The McGowan Government has announced a new Local Capability Fund round to encourage and support local South-West businesses to tender for work on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.
Small to medium sized businesses in the South-West could apply for up to $20,000 each to help them tender for work on the $852 million project.
Grants can be used to meet essential pre-qualification requirements for supply-chain entry, buy and upgrade essential equipment and engage consultants for a range of expertise, including occupational health and safety, marketing and finance.
The $852 million project, which includes the remaining stages of the four-lane, 27-kilometre link between Forrest and Bussell Highways, three river bridges and two rail crossings, is the South-West's biggest-ever transport infrastructure program and is expected to create hundreds of local direct and indirect jobs.
Aboriginal participation is mandated with targets for both Aboriginal employment and engagement of Aboriginal businesses.
The Local Capability Fund helps local businesses improve their capability and competitiveness to supply goods, services and works to Government and major projects.
For more information, visit https://industrylink.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government's number one priority is creating jobs - the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project will create hundreds of local jobs in Bunbury and the wider South-West by supporting local businesses to bid for work.
"We are delivering on our commitment to drive job creation in regional Western Australia and support local business by capturing opportunities to drive economic growth and jobs.
"The Local Capability Fund complements other funding we have allocated to support capacity-building for the business sector, and ensures local businesses can continue to support the Western Australian economy."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"A key focus of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is to provide employment and business opportunities for local workers and businesses in Bunbury and the wider South-West.
"I am especially pleased we have been able to mandate Aboriginal employment opportunities as part of the work.
"The Outer Ring Road is the biggest transport infrastructure project ever planned for the South-West and will generate significant economic and employment opportunities there."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"We have the capacity and skills in Bunbury and the greater South-West region to take on complex projects and an infrastructure project of this size in our own backyard is an opportunity for local businesses to demonstrate that capacity.
"This new Capability Fund will encourage and support local South-West businesses to tender for work on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road by helping overcome any barriers that may deter local providers from taking the step up to put themselves forward to participate in projects of this size.
"I'm pleased to be a part of the McGowan Government that is committed to supporting local businesses and creating local jobs."
