West Gate project invites Geelong tenders

BUSINESSES from the Geelong region have been invited to be part of the team that builds the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Construction will start in early 2018 with the project expected to create more than 6,000 jobs.

Information sessions for businesses who will supply materials and services for the project began last month in Melbourne, and one will be held in Geelong later this month.

The project will widen the West Gate Freeway from eight lanes to 12 between the M80 Ring Road and Williamstown Road, build a 2.8-kilometre eastbound tunnel and a 4km westbound tunnel under Yarraville, constructing a bridge over the Maribyrnong River and an elevated road along Footscray Road to the Port of Melbourne, and create 14 kilometres of new cycling and pedestrian paths.

More than 110,000 tonnes of steel will be used to build the two underground tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure, with 92 per cent to be Australian steel

Overall, the project will use 93 per cent local content, creating thousands of local jobs – from design and construction to logistics, catering, nursery workers and landscapers, as well as suppliers of concrete and steel.

Social enterprises will also supply goods and services where possible, including Aboriginal and local businesses.

“We want Victorian businesses to benefit from the extra jobs and skills created by the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project,” Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said.

“We’re building a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge that will slash congestion along our busiest road corridor – and we’re building it almost entirely from local materials and creating thousands of local jobs.”

The Geelong information session will be held at City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street on November 23 from 4-6pm.

Businesses can register their interest at wgtp.icn.org.au.