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Bligh's Network Expansion a boost for Southport Businesses |
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| Posted by editor (editor) on Mar 13 2009 |
| 2009 >> |
A scheme to make sure Queensland businesses and manufacturers get the maximum benefit from the State’s record capital works program will be expanded under a Labor Government.
Premier Anna Bligh said the Industry Capability Network - which works with manufacturing support body QMI Solutions - would receive a $6.45 million boost to make sure Queensland manufacturers and businesses get the chance to build Tomorrow’s Queensland.
“We want to create every job possible for Queenslanders by using as many Queensland products and employing as many Queensland manufacturers and businesses as possible in our building program,” said Ms Bligh.
“We have a record $17 billion capital building program and we need to make sure we squeeze every single Queensland job from that investment.
“This $6.45 million expansion of the Industry Capability Network will mean more Queensland businesses and manufacturers will be given the chance to contribute to the growth of our State.
“We are living through extraordinary economic times and that means we must do everything possible to create jobs and support local employers.”
The network uses a crack team of client managers to match the needs of the companies delivering our major projects with the skills and capabilities of our local business and manufacturers.
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said this program’s expansion allowed local business a greater chance to share in the State’s record $17 billion building program.
“Every dollar spent locally is linked to keeping jobs. This program is tailored to that one outcome. That is what we need now more than ever,” said Mr Lawlor.
“The program’s call to use Queensland suppliers if the product is not made in Queensland is also job focussed and well worth endorsing,” said Mr Lawlor.
Ms Bligh said: “One of the most critical concerns raised by Queensland industry facing these tough economic conditions is that local business must be supported”
“If a project manager needs a product that is made in Queensland we want to make sure they get it from Queensland – and if the product isn’t made in Queensland we want them to use a Queensland supplier.
“We want to make sure that local industry gets to participate in the record number of major infrastructure programs that are planned and underway in our State.”
Under the expansion plan the ICN will receive:
- $4 million over five years to work directly with up to 100 additional businesses per year to help them identify the skills they need to maximise their potential to gain work on major projects.
- $2 million over five years to allow ICN to increase its role in ‘match making’ local business to major projects.
- $0.45 million per over three years to conduct targeted seminars to educate Queensland business on the requirements of tendering for Government projects.
This extra funding will be in addition to ICN’s $1 million annual budget and QMI Solution’s $2.65 million annual budget
“What ICN does is provide services to clients in all industries to help them match manufacturers and industry to our major industrial, energy and infrastructure projects,” said the Premier.
“A key part of what they do is provide a one stop shop for business tender opportunities and support for business who wish to tender.
“By matching industry to projects you get the most competitive outcomes and you also support and create thousands of local jobs.”
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 3:22 PM
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