Building and construction contractors are invited to attend an information session in Bendigo hosted by Hobson Bay City Council that will outline opportunities to work on capital projects in Melbourne's inner west.
Supported by the City of Greater Bendigo, the information drop-in session is taking place at the Fernery at the All Seasons on Thursday September 5 between 4pm to 6pm.
Manager Regional Sustainable Development Trevor Budge said that this was an innovative move by a Melbourne Council and recognition of the proven expertise in this region.
"We have held similar information sessions in Bendigo for major projects, but we are the first regional city centre that Hobsons Bay City Council's infrastructure team is visiting and it is great to see the skills set, the experience and the workforce in the building, construction, manufacturing industry in Greater Bendigo getting recognised in this way," Mr Budge said.
"Greater Bendigo's construction industry is worth $2.1B per year and our manufacturing industry is valued at $2.3B per year so we're in a very strong position to compete for new capital works projects in Melbourne.
"It boosts the region's local economy if we have companies based here that can attract more work. Winning these types of contracts opens the door to more jobs and apprenticeship opportunities in the future and that can only be a good thing for Greater Bendigo."
Hobsons Bay City Council Infrastructure and City Services Director Sanjay Manivasagasivam said that visiting Bendigo was a great way for the Council to seek new partnerships and collaborate with a broader range of industry experts and contractors from the region.
"In the drop-in session on September 5, we will provide information on capital works projects planned for the next five years at a net worth of $300M in Hobsons Bay. We welcome partnerships with industry experts from far and wide to help us deliver these projects, and in doing so encourage new networking opportunities amongst companies," Mr Manivasagasivam said.
"We are looking forward to talking to industry experts in Bendigo, including civil, foreshore and open space contractors, building and construction contractors, particularly those who specialise in sporting facilities, and design and environmental consultants.
"We have taken a more innovative approach in the tendering process so that it suits the market. We have packaged capital works programs so that they can be broken down into piecemeal projects. It makes it more attractive and viable, particularly for smaller companies who are just as skilled so that they can have a share of capital works' opportunities. I believe that this will encourage greater collaboration and partnership with other companies in the same field."
The Hobson City Council roadshow will visit Bendigo first with more trips planned for Geelong and Ballarat over the next two months.
To register for the information session at the All Seasons and for more details, please visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/businessworkshops
