North west shires ready to build their future

Thanks to successful accreditation by the Federal Safety Commission, Richmond, Flinders and Carpentaria shires have joined an exclusive club of only six local governments with similar credentials, including Toowoomba Regional and Gold Coast City Councils.

They had previously been rated at a lower standard and disqualified from participating in delivering significant federal government infrastructure works.

Shire mayors had raised the barrier to participation with the Morrison government, citing the potential opportunities that accreditation would bring for regional economies and jobs.

To qualify, they undertook a safety accreditation scheme that aims to improve workplace health and safety practices on building and construction sites across Australia, administered by the Federal Safety Commissioner.

It requires building and construction companies to adhere to a range of operational and reporting practices to improve site safety.

Subject to certain financial thresholds, only those that are accredited under the scheme can enter into head contracts for building work that is funded directly or indirectly by the federal government.

Successful councils are able to do more work, procure locally, employ locals and take more of the pie, as opposed to the Department of Transport and Main Roads or another firm.

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During his recent tour of the region, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz was able to congratulate the shires on taking the big leap forward to become an infrastructure delivery partner.

"I've been to these three shires numerous times and each council was enthusiastic to get on board with our $110 billion infrastructure investment program," he said. "As a result of a number of meetings and round tables, we have supported them to take the steps to build the roads and infrastructure of the future."

Richmond mayor John Wharton said the federal road funding that had come through from the Morrison government had been a major jobs driver in the north west.

"Finally we are starting to connect community together with good quality sealed roads," he said.

"The Richmond shire is thrilled to be completing this work and excited that we will finally have a sealed road to Winton.

"It's an important corridor for agriculture, mining and tourism."

According to Carpentaria shire mayor Jack Bawden, the journey travelled getting the federal safety certificate was well worth it.

"It obviously throws you out of your comfort zone but the benefits in being able to partner with the federal government on large projects can only mean better employment opportunities and far better infrastructure improvements over time for our shires," he said.

"The other plus from my point of view is that regular audits will keep everyone on track regardless of who is sitting in the boss's chair, which means less accidents and more productivity."

Mr Buchholz said where possible, the government wanted councils working with them, with local knowledge, to create more jobs, unlock economic opportunities and grow their regions.

"These areas are our mineral and agriculture powerhouses and the investments we are making under the Road Safety Program, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure, Black Spots, Bridges Renewal and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programs are ensuring roads are better, safer and more productive in these regional areas," Mr Buchholz said.

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