A local business has expanded and grown its workforce as a result of securing work on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR).
Since being contracted by the South West Gateway Alliance earlier this year to carry out earthworks on the $852 million project, Geographe Civil has employed an additional 20 people, as well as added another 15 pieces of equipment.
Geographe Civil general manager John Steer said it has been a great project for the locally-owned business, which employs local people and local subcontractors.
“We have expanded on the back of the BORR, from about 50 to 70 people,” Mr Steer said.
The BORR is the biggest infrastructure project ever to be undertaken in the South West and is being constructed by the South West Gateway Alliance consortium comprising Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon, along with Main Roads.
The project to construct a 27-kilometre, four-lane, high-standard road will connect Forrest Highway in Australind to Bussell Highway south of Dalyellup, greatly improving road safety, freight capacity, efficiency and productivity across the region.
Unlocking local jobs and economic benefits are a priority for the project.
Representatives from the State Government’s Local Content Adviser Network are based at the South West Development Commission, working with stakeholders to connect local suppliers and contractors to major projects.
SWDC chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said the economic development of the region was a major focus of the State Government agency’s work.
“Where possible, we want to maximise local business participation on local projects in order to create work opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers,” Ms Teede said.
“Local contractors delivering local projects is exactly what we want to see.
“We’ve got great businesses and a highly skilled workforce – and it is fantastic to see the benefits are flowing to local businesses and residents.”
Bunbury MLA Don Punch said it is fantastic to see local businesses making the most of the opportunities offered by the record-breaking State Government investment in the Greater Bunbury area.
“The experience of Geographe Civil is an excellent example of the community benefits strategic government investment can deliver; much needed infrastructure, more jobs, more opportunities and more money being spent locally,” Mr Punch said.
“This is just the beginning of the economic benefits the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project will deliver for our community.”
