QGC Expands Local Business Improvement Program (Australia)

QGC Pty Limited, developer of the Queensland Curtis LNG Project, will expand a pilot program to build the capability of local business with a A$1 million contribution to its Momentum Business Program.

The pilot program, delivered by QMI Solutions in partnership with Enterprise Connect and the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, began in June this year with QGC providing A$230,000 to help local businesses implement best practices to strengthen their capabilities in people, processes and capacity.

The program is designed to help local and indigenous businesses working in non-LNG and LNG-related industries.

At a function in Toowoomba to celebrate the success of the pilot program, QGC Vice President Commercial Ian Perks announced an expansion of the program to include additional businesses from QGC’s operational region from the Surat Basin to Gladstone.

“The program aims to enhance the capability and capacity of local business so they can share in the positive benefits of major projects in Queensland and is part of QGC’s commitment to create sustainable benefit in the communities in which it operates,” Mr Perks said.

“But it’s not just about our project – we expect an expanded QGC Momentum Business Program to drive economic growth in Queensland by meeting the needs of non-major project sectors as well.”

QMI Solutions chief executive Jim Walker said businesses involved in the pilot program had shown significant improvement and found the process worthwhile.

Bruhl Roadworks and Earthmoving managing director Selwyn Bruhl, whose firm was involved in the pilot program, said his firm had learnt to “focus on what really matters”.

“It has enhanced the way we respond to the ever changing needs of this massive industry and has shown us how to expand to accommodate the expected growth over the next three to four years,” Mr Bruhl said.

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Source: QGC, November 4, 2011