Council supports local companies, local jobs

Wyong Shire Council showed its commitment to supporting local employment when it awarded a $7.9 million contract for the construction of the northern section of the Warnervale Link Road project to a local company.

Councillors voted unanimously last week to award a contract to Robson Civil Projects, a private company that has operated on the Central Coast for 50 years and employs 190 people.

Wyong Mayor Bob Graham said Council was pleased to support local jobs by awarding the contract to Robson Civil Projects.

“Council’s focus is on supporting local industry and local jobs and that’s why Councillors voted to award Robson Civil Projects the job,” Mayor Graham said.

“I would also like to thank the local member for Dobell Craig Thomson for helping secure $5.5 million in Federal Government Funding to ensure this project has become reality.

“Not only are we supporting locals by awarding Robson the contract, but this project will open up around 32 hectares of future employments lands, which is fantastic news for the Wyong Shire.”

Work will start on the Link Road project next month and be completed by June 2010. More than 30 local jobs will be created during construction, with all materials to be purchased locally as well.

The works include an 850 metre dual carriageway road from Sparks Road southwards towards Watanobbi, widening of Sparks Road and traffic lights at the Albert Warner Avenue intersection, access upgrade and traffic lights for Lakes Anglican Grammar Primary School and a roundabout for access to the Lakes Anglican Grammar Senior School off the Link Road.

Funding was provided through the Federal Government’s Auslink program.

Robson Civil Projects CEO Bruce Farrar said that he was delighted to win this contract, as many of his staff have been working in Sydney and the Hunter Valley for a number of months.

“This project will provide welcome relief for the families of our workers who have been living away from home,” Mr Farrar said.

“We were really keen to win the project, so made sure our bid was very competitive and the support of Wyong Shire Council in awarding this contract to a local company is much appreciated.”

In recent years, Robson has delivered civil projects for Kooindah Waters Golf Resort, Erina Fair and numerous local subdivisions and roadworks.

Mayor Graham said the Primo Development currently under construction at Warnervale was being built by another local company in Stevens Constructions.

“This Council will continue to support local companies and local jobs wherever possible,” Mayor Graham said.

“The Link Road project is another example of the employment opportunities we have generated in the Warnervale area alone, with the construction of a Primo factory and the Bluetongue Brewery creating plenty of local jobs during the building phase, and many fulltime jobs upon their completion.”

Media Contact: Cameron Bell 0243 50 1667

Page last updated: 21/10/09