Local Company likely to miss out on multi-million dollar Adani contract to overseas company – appeal for Political Intervention!
Posted on April 21st, 2017
MEDIA RELEASE:
Digital rail network specialist company 4Tel Managing Director Derel Wust, who lives in Yeppoon, informed Capricorn Enterprise this week that “Adani has decided not to use us on their new rail line, and instead go with an overseas company”. There is a very small window of opportunity right now to change this decision with intervention by our Political Leaders at the highest level.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll stated “4Tel was one of the shortlisted companies for this contract, but yet again, regionally based businesses with a demonstrated capability and capacity to undertake a major project have been denied the opportunity to participate in a significant regional project”.
“4Tel has a proven track record in the field of rail servicing and management with in excess of seventeen (17) years experience in digital rail network management, with major government and private sector contracts in NSW and Victoria, boasting a long list of major clients including John Holland, bhpbilliton, VLine, Pacific National, Grain Corp, Sydney Trains, VicTrack and the Country Regional Rail Network in NSW” she said.
“Employing 35 people predominantly in Newcastle, it is estimated that by 4Tel securing the Adani rail service contract will create 16 (sixteen) highly skilled systems support jobs locally in Queensland (Rockhampton, Townsville, Bowen and Mackay), and another 10 (ten) or so software development and deeper support positions in Newcastle, with the added benefit of export opportunities for all the software deployed” she said.
This development strengthens Capricorn Enterprise’s resolve to support local content in regional infrastructure/development projects, whether they be government or private investment projects.
Ms Carroll said “Our organisation is appealing to our Political Leaders to ensure that local businesses secure fair opportunity in such projects based on merit. As a long standing Member of Capricorn Enterprise, we have been 100% behind Derel in his push to get this far with Adani and to find out he will miss out to an overseas company is just gut wrenching for him, his company and our region.”
Supporting the growth of local businesses is a priority for Capricorn Enterprise.
“Whilst it is acknowledged that should ADANI be financing the project, it may hire and fire at its discretion, however, with potential Commonwealth Government support for a one billion ($1Billion) financial package for the construction of the rail/port infrastructure, then qualified Australian based companies need to secure fair and reasonable opportunities to participate in the project. The ADANI Project should be based on local jobs and local opportunities and we are calling on our political leaders to ensure this opportunity is not lost to us” she said.
Capricorn Enterprise is an active member of the Queensland Local Content Leaders Network (click to view) advocating for a fair deal for local industry participation in regional projects. Local content is full, fair and reasonable opportunity that supports local economic and social benefit for local communities.
Capricorn Enterprise represents its members and supports the development and capabilities of local businesses through a variety of programs including the Economic Gardening High Growth Business Program. For regional communities to benefit from infrastructure spending, regionally based businesses need to be genuinely involved in the process or miss out with overseas and larger capital city businesses benefiting.
–ENDS–
For more information or media comment contact:
Mary Carroll Capricorn Enterprise – Chief Executive Officer – 49 272 055 or 0417 669 286
Derel West, Director – 4Tel – 0402 460 349 – http://www.4tel.com.au/
