Master Builders Northern Territory (MBNT) has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s proposal to deliver major new corrections infrastructure at Holtze, saying the investment represents a significant opportunity for the Territory’s construction industry, workforce and broader economy.
MBNT said genuine local procurement requirements must be embedded, measured and enforced throughout the entire project supply chain, going well beyond simply requiring a major proponent to have a local construction partner.
“Master Builders NT will always advocate for our members and the Territory construction industry, while organisations such as the Industry Capability Network NT (ICN NT) are ideally placed to work with proponents and government to identify local capability, connect Territory businesses with upcoming opportunities and help ensure local participation extends throughout the entire supply chain
Master Builders NT CEO Sallyann Innes said. “Local participation is paramount – from principal contractors and subcontractors through to suppliers, trades, professional services, and a territory-based workforce.
“When major projects of this scale are delivered in the Northern Territory, we need to ensure the economic benefit remains in the Territory.
Ms Innes said major project announcements were welcome, but industry confidence depends on local businesses seeing a clear pathway through to delivery.
“You cannot build a strong construction industry on announcements alone. “Our members need clear visibility of when projects are coming, where they are in the procurement process and when work packages will go to market.”
MBNT is calling for regular industry updates from EOI through to delivery to give Territory businesses the confidence to invest in people, apprentices, equipment and capacity. Without clear timelines, those investment decisions are much harder to make.
Ms Innes said the opportunities associated with a project of this scale begin well before the main construction program.
“Projects like this create opportunities for Territorians across every stage of delivery – from the enabling works and essential services such as power, stormwater, sewer and communications infrastructure, through to the main construction program and ongoing maintenance requirements.
“This is exactly the type of long-term infrastructure investment that can help build the capability of the Northern Territory construction industry.”
MBNT said local procurement obligations should be built into contracts from the outset and independently monitored and reported throughout delivery.
“Local procurement cannot be an aspiration or a number reported at the end. Territory businesses need a genuine opportunity to compete, with enough notice to prepare.
“Get the setting right, and projects of this scale will build local businesses, grow our workforce and strengthen the Territory economy for the long term.”
ENDS