QGC of Australia Awards Gladstone Housing Contracts

Australia’s QGC Pty Limited, developer of the Queensland Curtis LNG Project (QCLNG), has awarded contracts to two Queensland companies to build 21 dwellings in Gladstone.

The natural gas company is investing A$11 million to build the eight townhouses and 13 freestanding houses.

Together with the 10 houses already built, the new accommodation brings the total additional dwellings supplied by QGC to 31 out of 45 committed.

The provision of new accommodation in the Gladstone region is a key part of QGC’s project-wide Integrated Housing Strategy, which is easing housing pressures during the construction of QCLNG.

QGC’s Vice President Sustainability, Brett Smith, said the new homes would deliver extra benefits by providing work for local companies.

“Our strategy will create a positive legacy by helping to diversify accommodation in the Gladstone market,” Mr Smith said.

“By using Queensland companies for the design and construction work, we are also maximising the benefits to the state from our investment.”

Queensland developer L A Projects, led by company directors Lawrence Reece and Andrew Hegman, has been awarded the contract for construction of the eight townhouses.

Mr Hegman said Gladstone is Queensland’s strongest regional housing market and these new dwellings would help to meet local needs.

“QGC is investing in communities where it operates, as we are with this contract, which will see the creation of local jobs,” Mr Hegman said.

The Devine Group, which has been operating in Queensland for over 29 years, will construct the 13 freestanding houses.

Devine’s State Housing Manager, Peter Ryan said his company looked forward to working with QGC once more.

“In delivering this housing Devine will again be looking to draw on the support of the many Gladstone suppliers and tradespeople who helped us to complete the first 10 homes,” Mr Ryan said.

All 21 residences are due for completion by the end of the year.

Temporary accommodation facilities to house construction workers on Curtis Island are progressing well, with the number of completed beds passing 1,000 in July.

This is further reducing accommodation pressures on the mainland.

[mappress]

LNG World News Staff, July 19, 2012