction contractors will be short-listed on their proven track record and proposed management of Indigenous employment and training, as well as their ability to engage with Indigenous businesses,” he said.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to get involved in a multi-million dollar program.

“Incentives will also be available to contractors so that we can achieve an exceptional level of Indigenous engagement with this major program.”